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10 Sep 2025
The roofing industry is facing a period of rapid transformation. Rising energy costs, stricter building regulations and an increasing focus on sustainability are reshaping customer demands.
Independent merchants must navigate these shifts while ensuring they stay competitive against larger national chains. But there are specialist suppliers out there who are stepping up to support the independent sector as it transitions to become more sustainably minded.
Driving sustainability through innovation
The shift towards renewable energy and low-carbon building solutions has been accelerating across the built environment and across all parts of the UK.
For example, in England, the Future Homes Standard, which is expected to come into effect this year, will significantly accelerate the specification of solar PV systems in new home construction. Due to its stringent carbon reduction targets, aiming for at least a 75-80% cut in CO₂ emissions compared to 2013 standards, housebuilders are increasingly turning to on-site renewable technologies to meet compliance.
As the industry prepares to shift toward a minimum EPC C deadline, particularly for new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030, many landlords are looking toward solar PV. It is one solution they can use to improve the EPC rating on their properties.
Solar PV offers a readily deployable and cost-effective solution, aligning with fabric-first principles while supporting the shift towards low-carbon electricity. As a result, solar PV is becoming a default element in the design of new dwellings, particularly when combined with heat pumps and improved building fabric, helping developers futureproof homes ahead of the 2025 implementation.
Integrated solar tiles are often the preferred choice for new homes and extensive retrofit projects, not just for their efficiency but for their more appealing aesthetics and lower maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional bolt-on systems, integrated solar panels prevent common issues, like birds nesting underneath, that can increase long-term maintenance costs. This makes them an attractive option for homeowners and developers.
One example of a supplier adapting to the market can be seen in pitched roof system specialist, Marley. Declan Cooper, national account manager at Marley explains: “We have responded to this demand by launching our most advanced integrated solar tile to date – the 410W solar PV panel. It is designed to be seamlessly incorporated into a pitched roof and is the highest-wattage solar panel we have ever provided.”
Focusing on decarbonisation
Customers are also looking for roofing products that positively contribute to their environmental goals. As part of their sustainability requirement, some merchants and customers are asking suppliers where their products have originated to ensure the carbon footprint is as low as possible.
Many suppliers, like Marley, are publishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). EPDs highlight the environmental impact of the product across its whole life cycle and play a key role in providing sustainable and environmental transparency to help customers make more informed decisions throughout the product specification process.
Finding the competitive edge
By stocking the latest solar and roofing products, independent merchants can position themselves as the go-to destination for energy-efficient and lower-carbon roofing solutions.
But having constant awareness and access to new products entering the market can be difficult to maintain alongside customer relationship building and sales.
To secure this competitive edge, independent merchants can work closely with their suppliers to get samples and access to technical advice about the products, so they can be the experts that their customers require. Some suppliers, like Marley, go beyond this and offer designs and estimates through their advisory service offering, which can help reduce the workload for merchants and allow them to focus on building their customer relationships and developing their product knowledge and industry insights instead.
Securing the competitive edge is also where NMBS provides a crucial advantage. Dean Hayward, head of sales and marketing at NMBS explains: “We help ensure that independent merchants can easily hear about and find new products entering the market, through one-on-one conversations with us and by searching on OnePlace.
“Events, like the NMBS Exhibition, offer unique networking opportunities for merchants to explore new products, engage with roofing suppliers and secure exclusive deals. Our network also helps merchants access a wider range of suppliers than they could on their own, which helps them compete on equal footing with larger national players.”
For independent merchants, stocking these cutting-edge roofing solutions helps strengthen their product offerings and also enhances customer trust and long-term business resilience. By leveraging the support and opportunities provided by NMBS, independent merchants can stay ahead of the curve, securing a profitable future in a roofing market that is rapidly evolving. Now is the time to embrace the change, expand product portfolios and meet the growing demand for high-performance, sustainable roofing solutions.
Learn more about NMBS roofing suppliers on OnePlace https://www.nmbs.co.uk/oneplace/.