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Note: Material Library content is currently under peer-review
Note: Material Library content is currently under peer-review
Hardwood Lumber PartitionGWP = 63.12 Kg Co2 eq Div = 09 22 16 Service Life = N/AUnit Size = 1 cubic meter of lumber EPD Evaluation
Acousti-seal Accordion PartitionGWP = 91 kg CO2 eqDiv = 10 22 26Service Life = N/A Unit Size = 1 m2 of wall system EPD Evaluation
PROs
- Emission Controls: Sawing, kiln-drying, and planing processes are subject to emission controls, reducing harmful outputs.
- Carbon Neutral (A1-A3 Stages): Biogenic carbon emissions during production stages are zero, indicating a carbon-neutral status.
- Non-Hazardous: No substances classified as hazardous across the life cycle (e.g., no VOC emissions from the lumber itself), making it safer for indoor use.
CONs
- Non-Hazardous Waste: Generates 5.05 Kg of non-hazardous waste during A1-A3 stages, contributing to material disposal concerns.
- Lack of Forest Management Data: The EPD does not address landscape-level forest management impacts, leaving gaps in sustainability assessment (e.g., deforestation, wildlife habitat loss, endangered species, soil and water quality).
- Potential VOCs on Site: While the lumber itself is VOC-free, VOC emissions could occur if primers or finishes are applied on-site.
PROs
- No VOC Emissions: No VOC levels recorded, ensuring good indoor air quality during manufacturing and use.
- Use of Secondary Materials: 31 kg of secondary (recycled) materials are used, contributing to resource efficiency.
- Renewable Energy Use: 113 MJ of renewable primary energy is used during A1-A3 stages, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
CONs
- High Packaging Waste: Packaging includes wood pallets (60.4%) and corrugated particleboard (38.1%), which could result in significant waste, though end-of-life disposal is not assessed.
- Bulk Waste: 17.9 kg of bulk waste is produced during A1-A3 stages, representing a notable material disposal issue.
- Material Extraction Dominance: Over 90% of environmental impact stems from raw material extraction (A1), particularly metal components, highlighting resource-intensive production.
Glass Wall PartitionGWP = A1 - 7.99 kg CO2 eq A2 - 0.725 kg CO2 eq A3 - 1.11 kg CO2 eqDiv = 10 22 26 Service Life = 25 YearsUnit Size = 1 m2 of movable wall system productEPD Evaluation
Plexi-Glass Screen Wall GWP = 2.54E+03 Kg Co2 eqDiv = 08 83 00Service Life = 25 Years Unit Size = 1 cubic meter EPD Evaluation
PROs
- No VOC Emissions: No VOCs reported during manufacturing, installation, or use phases, ensuring good indoor air quality.
- Sturdy Construction: Panels are thick (1-5/8") and wide (up to 48"), suggesting durability and structural stability.
- Secure Assembly: Glass is mechanically attached to top and bottom rails, enhancing safety and longevity.
- No Health Concerns: No health risks associated with installation or use.
CONs
- Limited End-of-Life Circularity: Lack of robust recycling or reuse pathways for the glass and metal components.
- Resource-Intensive Production:Metal fabrication in the A1 Raw Material Extraction phase accounts for 20-50% of the overall embodied energy and global warming potential (GWP), indicating a significant environmental impact.
- High Waste at End of Life: 2.59 kg goes to landfill. 0.648 kg is incinerated. Low recycling rate overall, meaning most material becomes waste.
PROs
- High Recycled Content: Made predominantly from recycled methyl methacrylate monomer (R-MMA), promoting circularity and reducing virgin material use.
- Zero Waste in Material Use: PMMA waste is regenerated and fully reused in the production process, leaving no raw material waste.
- No VOCs After Installation: While VOCs may occur during manufacturing, the installed product is assumed to emit no VOCs, ensuring safe indoor air quality in use.
CONs
- High Energy Consumption: Manufacturing is energy-intensive (electricity, heating, fuel), making it a major environmental impact contributor.
- Possible VOC Emissions During Production: While not declared, VOC emissions are likely during PMMA waste processing and R-MMA production.
- Eutrophication Potential: Recorded at 2.48E-02 Kg P eq, indicating potential nutrient pollution in water systems.
- Water Deprivation: High water use potential (5.23E+03 m³ eq), raising concerns about water resource depletion.
Glass Wall System (Aluminum Frame)GWP = 112 kg CO2 eqDiv = 10 22 39 Service Life = N/AUnit Size = 1 m2 of wall system productEPD Evaluation
Steel Stud Partition GWP = 2.30E+03 kg CO2 eqDiv = 05 41 00Service Life = N/A Unit Size = 1 metric ton EPD Evaluation
PROs
- No VOC Emissions: No VOCs recorded during manufacturing or use, ensuring good indoor air quality.
- Durable Material Composition: Made of 22% aluminum, 15% steel, and 62% glass, offering structural strength, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.
- Use of Renewable Energy: 208 MJ of renewable primary energy is used during A1-A3 stages, showing some commitment to sustainable energy.
CONs
- Low Use of Recycled Material: Only 1.46 kg of secondary (recycled) material is used, indicating low material circularity.
- High Waste Production: Hazardous Waste: 3.60x10⁻³ kg produced during A1-A3 stages. Bulk Waste: 21 kg of bulk waste generated. Radioactive Waste: 2.23x10⁻⁴ kg (high-level) radioactive waste.
