Natural Resources

Water

The concentration of sulphate in groundwater highly depends on the nature of the natural ground: in gypsum areas groundwater may be saturated (1.45g of sulphate per litre) and in this case the addition of gypsum will not change the sulphate concentration. This is typically the case for waste from gypsum mining (February 2006).

Gypsum and Water-en .pdf

Emissions

Emissions Trading Scheme

The Gypsum Industry, although a low CO2 emitter from fuel
oxidization only, agrees on its duty to contribute to the necessary reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but it is very worried about being explicitly listed in Annex I when other building materials activities (for instance autoclaved aerated concrete, processed wood, calcium silicate bricks, lightweight calcium silicate boards and tiles) are not, leading to unfair competition without improving the emissions.

Position Paper-Background -en-February 2008.pdf

Position Paper-Amendments -en-February 2008.pdf

Avril Doyle Parliamentary Question-July 2008.pdf

Commissioner Dimas reply-September 2008.pdf

Products

Eurogypsum Position Paper on Eco-labeling

If you ask any architect what kind of environmental indicators he is keen to rely on, he will certainly chose a single indicator, i.e. a label. However a single environmental indicator for a building product is difficult to assess as the performance of the product is linked to its adequate installation in a system. The eco-label does not currently make the link between the product (plasterboard) and the system (a wall made of plasterboards). Therefore, Eurogypsum questions the usability of the eco-label for construction products.Certification schemes for the assessment of the sustainability of building are best suited at national level as in Europe, we have diverse construction methods according to traditions, history, climate, life styles which have led to specific national building regulations (15 December 2008).

Eco-labeling and the construction sector-en.pdf

Waste

By-Product: FGD Gypsum

Eurogypsum considers that FGD Gypsum is a by product -that the power plants do not wish to “discard”, within the meaning set out in Article 1(a) of Directive 75/442/EEC- and not a waste of the power plant process as:

a. the production of FGD Gypsum is a technical and commercial choice;

b. power plants are specifically designed or re-designed, built and operated to produce this product;

c. it is primarily intended for use by the Gypsum Industry in the production of gypsum-based products;

d. it meets quality standards and product specifications;

e. the FGD Gypsum supplied to the Gypsum Industry is certain of being used for the production of gypsum-based products;

f. FGD Gypsum is used as a direct substitute for natural gypsum, a material which has been in use in construction for thousands of years;

g. FGD Gypsum is directly used for the production of gypsum-based products, with less further processing than is actually required for natural gypsum;

h. FGD Gypsum is not classified as waste within the OECD Decision; i. FGD gypsum has an EINECS number and is expected to be treated as a phase-in substance under REACH and will be regulated under that legislation (September 2006).