Select environmentally preferable wall finishes

Gypsum drywall with high recycled content is a good choice.
Drywall made from flue-gas desulfurization gypsum (a waste product from pollution-control equipment on coal-fired power plants) is one option. Look for joint compound that does not contain hazardous additives for aiding drying and setting. In humid areas, specify moisture-resistant drywall products, such as those not faced with paper. In some cases, drywall can be skipped altogether. For example, a wall made autoclaved aerated concrete can be coated with plaster.

Green Points

LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. : 1/2 point for environmentally preferable gypsum board Often referred to as drywall or Sheetrock. Flat sheet of the mineral gypsum, usually faced with paper, that is used as a building material for interior (and sometimes exterior) walls and ceilings.(MR 2).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: Up to 6 points for using major building materials containing recycled content (604.1).

Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia

Interior Walls and Floor Framing

Learn more in the Green Product Guide

Gypsum Board

Register for a free account and join the conversation


Get a free account and join the conversation!
Become a GBA PRO!