As my wife and I sent the kids back to school recently, I recalled the anticipation I had as a child and young adult when that first day arrived each year. Sure, it wasn't easy to give up the carefree days of summer - hanging out with friends, sleeping in and goofing off. Truth be told, I’ve also thought of myself as a lifelong learner.

As investments in energy efficient commercial roofing solutions continue to rise, architects have a new way to guide the selection of environmentally sound roofing systems through the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing's landmark roof rating system – RoofPoint.

Firestone NetPave 50 Permeable Pavers are ideal for converting traditionally impervious spaces into multi-functional green spaces or gravel surfaces. Made from 100 percent recycled polyethylene, the pavers have a proprietary double interlocking grid pattern that provides an even distribution of flexibility throughout the paver, helping it resist deformation.

Firestone UltraPly TPO SA Membrane is an easy to install, energy efficient membrane that dramatically reduces labor costs. Easier and faster to install than fully adhered systems, it allows for safer installation with fewer crew members.

Firestone UNA-CLAD Delta Series Concealed Fastener Panel System provides excellent durability, flexibility and an aesthetically pleasing appearance with no visible fasteners. It serves as a cost-effective, high-performance cladding system with a range of materials, gauges, profiles and colors.

Firestone UNA-FOAM Insulated Metal Panel System offers aesthetic appeal, excellent thermal efficiency and overall structural durability. The high-performance system provides significantly higher insulation value than traditional cladding systems while also offering ease of installation.

The Warwick Middle School in Lititz, Pa., features 32,100 square feet of UNA-CLAD UC-3 double-lock architectural series roofing system and 94,700 square feet of RubberGard EPDM roofing system. UNA-FAB Series 3000 aluminum plate wall panels were also installed. Read more about this interesting project in Firestone's Project Portfolio.

As part of a $1.25 million renovation project, Carl Harrison High School reroofed its current 25-year-old gravel-surfaced BUR system with approximately 218,500 square feet of Firestone SBS Premium FR Cap Sheets. Learn about this featured project in the Firestone Project Portfolio.

Firestone Building Products has updated its roof modeling tool since it was first introduced last year. RoofGenuity, the first-of-its-kind BIM tool for the commercial roofing industry, now allows users to execute a side-by-side preliminary energy performance analysis.

Whether your building project requires commercial roofing systems and accessories; metal panels and sunscreens; pond liners and water management systems; or daylighting systems and photovoltaics, Firestone can meet the needs of the entire building footprint.