USG
and our Environment
As a manufacturer, USG recognises the importance of safeguarding the environment. Our solid history of environmental responsibility includes providing product solutions that reduce environmental impact, reduce waste, conserve resources and recycle materials whenever possible.
Our goal is to preserve valuable natural resources while supporting clean air and easing disposal problems for public utilities. For several decades, we have used innovative technology to reduce our impact on the environment:
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 products contain:
Synthetic mineral wool. We convert nearly 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. USG 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.
Industrial Gypsum. All of the gypsum contained in USG Powerscape
Health® is Industrial gypsum, a waste product obtained from
coal-fired electricity generators. No open cast or underground
mined gypsum is used in this product.
Responsible Manufacturing
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 specialised ceiling panels. Non-directional products such
as RADAR™ ceiling panels allow more efficient use of material by
reducing waste during installation.
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. In the USA. 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. USG’s commitment to health, safety and environmental responsibility is evident at every stage in the life cycle chain.