Copper Rainwater Assessment Tool

The 'Copper Rainwater Assessment Tool for the Environment' (Cu-RATE) is a calculation tool that quantifies copper release from building materials such as copper roofs, façades and gutters, and directly links this to a site-specific environmental assessment. It combines established knowledge on the weathering behaviour of copper with the latest EU-accepted scientific methodologies.

Unlike conventional emission calculators, Cu-RATE automatically evaluates potential environmental risks at the local level. The assessment is fully aligned with current European regulatory frameworks and reflects the most up-to-date approaches used in environmental risk assessment.

Cu-RATE supports sustainable rainwater management strategies that aim to retain water at the source, promote groundwater recharge and reduce pressure on sewer systems. The tool has been developed to assess rainwater runoff from metal roofs and copper façades in compliance with the non-deterioration requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, supporting the protection of both water bodies and soils.