Maricopa County Leads Arizona’s Commercial Roofing Revolution with Groundbreaking 2024 Sustainability Standards

As businesses across Arizona face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental footprint while managing soaring energy costs, Maricopa County’s updated commercial roofing sustainability standards for 2024 represent a pivotal shift toward green building practices. These comprehensive regulations, combined with enhanced LEED certification pathways and substantial financial incentives, are transforming how commercial property owners approach roofing investments throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Understanding Maricopa County’s 2024 Commercial Roofing Standards

The City of Maricopa has adopted the 2018 edition of the International Building Codes with an effective date of January 1, 2019, establishing a foundation for sustainable construction practices. Scottsdale City Council adopted the 2021 edition of the International Energy Construction Code (IECC) and the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) as mandatory codes, with the green construction code applying to all new commercial and multifamily buildings.

These standards emphasize several key sustainability requirements for commercial roofing projects. Scottsdale’s green code provisions include heat island mitigation for new hardscapes such as black asphalt parking lots and less impactful building materials with recycled content, regional resources, certified lumber and/or environmental product declarations. The updated codes also mandate solar-ready roof tops for residential and commercial buildings with reserved breaker space and conduit.

LEED Certification Requirements for Commercial Roofing

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification has become increasingly important for commercial properties in Maricopa County. The Department of Commerce selected ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 as the code, a prerequisite for LEED certification, and all state-funded buildings must achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.

For commercial roofing systems to contribute to LEED certification, they must meet specific Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) requirements. For LEED v4 in existing buildings, low-sloped roofs must have an initial SRI of 82 or a three-year aged SRI of 64. For LEED v4.1 in existing buildings, low-sloped roofs must have an initial SRI of 82 or a three-year aged SRI of 64, while a steep-sloped roof must have an initial SRI of 39 or a three-year aged SRI of 32.

Commercial roofing systems can earn LEED points through multiple strategies. Using your roof to install renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, can earn your building LEED points, and renewable energy can lead to more LEED credits by reducing your energy usage. Additionally, a green roof is an ideal way to earn LEED credits, because it can be something your occupants can take advantage of and use, and green roofs are another way to turn your roof into a cool roof and can also promote biodiversity for the surrounding environment.

Financial Incentives and Green Building Programs

Arizona offers substantial financial incentives to encourage sustainable commercial roofing investments. The City of Phoenix has been at the forefront of green construction, distributing nearly $800,000 in financial incentives to promote sustainable building practices. These programs make sustainable roofing solutions more accessible to commercial property owners.

Federal incentives also play a crucial role in supporting green commercial roofing projects. Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction 179D provides a federal tax deduction for commercial building upgrades that reduce energy and power costs. The APS Cool Roof Program, spearheaded by the Arizona Public Service, is a cornerstone initiative aimed at fostering energy efficiency and provides financial incentives and rebates to homeowners who choose cool roofing materials.

Additional state-level support includes expedited plan review for new green building permit applications and non-monetary incentives, such as technical assistance and free promotional materials, for green home construction.

Cool Roof Technology and Energy Efficiency

Cool roofing technology has become central to meeting Maricopa County’s sustainability standards. A cool roof can take many forms, including specialized reflective paint, sheet coverings, or tiles and shingles with a high degree of reflectivity, with standard roofs typically reflecting only 5% to 15% of sunlight, while a cool roof can achieve reflectivity of 65% or more.

The benefits of cool roofing systems extend beyond regulatory compliance. Many utilities and government programs offer rebates for buildings that install cool roofs, providing additional financial motivation, including an SRP Cool Roof Rebate as well as a State of Arizona Residential Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credits.

Working with Qualified Commercial Roofing Contractors

Successfully navigating these sustainability standards requires partnering with experienced professionals who understand both the technical requirements and available incentives. When selecting a Commercial Roofer Maricopa County, it’s essential to choose contractors who are well-versed in LEED requirements, cool roofing technologies, and local building codes.

Roofing All Stars LLC is a market leader in roofing and building services, with a local history serving Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert and the surrounding areas. You can expect the highest quality of workmanship and the highest level of expertise, regardless of the size of your project, with shingle, metal, flat, coatings, TPO and repairs being the specialties upon which they have built their solid reputation.

Future Outlook and Implementation

The trajectory for sustainable commercial roofing in Maricopa County continues to evolve. The new energy code (IECC) applies to new residential and commercial buildings and will result in lower energy use, cost savings, thermal comfort and reduced environmental impacts, with benefits including an energy cost savings of 10.6% and greenhouse gas emission reduction of 10.2% as compared to the 2018 IECC.

Looking ahead, it is estimated that energy codes for residential and commercial buildings nationwide will be able to save $138 billion energy cost savings and 900 million metric tons of avoided CO2 emissions (cumulative 2010-2040).

For commercial property owners in Maricopa County, embracing these sustainability standards isn’t just about regulatory compliance—it’s about positioning their properties for long-term success in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace. The combination of reduced operating costs, enhanced property values, improved tenant satisfaction, and available financial incentives makes sustainable commercial roofing a strategic investment that delivers both immediate and long-term returns.