Building a better tomorrow

By Emma Peterson. 

The role of sustainable roofing systems in protecting the earth. 

At Johns Manville, environmental respect is more than just a goal, it is an integral part of their business operation standards. Through everything they do, the brand strives to “focus on reducing the environmental effects of operations while delivering products that reduce energy consumption and make the world a better place.”  

All of this is done to preserve the earth and protect the people who call it home for the benefit of future generations. As Bob Wamboldt, CEO and president of Johns Manville put it: 

Innovating for the future, responsibly stewarding capital, providing a safe work environment, strengthening our reputation as the employer of choice and remaining mindful of our impact on the planet are core fundamentals of our business. In essence, our overall business strategy is one of sustainability, which means ensuring that every effort we make today contributes toward Building a Better Tomorrow. 

A history of sustainability 

Every year, the Johns Manville team releases a Sustainability Report. The reports outline how the company is working towards that sustainable future. These reports use a two-pillar structure that leverages both the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s Construction Materials Sustainability Accounting Standards to assess both the sustainability of Johns Manville’s operations and their products.  

In 2023, the report showed Johns Manville increasing the number of energy-saving products in their portfolio (by 14%), a reduction in CO2 emissions (of 12%) and a total of over two billion pounds of materials recycled. 

Looking to the future 

Looking ahead, Johns Manville has set tangible goals to continue their sustainability efforts and reduce their environmental footprint. These include, but are not limited to:  

• Reducing the company’s waste intensity from 2020 by 10% by 2025 
• Expand their sustainable product portfolio by 10% by 2025 
• Integrate alternative renewable energy sources into the production 
• Reduce their emissions by 40% by 2040 

Overall, sustainability is more than a buzzword for the team at Johns Manville. As Scott Coons, VP of R&D and chief sustainability officer explained, “Sustainability is more than an outcome we’re trying to achieve. It also serves as a starting point, a way of thinking that begins at the very inception of a product.”