Montana State University in Bozeman is employing roof tiles that include 80 percent recycled content to put the lid on its Zero Energy House Project. The house, a project of the university’s Extension Housing and Environmental Health Program, is designed to educate builders, architects, engineers, homeowners, students and the general public about resource efficiency.

The Majestic Slate tiles were donated to the project by EcoStar, a Carlisle, Pa.-based division of Carlisle SynTec and a leading manufacturer of sustainable, environmentally friendly steep-slope roofing products. The tiles are made from 80 percent recycled materials and contain little to no inorganic filler material.

“We were excited about the roofing tiles because they are made from recycled materials,” Project Coordinator Jennifer Grossenbacher explained. “We hope to show people that using building products that rely less on natural resources can cost less than traditional building approaches.”

The tiles will be featured on the renovated, World War II-era, Family and Graduate Housing home that showcases practical and financially feasible ways for homeowners and builders to conserve energy and water while saving money and building a healthier home at the same time. In addition, the project will serve as a regional link to credible and sustainable national building information, research, technologies, resources, demonstration and technical/training support for the housing industry.

Billings, Mt.-based MacArthur Company supplied the nails and underlayments necessary for a long-lasting roof. Timmer Roofing of Bozeman is donating labor to install the roofing tiles.

Majestic Slate tiles are half the weight of traditional slate, yet offer superior durability and long-term protection backed by a 50-year Gold Star Warranty.