EPD Reveals Negative Carbon Footprint of saveBOARD Building Materials

saveBOARD is transforming the building materials industry by manufacturing products from 99% recycled composite packaging, soft plastic, and recycled board. Their innovative approach not only diverts an average of 25 kilograms of waste per board from landfills but also achieves a groundbreaking negative Global Warming Potential (GWP). The Cradle to Gate (A1-3) impact of saveBOARD products ranges from -10.0 kg CO2/m² to -4.35 kg CO2/m², including biogenic carbon.

Understanding the negative impact

Paula Wallace, National Specification Manager at saveBOARD, explains that the negative GWP results from the unique lifecycle of their products. The Cradle to Gate phase, where most greenhouse gas emissions occur, is significantly improved through their use of recycled materials. Traditional manufacturing processes involve emissions from raw material extraction and land use, both of which contribute to greenhouse gases. However, saveBOARD’s products avoid these emissions by using recycled waste materials, which do not require raw material extraction or land disturbance.

Additionally, saveBOARD’s products benefit from biogenic carbon. Wood products, including those made from paper, contain carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed during the tree’s growth, which remains sequestered in the final product. This biogenic carbon contributes to the negative GWP, as the carbon remains stored in the recycled paper that constitutes about 70% of each board. Through saveBOARD’s Product Stewardship Program, off-cuts and end-of-life products are also recycled, promoting a circular economy.

Case study: Elevate Homes, Cambridge

A practical example of saveBOARD’s impact is its adoption by Elevate Homes, a company specialising in architecturally designed transportable homes. Elevate Homes recently switched from a 7mm plywood rigid air barrier to saveBOARD’s betterBRACE rigid air barrier. For a 150m² home, this change resulted in a carbon saving of 268 kilograms and every home diverts 1,000 kilograms of waste from landfills. Elevate Homes has integrated a circular approach by recycling all on-site soft plastic waste into betterBRACE and utilising saveBOARD’s cut-to-length service to minimise product waste. Any off-cuts are also recycled into new boards through saveBOARD’s Product Stewardship Program.

Lee Turner, Director at Elevate Homes, emphasises the dual benefits of this choice. "We use saveBOARD betterBRACE as additional bracing in all of our homes. SaveBOARD's use of 99% recycled materials makes it revolutionary. It transforms soft plastics and other everyday packaging waste into sustainable, high-performing, low-carbon building products. Each sheet of saveBOARD we use positively impacts both our homes and the environment. It’s a win-win situation."

Certification and future

saveBOARD’s commitment to sustainability is further validated by its EcoChoice Certification and DECLARE label. Their Environmental Product Declaration is in the final stages of verification, reflecting their dedication to transparency and environmental responsibility.

saveBOARD stands at the forefront of sustainable construction materials by integrating recycled content and promoting a circular economy, all while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Their partnership with companies like Elevate Homes showcases the practical benefits and positive environmental impacts of choosing truly sustainable building solutions.

betterBRACE Rigid Air Barrier

saveBOARD

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saveBOARD betterBRACE rigid air barrier is made in Hamilton from 99% recycled composite packaging and soft plastics.

Declared LBC Red List Approved

Eco Choice Aotearoa

Homestar / Green Star

Post-Consumer Recyclable Content

Pre-Consumer Recycled Content

NZ Made

As a rigid air barrier for use in residential to multi-story construction up to 10 metres — an alternative to traditional building underlays or rigid air barriers
Designed for use in Extra High wind zones and in specific engineering design projects, maximum wind design pressure (ULS) of 2.5 kPa
Exposure: Over fix with flexible wrap within 7 days (Codemark certified) or Alternative Solution tape as per install guide , 90 days
in Climate Zones 1, 2 and 3 where the internal lining is plasterboard
Located in Exposure zones B, C and D (as defined in NZS3604:2011 section 4.2), except microclimates or climate zone where the indoor environment is controlled between 18C and 24C and the relative humidity maximum 65% rh;
Where the cladding system incorporates an 18mm minimum drained cavity in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 with closed Joint cladding.

Bracing Capacity:

Bracing length 1.2m BU/m 143Q 154EQ

Install Requirements:

Install with all joints, openings and penetrations taped and sealed with a compatible flashing tape. If the betterBRACE is over fixed with a synthetic underlay the betterBRACE joints are not required to be taped and penetrations and openings may be sealed using compatible flashing tape with the underlay

Not be directly exposed to the weather or ultraviolet light for more than 7 days during construction. (Fix with a synthetic wall underlay within this period.

