Gyprock™ and Sustainability

Gyprock™ - Environmental Commitment

CSR has long been committed to managing its impact on the environment and the communities in which it operates.  This commitment is characterised by the production of environmentally responsible building products and services and by pursuing initiatives including waste recycling, water conservation and reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Gyprock™ is committed to sustainable manufacturing processes for its products and systems and operates to measurable targets for waste reduction, water and energy consumption.

Product Manufacture

Gyprock™ plasterboard products are manufactured from gypsum, paper and a small amount of additives.  Gypsum is a naturally occurring, non-toxic sedimentary rock.  The paper liner board used for plasterboard and cornice is made from 100% recycled newspapers and cartons and the additives are benign materials such as starch and foam.

The energy used in the manufacture of Gyprock™ is amongst the lowest of any building product.¹  Emissions are limited to water vapour and products of natural gas consumption.

Fricker™ was the first ceiling supplier in Australia to have a product certified under the Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) label.  The GECA label indicates the environmental performance of a product from a whole of product life perspective for consumer goods. The label is awarded to products that meet voluntary environmental performance standards which have been created and assessed in conformance to international environmental labelling standards.

The Solaton Enet range of mineral fibre ceiling tiles which carries the GECA label is made from 85% recycled content, which is primarily a bi-product from the steel industry.

Gyprock™ also markets Ecophon^® Commercial ceiling tile systems.  Ecphon’s products have been granted the internationally recognised Nordic Swan label for low environmental impact.

Waste Management and Recycling

Gyprock™ recycles more than 95% of its manufacturing waste either back into the production process or through conversion to by-products such as soil conditioners for the agricultural industry.

Also, for over 10 years, Gyprock™ has supported a plasterboard reclamation service in the major residential building markets along the eastern seaboard.  This service is now being extended to the commercial building market in some states. Click here for more information.

At our Wetherill Park operation in Sydney’s west, we have partnered with the Macquarie Graduate School of Environment to identify, assess and recommend opportunities for improved recovery, reuse and recycling of key waste streams.  A number of recommendations have already been made and are under review.  This project is the start of an on-going relationship with the university on environmental projects.

Water Efficiency and Reduction

Our Gyprock™ plant at Wetherill Park and Gyprock™ operation at Coopers Plains, Brisbane, have both submitted water efficiency management plans to their respective State Governments.  Some examples of initiatives implemented or currently under investigation under these plans include:

• Upgrading of amenities (taps, bathroom facilities) to reduce non process water consumption
• Use of water reduction chemicals in the manufacturing process to reduce the requirement for water
• Waste water recycling
• Rainwater recovery

Energy Reduction

Similar to the water efficiency management plans, we have submitted an energy savings plan for our Wetherill Park operations.

Community Engagement

Engaging with our community and fostering strong relations is of high priority for CSR and Gyprock™. Some examples of our community involvement include:

• Major sponsor of the CreekWATCH program in the Oxley catchment.  As part of this program we planted 300 trees and removed harmful weeds at our Coopers Plains site, which runs adjacent to Stable Swamp creek.
• Donating Gyprock™ and Cemintel™ Fibre Cement products and installation services to Habitat for Humanity to build houses for those in need. In 2007, our products helped build over 10 homes

Building Industry Commitment

Green building council Australia (GBCA) member

CSR is a member of the GBCA, an association that fosters environmental sustainability amongst commercial building and construction industry companies.

The GBCA’s mission is to develop a sustainable property industry for Australia and drive the adoption of green building practices through market-based solutions.

HIA GreenSmart

HIA GreenSmart is a voluntary, hands-on approach to residential building that focuses on educating builders, designers, product manufacturers and consumers about the benefits of an environmentally responsible approach to business.

CSR has been accredited as a GreenSmart Leader.  A GreenSmart Leader demonstrates leadership and commitment towards environmental initiatives in its Australian and international operations and has commitment to the HIA GreenSmart Code of Practice.  Our involvement with this confirms CSR’s willingness to improve the environmental performance of Australia’s housing industry.

^References;
1 _{Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) (2007), Potential Earnings Impacts from Climate Change: Construction Material, pp 8}