Steel profiles form the backbone of interior designers’ final fit-out executions; however, the occupant of the structure is seldom sensitised to the impact and importance of the framing. As a functional component of a wall or ceiling system, the tendency is to drive minimal fit-for-purpose design, manufacture and transport. This approach potentially runs the risk of being out of step with the all-important drive to decarbonise.

What impacts do steel profiles make?

Saint-Gobain Technical Research Centres have researched the topic as part of the entire group’s commitment to reach a net zero carbon footprint for construction products supplied. Within the group’s plasterboard and building plaster solutions contribution, steel contributes a significant 22% of CO₂ emissions of the group’s product portfolio. The opportunities to reduce this are being actively pursued.

Steel as a material is by its very nature an ideal contributor to the circular economy; recycled continuously, along with the addition of ore in the first stages of production, it offers value and positive economic impact. However, there is a downside to the recycling of the material – high energy consumption for product and transport-related emissions.

At each step, from responsible and efficient extraction of iron ore, carbon, nickel, phosphorous, manganese and silicon to the end-of-life processing of steel profiles, exponential reduction in overall CO₂emissionis achievable.

Are all steel profiles equal?

Quite simply no, specifically in the ceiling and partition environment. A range of approaches to the design of stud, track and ceiling is followed. Additionally, work hardening that allows for gauge reduction delivers a range of performance improvements, determined by the technique employed. Another aspect influencing ultimate performance is the approach taken to corrosion resistance. This includes non-passivated, zinc-passivated, and alu-zinc-coated steel in varied coat thickness.

Balancing cost and CO₂ footprint

Saint-Gobain Africa applies world-class manufacturing and design actions to develop products and solutions that range from supply-chain optimisation, through to packaging and transportation. Reduction of profile weight without compromising performance and the specific definition and identification of fit-for-purpose and high-end performance profiles reflect the commitment of the group to reaching zero carbon emission milestones. The Saint-Gobain group have set measurable and realistic goals for the reduction of emissions by 2030, with the ultimate target of reaching net zero by 2050.

Profiles sold under the Gypframe® brand name by Gyproc in South Africa and the surrounding territories will impact positively on your project’s overall carbon footprint, today and increasingly in years to come.