Sustainable design seeks to create structures that require fewer natural resources to build and maintain. Key strategies include choosing high-quality, durable materials and creating flexible, multi-functional spaces.

Consumers have become increasingly aware of the need to conserve energy, manage raw materials, reduce waste and safeguard against pollutants. In response, many developers and owners now demand buildings that will help save energy, preserve the integrity of surrounding land and assure a clean, healthy indoor environment.

USG has long supported sustainable building by emphasizing innovation, from the ingredients and resources we use to the manufacturing processes we employ.

Recycled and Renewable Materials

Recycled and renewable raw materials reduce consumption of energy and resources without diminishing the long-term performance of our products. Many USG ceiling products contain:

• Synthetic mineral wool. We convert 150,000 tons of slag, a waste product of steel-making, to mineral wool every year, eliminating the need to mine and process raw materials and reducing landfill waste.



• Recycled paper. Many of our ceiling panels contain paper recovered from both pre-consumer (cuttings from corrugated box manufacturing) and post-consumer (newspapers) use.



• Corn and wheat starch binders. These renewable agricultural materials are an environmentally sound alternative to traditional binders derived from petroleum-based chemicals.



• Recycled metal. Several of our metal specialty ceilings and ceiling and drywall suspension systems are made of steel and aluminum that includes recycled content. Aluminum offers additional benefits in that it can be fully re-purposed by re-melting and salvaging the metal.

Responsible Manufacturing

Recycling is only a part of the story. Careful production methods are good for the environment and increase efficiency. Our practices include:

• Using clean fuels. We use natural gas and low-sulfur oil whenever possible and conserve energy with heat-exchange processes throughout manufacturing operations.



• Treating and recycling water. Managing water use saves more than 28 million gallons every day and reduces effluent discharges into municipal treatment systems.



• Reducing waste. Waste from the production line and panels chipped or broken during processing are returned to the manufacturing cycle, keeping them out of landfills.



• Offering specialized ceiling panels. Non-directional products such as RADAR CLIMAPLUS ceiling panels allow more efficient use of material by reducing waste during installation and preventing improper panel reinstallation by maintenance personnel. High-durability acoustical panels extend the useful life of ceilings and reduce operating and replacement costs. Panels with high light reflectance can enhance indirect lighting, reducing the number of light fixtures needed and lowering energy consumption.



• Recycling old ceiling panels. USG can take back approved ceiling panels and recycle them into new building products. Reclaiming this waste can help meet the needs of a growing world and preserve natural resources.



• Product life cycle. USGs commitment to health, safety and environmental responsibility is evident at every stage in the life cycle chain.

Ceiling Systems 2007/8 (SC2000)

Ceiling Panel Recycling Program: Be Part of the Solution (SC2456)