While product transparency, disclosure and optimization documentation are important for today’s product selection, Rockfon also strives to go beyond LEED credits in enabling smarter choices for environmentally responsible design and innovative sustainable solutions.

Helping simplify the volumes of product data and various certifications, mindful MATERIALS provides a common platform for manufacturers to clearly communicate product transparency and optimization information. Rockfon acoustic stone wool ceiling systems have been added to its library. This centralized resource will help with your product selection, specification, proposals and other documentation.

Indoor air quality (IAQ)

Indoor air quality is more commonly referred to by its abbreviation, IAQ. In LEED v4, the relevant category is called Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ). Regardless of the name, a key factor in achieving IAQ and EQ is the use of low-emitting materials and acoustic treatments in interior spaces. High levels of CO2, chemicals, pollutants, and contaminants can lead to loss of concentration, bad odors and irritation.

Children are often the most susceptible to pollutants emitted from building materials. This is because children breathe in more air and, as a result, are absorbing more chemicals that can be harmful to their growing bodies. Since most children spend the majority of their year inside school buildings, these projects deserve extra attention for IAQ.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that up to half of the schools in America have problems linked to poor IAQ.¹

 This increases the risk of chronic allergies and asthma among children. Asthma is considered the #1 chronic childhood illness and the leading cause of absenteeism, with almost 14.7 million school days missed each year.²

Low-emitting products and materials

Low-emitting products and materials are designed to support your IAQ plans and the newest building codes and regulations. Our low-emitting Rockfon stone wool ceiling solutions support a healthy and efficient indoor environment. Our products are resistant to mold, bacteria, and humidity.

Achieve VOC certification by using our metal ceiling systems that have no reportable VOC emissions. Our entire portfolio of stone wool ceiling products has been UL Environment’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low-emitting products.

EPDs and responsible sourcing

Exemplifying our product transparency, we offer third-party, UL-certified industry-wide, cradle-to-grave Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) according to ISO 14025 and ISO 14044 available on-demand for download.

Not only can we provide you with EPDs, we invite you to view our Supplier Code of Conduct. We have adopted the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development – Principles for Environmental Management, where our suppliers are required to ensure their own supply chain meets the same standards.

Our commitment is further demonstrated and documented through our corporate governance published in the ROCKWOOL Annual Report, as well as the ROCKWOOL Sustainability Report.

Recycled content and construction waste management

Rockfon acoustic ceiling panels made from stone wool consist of a blend of naturally occurring, volcanic basalt rock and recycled content. This stone is a plentiful, natural resource in itself, and our high-tech production process ensures that all of our ceiling products are manufactured in an environmentally responsible way.

The average recycled content of our stone wool core may contain up to 43 percent. Our metal ceiling systems may contain up to 100 percent recycled material content and are 100 percent recyclable at the end of their useful life as a ceiling.

Rockfon and the ROCKWOOL Group are dedicated to reducing construction waste sent to landfill. Step one of a closed-loop recycling offering in North America was taken in 2017 with the opening of our own U.S.-based factory. As production is ramped up and our ceiling tiles are replaced, we actively are investigating sustainable solutions for end-of-life recycling of our stone wool panels.

Material ingredients

Rockfon acoustic ceiling products not only help in creating sustainable buildings; they are also made from a naturally fire-safe and durable material with no added flame retardants or biocides. 

Long life cycle

The modular design of our acoustic panels, ceiling tiles, and suspension systems naturally match with increased building flexibility and ease of adaptive use throughout the life of your project.

Whether you wish to move your partition walls or install extra cables above the suspended ceiling, we can deliver flexible and demountable solutions that fit your need for adaptable environments.

With minimal maintenance, your ceiling systems should retain their aesthetic appeal and performance. Rockfon stone wool ceiling products are backed with a 30-year limited warranty, and our metal ceiling systems have shown to deliver reliable performance for more than 25 years with some lasting 50 years and more.

Sources

_{1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools: Actions to Improve Indoor Air Quality,” Publication #402-F-99-0008}

_{2. Lott, S., and Vallette, J., “Full Disclosure Required: A Strategy to Prevent Asthma Through Building Product Selection. A Healthy Building Network Report.”}