Pioneering Roof Tile Absorbs 500,000 Miles Of Emissions

Pioneering Roof Tile Absorbs 500,000 Miles Of Emissions

An innovative roof tile that absorbs asthma-causing pollutants has removed the equivalent of 500,000 car miles worth of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the air since its launch four years ago. 

NOx is the collective noun for a group of nitrogen oxide gases including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and nitric oxide (NO) which are a form of pollution generated by road traffic exhausts, central heating boilers and industrial output.  NOx contributes to the formation of ground level ozone – a major component of smog – and is strongly associated with asthma and other respiratory infections, particularly in the very young and the elderly.     

Dr Andrew McKnight, head of research and development at Marley Eternit, comments: “While the emission of these pollutants is in decline as combustion has become cleaner, NOx still represents a significant challenge for the UK when it comes to air quality.  In fact, like 50% of EU member states, the UK failed to meet its NO₂ target for 2010 and the government submitted plans to the EU this September to extend the deadline until 2015. 

“The EU Air Quality Directive sets targets for both an annual and hourly NO₂ concentration in the air and three parts of the UK - Greater London, Glasgow and North East Scotland - failed to meet the hourly target. Furthermore parts of 40 out of the 43 UK zones didn’t achieve full compliance with the annual NO₂ limit.  This clearly demonstrates that there is still more work to be done.  A roof fitted with EcoLogic tiles can absorb up to the equivalent of 100,000 car miles worth of NOx emissions over its lifetime and as such has already been used by some local authorities seeking to take positive steps to improve air quality.”

The external coating on Ecologic tiles contains titanium dioxide which speeds up the naturally occurring nitrogen cycle. The coating reacts with asthma-causing nitrogen oxides in the air to convert them to nitric acid, which is then neutralised to form calcium nitrate, a liquid fertiliser that is harmless to the environment (and, in fact, can even help to fertilise a garden).  

Based on Marley Eternit’s ever-popular Ludlow Major concrete tile, EcoLogic tiles have a brown granular textured surface that complements a wide range of architectural styles. In addition to its pollution reduction qualities, EcoLogic also has a much higher level of recycled material than standard concrete tiles.

Andrew McKnight adds: “House builders and developers are increasingly looking for products that have active environmental benefits.  The EcoLogic tile is attracting a lot of attention because not only does it offer a high environmental rating, containing 50% recycled materials, but it actively improves the environment, making it a genuine solution to the needs of our customers. 

“ Ecologic tiles have removed over 500,000 car mile equivalents of NOx since their release, and with more tiles being installed by the week, this figure is only going to grow.  The coating on the tiles is expected to continue absorbing pollutants for around 20 years therefore t he more tiles that are installed, the more pollution is reduced – particularly important in parts of the country which haven’t yet met the NO₂ reduction targets.”

Marley Eternit’s EcoLogic tile is based on a Ludlow Major which can achieve an 'A+' rating (the lowest environmental impact) in the Building Research Establishment's Green Guide to Specification.

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