The popular side of the sustainable building industry is found in finishes, furniture and other elements that make up the aesthetic of the design. It is understandable that the most visible elements are given a lot of weight, but the skeleton of a structure accounts for a higher proportion of material than the skin. We’ve posted about some sustainable structural materials before, such as Lamboo structural bamboo and recycled plastic members by Axiom. An element of building that people see everyday, but mostly likely never really see, is gypsum wall board. 15 million tons of gypsum wall board (drywall) are produced in the US every year. This is an element of the industry that cannot be ignored.

Gypsum Wallboard. Designed by EcoRock.

Gypsum wall board came into the mainstream about 100 years ago as a form of prefabricated plaster. Before drywall there was plaster and lath, which if you have ever hacked a hole in an old NYC apartment building, you’ve been tortured by it. Traditional drywall can be recycled, and may contain up to 25% recycled gypsum powder. The reality is most drywall is not recycled, which globally sends about 40 tons of waste a day to landfills.

Serious Materials is taking this issue seriously with the creation of EcoRock. Naturally cured and dried, EcoRock uses up to 80% less energy it is manufacturing process than drywall. It is made from 80% post-industrial recycled waste from steel and cement plants, and can be fully recycled at the end of life. Another benefit of EcoRock is its air quality performance. It creates 60% less dust, eliminates airborn mercury, and reduces mold growth by 50%. For such a critical part of the construction industry, it is a no-brainer to go the green route.