- Ozone Depletion Potential: 6.00x10⁻⁶ kg CFC-11 eq during A1-A3 stages, contributing to environmental degradation.
- Fossil Fuel Depletion: 79.4 MJ eq of fossil fuel resources depleted, showing reliance on non-renewable energy.
PROs
- High Recyclability: The steel used is fully recyclable, and 100% of steel waste from manufacturing is actively recycled on-site.
- No VOC Emissions: No VOCs reported, ensuring good indoor air quality.
- Efficient Waste Management (Production Phase): Waste within the manufacturing process (e.g., slitting and roll-forming) is recycled, minimizing production waste.
CONs
- Fossil Fuel Depletion: 25,900 MJ eq of fossil fuel depletion recorded during A1-A3 stages, indicating heavy reliance on non-renewable energy.
- Resource-Intensive Raw Material Extraction: The A1 stage (raw material extraction) is the dominant contributor to environmental impact, largely due to the energy-intensive production of steel coils.
- Hazardous Waste: 0.44 kg of hazardous waste produced, mainly during raw material extraction and transportation (A1-A2 stages).
Fiberglass Acoustic Panel GWP = 3.57E+00 Kg CO2- eqDiv = 09 84 33 Service Life = 30 YearsUnit Size = Functional unit of0.093 m2 (with a declared thickness of 5.080 cm)EPD Evaluation
Wallpaper GWP = 1.79E-01 Kg CO2- eqDiv = 09 72 00Service Life = 10 Years Unit Size = 1 Square Meter (including packaging) EPD Evaluation
PROs
- Low VOC Emissions: While specific VOC levels are not provided, CertainTeed declares the product as low VOC, supporting good indoor air quality.
- Renewable Energy Use: 89.3 MJ of renewable primary energy used during A1-A3 stages, showing some reliance on sustainable energy.
- Diverse Material Composition: Balanced composition of fiberglass, steel, acrylic, epoxy, fabric, and glue—designed for acoustic performance and durability.
CONs
- Fossil Fuel Depletion: 19.7 MJ of fossil fuel depletion during A1-A3 stages, highlighting dependence on non-renewable resources.
- Waste Production: 7.02E-08 kg of hazardous waste produced. 2.3 kg of non-hazardous waste generated.
- Resource-Intensive Fiberglass Production: A1-A3 stages dominate environmental impact, largely due to the energy-intensive production of fiberglass and electricity consumption during manufacturing.
PROs
- High Paper Content: Composed of 80% paper and 20% PET, which is a relatively natural and lightweight material mix.
- Potential for Recyclability: Packaging materials (cardboard, pallets, paper, polyethylene) are generally recyclable, though not officially declared in the EPD.
- Biogenic Carbon Impact: The GWP - biogenic rating (-0.145 kg CO2 eq) suggests some carbon sequestration from paper content.
CONs
- Non-Reusable at End-of-Life: 98% incinerated, and 2% sent to landfill, indicating poor circularity and waste management.
- High Water Usage: Manufacturing involves significant water consumption, contributing to eutrophication potential (2.77E-05 kg P eq).
- Carbon Emissions from Fossil Fuels: GWP - Fossil rating (0.327 kg CO2 eq) and energy-intensive processes (A3 stage) involving thermal energy for drying and electricity increase greenhouse gas emissions.
- Cancerogenic Potential: Though low, a comparative toxic unit for humans (7.92E-10 CTUh) is noted, indicating potential long-term health concerns.
Ceramic Wall Tile GWP = 4.59E+01 Kg CO2 eqDiv = 09 30 13 Service Life = 75 YearsUnit Size = 1 Square MeterEPD Evaluation
Solid Demountable Wall Partition GWP = 2,770 Kg Co2 eq (total cradle - grave)Div = 10 22 19Service Life = 10 Years Unit Size = 1 Square Meter EPD Evaluation
PROs
- Low VOC Emissions: No VOC rating declared (N/A), likely indicating emissions are negligible and air quality impact is minimal.
- Recycled Packaging: 75% of packaging is recycled, 20% goes to landfill, and 5% is incinerated, showing a reasonably good recycling rate for packaging materials.
- Durable Material Composition: Made from granite, clay, glass, mullite, and internal scrap, suggesting long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
CONs
- High Water Consumption: 59.9 m³ of fresh water used during A1-A3 stages, indicating a water-intensive manufacturing process.
- Eutrophication Potential: 8.21E-03 kg phosphate eq, indicating a notable contribution to nutrient pollution (e.g., algae growth in water bodies).
- Energy-Intensive Production: Significant impact from electricity consumption and thermal energy (kiln firing) during manufacturing (A3), increasing greenhouse gas emissions and resource use.
- End-of-Life Waste: 100% of tiles go to landfill, with no recycling or reuse, highlighting poor circularity and waste management.
PROs
- Recyclability of Components: End-of-life recycling rates for certain materials: Non-ferro metals 67.6%, paper/pulp 79%, and steel 27.8%
- No VOC Concerns: Declared no environmental or health concerns related to VOCs during production.
- Durable Material Composition: Steel (73%) and other metals contribute to long-term durability and structural integrity.
CONs
- High Waste Production: 0.233 kg of hazardous waste. 1,060 kg of non-hazardous waste during A1-A3 stages.
- Eutrophication Potential: 41.6 kg N eq, indicating a significant contribution to nutrient pollution (e.g., algal blooms in water systems).
- Landfill and Incineration: Despite recyclability, 80% of non-recyclable product and packaging waste still ends up in landfill, with 20% incinerated.
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