3. 3. 4. Additional criterion: Use of FGD gypsum

Gypsum is obtained from practically monomineral deposits. The direct environmental impact of gypsum mining is usually restricted to local phenomena: noise and dust emission and inconvenience to neighbours due to lorry transportation. An ecological assessment of gypsum mining thus typically focuses on questions of availability and nature conservation. Environmentalists mostly argue that natural gypsum mining will irrevocably destroy rare gypsum landscapes, e.g. in Germany's southern Harz region.

FGD gypsum is synthetic gypsum that forms as a by-product of wet flue gas desulphurisation in large-scale furnaces. Gypsum obtained in this way is pure with regard to both colour and building biology. In practical use, its properties are equivalent to those of natural gypsum. As it is a by-product of flue gas desulphurisation, it is ecologically sensible to use this type of gypsum because this helps preserve natural resources and reduces landfill volumes. In Austria, FGD gypsum of adequate quality is not available to the same extent as in Germany. In regions where FGD gypsum is available in sufficient quantities and quality, use of FGD gypsum products should be specified as a requirement in invitations to tender.

Gypsum should be obtained primarily from existing or accessible secondary raw materials (FGD gypsum or recycling gypsum).

Supporting documents:
Manufacturer's confirmation that

• the proportion of FGD or recycling gypsum at the plant is higher than 90% w/w of the total gypsum used, or
• it is possible to ensure that the proportion of FGD or recycling gypsum in the products offered is at least 90% w/w.

 

All products awarded the following eco label meet these criteria:

• natureplus quality label (RL1001 „Gipsfaserplatten“)

 

Alternatively, the corresponding baubook declaration may serve as evidence (www.baubook.info/oea).