Foil-Lined Plastic Roofing from Recycled Materials: Development and Evaluation for Sustainable and Affordable Housing

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

Silliman University

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Palama, Jan Cynth, L.

Start Date

23-6-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2026 3:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Manila Campus (In-person) - Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall - Y503

Abstract/Executive Summary

Abstract. Amid rising global temperatures and increasing energy demands, the need for sustainable, affordable, and accountable housing solutions has become critical, particularly in tropical countries such as the Philippines. In low-cost residential settings, conventional roofing materials, especially corrugated metal sheets, intensify indoor heat conditions, contributing to higher cooling costs and reduced living comfort. Addressing this issue supports broader national goals of sustainability, inclusivity, and responsible resource utilization. Despite advancements in reflective and insulated roofing technologies, limited research has examined the effectiveness of recycled-material-based roofing innovations in real tropical environments. Anchored in the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, this study developed and evaluated foil-lined plastic roofing (FLPR) as an alternative solution for low-cost housing. The research examined its thermal efficiency, structural performance under environmental exposure, indoor temperature reduction compared to conventional metal roofing, and cost-effectiveness in minimizing household cooling expenses. The developed prototype underwent expert validation by professionals in engineering and environmental design to ensure material reliability and design soundness. Furthermore, this study was conducted in accordance with established research standards and received approval from an institutional ethics committee, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines in data collection and implementation. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was employed using prototype enclosures installed with FLPR and corrugated metal roofing under identical outdoor conditions in Dumaguete City, Philippines. Data collection included continuous indoor temperature monitoring, structural integrity observations, and techno-economic analysis. Findings revealed that FLPR reduced indoor temperatures by 1.82 °C compared to metal roofing and maintained an average indoor temperature of 31.99 °C. Structural evaluation demonstrated satisfactory short-term durability, while economic analysis indicated statistically significant reductions in cooling-related expenses. These results highlight the potential of FLPR as a sustainable, low-cost roofing alternative that promotes environmental responsibility and equitable access to improved housing conditions. By advancing the use of recycled materials and passive cooling strategies, this study contributes to the discourse on sustainability and accountability in infrastructure innovation. It underscores the role of ethically grounded, research-driven solutions in fostering a more transparent, inclusive, and climate-responsive Philippines.

Keywords

Keywords: Foil-lined plastic roofing; thermal efficiency; sustainable housing; passive cooling; recycled materials; cost efficiency; climate-responsive design

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 23rd, 1:30 PM Jun 23rd, 3:00 PM

Foil-Lined Plastic Roofing from Recycled Materials: Development and Evaluation for Sustainable and Affordable Housing

Abstract. Amid rising global temperatures and increasing energy demands, the need for sustainable, affordable, and accountable housing solutions has become critical, particularly in tropical countries such as the Philippines. In low-cost residential settings, conventional roofing materials, especially corrugated metal sheets, intensify indoor heat conditions, contributing to higher cooling costs and reduced living comfort. Addressing this issue supports broader national goals of sustainability, inclusivity, and responsible resource utilization. Despite advancements in reflective and insulated roofing technologies, limited research has examined the effectiveness of recycled-material-based roofing innovations in real tropical environments. Anchored in the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, this study developed and evaluated foil-lined plastic roofing (FLPR) as an alternative solution for low-cost housing. The research examined its thermal efficiency, structural performance under environmental exposure, indoor temperature reduction compared to conventional metal roofing, and cost-effectiveness in minimizing household cooling expenses. The developed prototype underwent expert validation by professionals in engineering and environmental design to ensure material reliability and design soundness. Furthermore, this study was conducted in accordance with established research standards and received approval from an institutional ethics committee, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines in data collection and implementation. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was employed using prototype enclosures installed with FLPR and corrugated metal roofing under identical outdoor conditions in Dumaguete City, Philippines. Data collection included continuous indoor temperature monitoring, structural integrity observations, and techno-economic analysis. Findings revealed that FLPR reduced indoor temperatures by 1.82 °C compared to metal roofing and maintained an average indoor temperature of 31.99 °C. Structural evaluation demonstrated satisfactory short-term durability, while economic analysis indicated statistically significant reductions in cooling-related expenses. These results highlight the potential of FLPR as a sustainable, low-cost roofing alternative that promotes environmental responsibility and equitable access to improved housing conditions. By advancing the use of recycled materials and passive cooling strategies, this study contributes to the discourse on sustainability and accountability in infrastructure innovation. It underscores the role of ethically grounded, research-driven solutions in fostering a more transparent, inclusive, and climate-responsive Philippines.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_SEE/15