Roofing shingles that help reduce smog have a new champion: professional contractor and TV host Mike Holmes.

Holmes is including shingles with 3M’s Smog-reducing Granules in his new Healthy Holmes Specification for Holmes Approved Homes program. The recommended list of building materials was designed to help accelerate the adoption of more sustainable and healthier building materials alongside the Holmes’ commitment to MAKE IT RIGHT®.

Traditional roofing granules protect the asphalt layer of the shingles from solar UV degradation and must be durable enough to withstand the elements of natural weathering for the lifetime of the roof.

3M Smog-reducing Granules harness the power of the sun to turn roofing shingles into a pollution-fighting surface. When the sun hits the granules, the photocatalytic coating transforms the smog pollution into water-soluble ions that safely wash away with rain. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory testing validated that the photocatalytic materials used in the granules can reduce smog and contribute to cleaner air.

“It’s no secret that I’m passionate about healthy living and healthy homes,” said Mike Holmes Jr., Holmes’ son, TV host, professional contractor and healthy home advocate. “Our homes should help us, not harm us, and if we can each do something for the environment with our building material choices, that’s fantastic!”

TIME Magazine recognized 3M’s Smog-reducing Granules innovation as one of the best inventions of 2018. Climate Resolve, a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on local solutions to global climate change, has called the technology a step forward in addressing air quality and climate concerns.

“3M is leading the way with roofing technology solutions rooted in sustainability,” said Josh Orman, 3M strategy and marketing manager. “We are extremely excited to apply this science to a material that could potentially be on every home in America.”

3M will be briefing builders on the new technology at the Holmes Builder Summit hosted just prior to the opening of the International Builders’ Show, where the Smog-reducing Granules are also recognized as a finalist for the Best of IBS Awards in the Best Green Building Product category and Most Innovative Product category. Winners will be announced at the close of the show later this week and are chosen based on the best combination of innovation, design, functionality and usefulness to the builder and consumer.

“Sustainability and smart construction choices are important to us at 3M, and we are pleased to see others in the industry join forces to help us progress the roofing industry toward more innovative solutions for the environment,” added Orman.

Learn more about 3M Smog-reducing Granules at www.3m.com/roofinggranules or 3M’s commitment to using science for the greater good at www.3m.com/sustainability.