Sustainability

Our approach to sustainability is linked to that of Lafarge Group, widely acknowledged as being one of the most dynamic and advanced players in the sphere of sustainable development. Lafarge is the only company in its sector to appear in the "Global 100 Most Sustainable Companies" - now for the fourth successive year. In this endeavour we aim to achieve the optimum balance between economic growth, environmental protection and social development in the communities in which we operate.

No issue better illustrates the link between these objectives and our commitment to a coherent response than the challenge of climate change.  It is therefore entirely appropriate that Lafarge has renewed its Conservation Partnership with WWF to work on Climate Change and other priority actions, including biodiversity, persistent pollutants and sustainable construction.

More information on the Lafarge Group activities and the Group's approach to Corporate Social Responsibility can be found on the Lafarge Group website. You can download a copy of the most recent Lafarge Sustainability Report and our 2012 Sustainability Ambitions by clicking here.

Plasterboard - The Product for Sustainable Construction

Few products lend themselves better to applications in sustainable construction than plasterboard. The main constituent of plasterboard is gypsum, a non-hazardous substance which can be sourced as a secondary material, being the by-product of cleaning power station emissions ("Flue Gas Desulpherised Gypsum") or other industrial processes. The plasterboard liner is also usually 100% secondary material, being derived from post-consumer paper fibre. Very few emissions are produced during board manufacture, as process water and production wastes are all recycled internally within the factory.

Plasterboard contains relatively low embodied energy and yet contributes enormously to the thermal performance of buildings, conserving a vast amount of energy and associated carbon emissions during its lifetime in use. As well as providing for comfort, plasterboard systems enhance the living environment due to their acoustic properties. The well-known fire resistance properties of plasterboard not only provide a safe living and working environment but also enhance building durability by limiting fire damage. Plasterboard systems further promote durability by providing for the refurbishment of buildings, so prolonging their serviceable life and reducing environmental impact. At the end of its life, plasterboard is fully recyclable into new product.

In view of the above, plasterboard systems return excellent environmental profiles when subjected to Life Cycle Assessment (LSA) studies. Most plasterboard systems are rated as A or A+ in the BRE Green Guide to Specification (4th edition, published 2008). Please contact us for further details.

Lafarge Plasterboard -Enhancing the Sustainability of Your Projects

At Lafarge Plasterboard we would like to build on the intrinsic advantages of plasterboard by designing products and systems which offer sustainable solutions to your project and are suited to Modern Methods of Construction. A life cycle approach is taken during the innovation of products and systems to include packaging, delivery and minimisation of waste. An example is our Deco system which offers a pre-sealed board surface. The factory finish saves time and reduces wastage on site. The high performance of our GTEC Megadeco Board allows for a reduction in the thickness of board in certain partition systems, enabling the contractor to improve the resource efficiency of the project. The conformity of our manufacturing processes is designed to supply products which meet the exacting requirements of the growing modular and off-site construction sector.

At Lafarge Plasterboard we understand sustainability, so please call us for environmental profiling information or to discuss how our products and systems can help you optimise project ratings for BREEAM Assessment or the new DCLG Code for Sustainable Homes.

Not only Products but Services

Beyond product and systems we increasingly build considerations of sustainability into our service offer. In the associated web pages details of our Waste Offer can be found. This has been developed to provide solutions for the collection of plasterboard waste from construction sites of all sizes and across most of the sectors we supply.

We have worked closely with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) since the launch of its plasterboard project on minimising waste and improving its recovery and recycling. This collaboration has culminated in the signing of the Ashdown Agreement in which we commit to continuing this progress via objective targets towards the ultimate goal of zero plasterboard waste to landfill. Lafarge Plasterboard is playing a full part in demonstration projects to research and develop new solutions for resource efficiency. The commissioning of the Ferrybridge plant in 2007 further boosts the UK installed capacity for plasterboard recycling. Through partnership with the Lafarge Aggregate and Cement businesses, Lafarge Plasterboard is uniquely placed to identify and deliver effective solutions for the beneficial use of the plasterboard from demolition waste. We are collaborating with WRAP and the Environment Agency on stimulating recycling markets through a Quality Protocol and specification for Recovered Gypsum.

Lafarge Plasterboard in the Community

Lafarge Plasterboard is fully committed to the health and well-being of all its stake-holders, including employees, users and the communities surrounding its manufacturing, distribution and commercial activities. Lafarge Plasterboard ensures that all its products are safe to install and use, free of any content or emissions harmful to human health or the wider environment. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for all our products and these are currently being updated in accordance with the new REACH regulations. Please contact us if you wish to discuss exposure scenarios relating to the use of our products under REACH. Lafarge Plasterboard has eliminated the use of CFC's and other Ozone Depleting Substances from all of its products and production processes.

Lafarge Plasterboard is keen to protect the health and well-being of product installers and has made its products available in a wide range of sizes to suit all end-use applications. The weight of all products is available on published Safety Data Sheets. These facilitate the manual risk assessments necessary to safeguard employees and comply with Statutory requirements. Lafarge Plasterboard can advise on product handling and supports the Manual Handling guidelines issued by the sector trade associations, GPDA and Eurogypsum. Through these organisations, Lafarge Plasterboard is also a signatory of the Social Dialogue Agreement (SDA) on Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). Please see www.nepsi.eu for further details. Lafarge Plasterboard conducts regular workplace monitoring on this and other substances to ensure that the occupational exposure of employees remains well below the limits advised by the HSE.

Lafarge Plasterboard plays a full part in the communities in which we operate, engaging with people in advance of any activities commencing. We seek to build trust through open and effective channels of communication. We aim to continue and maintain a two-way exchange to ensure a positive association with Lafarge for all.