Clause B1 Structure: Performance Clauses B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3 (b, f, h), B1.3.4
Clause B2 Durability: Performance Clauses B2.3.1(a); B2.3.2
Clause E2 External moisture: Performance Clauses E2.3.2 (contributes to), E2.3.5 (contributes to), E2.3.6 (contributes to), E2.3.7
Clause F2 Hazardous building materials: Performance Clauses F2.3.1
Clause H1 Energy efficiency: Performance Clauses H1.3.1 (b) (contributes to)

CodeMark

Exposed Ceiling Tiles

saveBOARD

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Ceilings tiles are cut from saveBOARD Exposed 10mm panels into standard grid sizes.

Declared LBC Red List Approved

Eco Choice Aotearoa

Homestar / Green Star

Pre-Consumer Recycled Content

NZ Made

Suitable for use a commercial ceiling tile
Direct fix light fixtures and services

SaveBOARD Exposed panels are cut for use as Ceiling Tiles. Exposed contributes to meeting the following provisions of the NZ Building Code:

Clause B1 Structure: Performance Clauses B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3(b, f, h, j), B1.3.4
Clause B2 Durability: Performance Clauses B2.3.1(a), B2.3.2
Clause C3 Fire affecting areas beyond the fire source: Performance Clauses C3.4(a)
Clause E3 Internal moisture: Performance Clauses E3.3.1 (contributes to), E3.3.4, E3.3.5
Clause F2 Hazardous building materials: Performance Clauses F2.3.1
Clause H1 Energy efficiency: Performance Clauses H1.3.1(b) (contributes to)

Paperfaced Internal Wall and Ceiling Lining

saveBOARD

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saveBOARD Paperfaced is made from 99% recycled materials, the core is made from shredded and compressed composite packaging and soft plastics with a recycled paper face and back.

Declared LBC Red List Approved

Eco Choice Aotearoa

Homestar / Green Star

Pre-Consumer Recycled Content

NZ Made

For use as an internal wall or ceiling lining in residemtal and commercial application up to 10mtrs
For use as a structural bracing when installed in accordance with the saveBOARD Installation Guide
For use up to and including Extra High wind zones as defined in NZS 3604:2011, and in specific engineering design projects
Can be curved to a 150mm radius (requires kerf cutting to reverse)
Ideal for areas requiring high impact resistance such as retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, social housing, retirement

saveBOARD Paperfaced when specified as an internal wall lining and installed in accordance with the Exposed Installation Guide, contributes to meeting the following provisions of the NZ Building Code:

B1 Structure: Performance Clauses B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3(b, f, h, j), B1.3.4
B2 Durability: Performance Clauses B2.3.1(a), B2.3.2
C3 Fire affecting areas beyond the fire source: Performance Clauses C3.4(a)
E3 Internal moisture: Performance Clauses E3.3.1 (contributes to), E3.3.4, E3.3.5
F2 Hazardous building materials: Performance Clauses F2.3.1
H1 Energy efficiency: Performance Clauses H1.3.1(b) (contributes to)

Codemark Certified

CodeMark

Exposed Internal Wall and Ceiling Lining

saveBOARD

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saveBOARD Exposed is a pre-finished interior wall and ceiling lining made from 99% recycled materials, the core is made from shredded and compressed composite packaging and soft plastics, finished with a recycled LDPE plastic face and a recycled paper back.

Declared LBC Red List Approved

Eco Choice Aotearoa

Homestar / Green Star

Pre-Consumer Recycled Content

NZ Made

For use as an internal wall or ceiling lining
For use as a structural bracing when installed in accordance with the saveBOARD Installation Guide
Exposed is a pre-finished wall or ceiling lining or ceiling tile, cut to standard grid sizes
Ideal for areas requiring high impact resistance, such as garages, workshops, hospitality, retail, healthcare, MoE
For use up to and including Extra High wind zones as defined in NZS 3604:2011, and in specific engineering design projects
Can be curved to a 150mm radius (requires kerf cutting to reverse)

saveBOARD Exposed when specified as an internal wall lining and installed in accordance with the Exposed Installation Guide, contributes to meeting the following provisions of the NZ Building Code:

Clause B1 Structure: Performance Clauses B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3(b, f, h, j), B1.3.4
Clause B2 Durability: Performance Clauses B2.3.1(a), B2.3.2
Clause C3 Fire affecting areas beyond the fire source: Performance Clauses C3.4(a)
Clause E3 Internal moisture: Performance Clauses E3.3.1 (contributes to), E3.3.4, E3.3.5
Clause F2 Hazardous building materials: Performance Clauses F2.3.1
Clause H1 Energy efficiency: Performance Clauses H1.3.1(b) (contributes to)
Codemark Certified

CodeMark

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