Interior building solutions group Saint-Gobain Gyproc is highlighting the importance of high indoor air quality in various environments with its Activ’Air plasterboard, which uses new technology to improve air quality by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

Saint-Gobain Gyproc education, health and housing sector manager Senamile Mazibuko says the Activ’Air plasterboard is the first of its kind to be available in South Africa.

The technology removes VOCs, such as aldehydes, and other pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, from the air, converting the pollutants into safe, inert compounds, which are captured in the board.

The Activ’Air can absorb VOCs for up to 75 years and after multiple renovations.

“Sustainability and healthy living and working environments are important. In hospitals 70% of admissions are owing to respiratory illnesses. We need to build an environment that is conducive to learning and healing and this is what drives Saint-Gobain Gyproc,” Mazibuko says.

A large part of the energy consumption in the production of acoustic ceilings is used on heating.

“For this reason, and through many years of product and process development, we have reduced heat consumption and increased heat recovery by using new effective heat exchanging systems. The recirculation of water has also been made a priority to reduce water consumption. Our process technology and material properties ensure very low energy consumption, carbon dioxide _{emissions, consumption of raw materials and heat consumption during production – the lowest on the market,” Mazibuko points out.}

Meanwhile, Saint-Gobain Gyproc has a plasterboard specification with private hospital group Mediclinic, which is spearheading the company’s range of value- added plasterboard technology for two of its hospitals in the country.

Mediclinic has installed the GypWall SoundBloc walling systems, made of SoundBloc plasterboard, which have been designed and developed with sound insulating properties for the reduction of noise in the intensive care units.

Mediclinic has also taken up the use of the GypWall DuraLine, a high impact-resistant drywall system for use where a more durable structure is required. The DuraLine provides a lightweight, cost-effective, nonloadbearing drywall suitable for all types of commercial, healthcare and educational buildings.
GypWall DuraLine wall systems made of DuraLine plasterboard have been designed and developed with a higher density core to give greater impact resistance in heavy use areas.