
31 Dec Environmental Benefits Of Magnesium Oxide Board For Green Buildings
Table of Contents
When you pick magnesium oxide board, you help the environment. This material traps carbon dioxide while it dries. It gives off less pollution than regular boards. The non-toxic makeup of MgO board helps the planet. It also makes rooms healthier.
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Elimination of harmful substances | Has no formaldehyde or asbestos, so air gets cleaner. |
Reduction of VOC emissions | Does not let out any volatile organic compounds. |
Prevention of mold growth | Stops mold from growing, so air stays fresh. |
Good for hospitals and schools, where clean air is important. |
The building materials you pick affect the planet and health in every room.
Key Takeaways
Picking magnesium oxide board helps the earth. It traps carbon dioxide when it dries. This lowers the amount of pollution in the air.
This board is safe and not toxic. It does not have bad things like formaldehyde or asbestos. This makes the air inside buildings cleaner and healthier.
Magnesium oxide board does not catch fire easily. It also stops mold from growing. This keeps buildings safer and cleaner.
Using magnesium oxide board uses less energy to make. It also causes less pollution. This helps people build in a greener way.
The board is strong and can be used again. It lasts a long time and makes less trash. This is good for the earth and saves you money.
What is magnesium oxide board?
Composition and properties
You may wonder why magnesium oxide board is different. This board is made from magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, perlite, wood fibers, and fiberglass mesh. All these parts work together to make a strong and safe board. Gypsum board is not the same. It uses gypsum and paper on the outside. Magnesium oxide board uses minerals and fibers. These make it stronger and safer than gypsum board.
Board Type | Main Components |
|---|---|
MGO Board | Magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, perlite, wood fibers, fiberglass mesh |
Gypsum Board | Gypsum with a paper facing |
These ingredients give the board many good features. Magnesium oxide board does not burn easily. It also keeps out water and mold. The board will not bend or rot, even if it gets wet. It is light, so you can move and install it without trouble. The board does not have toxic stuff in it. This helps keep people and the planet safe. When the board is made, it traps carbon dioxide. This means it is better for the environment.
Property | Description |
|---|---|
Fire Resistance | MagPanel® is fire-resistant, enhancing safety in buildings. |
Moisture and Mold Resistance | High moisture resistance prevents warping, swelling, and rot, making it suitable for various environments. |
Strength and Durability | Offers excellent impact strength, increasing the lifespan of structures. |
Safety and Sustainability | Made without toxic materials and is recyclable, contributing to environmental sustainability. |
Ease of Installation | Lightweight yet strong, allowing for easier handling and installation. |
Environmental Benefits | Captures CO2 during manufacturing, reducing carbon footprint. |
Tip: Pick magnesium oxide board if you want a safe and green building.
Uses in green construction
Magnesium oxide board can be used in many green buildings. Builders use it in offices, schools, hospitals, and public places. It is good for places that need fire and water protection. You can also find it in highway tunnels and places for fun activities. The board helps make spaces safe, clean, and strong.
Application Area | Description |
|---|---|
Commercial Buildings | Used for fire-rated and moisture-prone environments, ensuring safety and durability. |
Education Facilities | Provides a safe and stable environment for learning spaces. |
Healthcare Projects | Essential for maintaining hygiene and safety in medical facilities. |
Public Infrastructure | Suitable for high-risk areas requiring robust fire protection. |
Recreational Spaces | Offers versatility and durability in various recreational environments. |
Highway Tunnels | Engineered for moisture resistance and fire safety in critical infrastructure. |
When you pick magnesium oxide board for green buildings, you make a smart choice. It helps people stay healthy and protects the earth.
Environmental benefits of magnesium oxide board

Carbon capture during curing
Choosing magnesium oxide board helps the earth. This board grabs carbon dioxide while it cures. The curing process has two steps. First, the board sits in a room with set heat and moisture. This makes the board form strong bonds. Next, the board heats for seven days. It dries out and gets tougher. The board also traps carbon dioxide from the air. This lowers co2 emissions and helps the environment.
Magnesium oxide board makes less co2 than other boards. Tests show magnesium oxide gives off 340 kg of co2 per ton. Gypsum gives off 740 kg per ton. Using magnesium oxide board cuts greenhouse gases by more than half.
Material | CO2 Emissions (kg/ton) |
|---|---|
Magnesium Oxide | 340 |
Gypsum | 740 |
Using this board helps keep the air clean and fights climate change.
Low emissions and energy use
Picking magnesium oxide board lowers your impact on nature. Making this board creates less pollution than cement boards. It takes less energy to make each board. MagPanel® boards need less energy than regular boards. This saves resources and cuts co2 at every step.
You help the earth by using boards that need less energy.
You support green building by lowering pollution.
You make a smart choice by saving energy in building.
Non-toxic and safe materials
Magnesium oxide board keeps people and nature safe. It does not have harmful stuff like formaldehyde or halogens. It does not let out toxic chemicals or heavy metals. Tests show magnesium oxide board meets strict health rules. It passes the WELL Building Standard for safe materials. Other tests show it does not release dangerous chemicals.
You can trust magnesium oxide board because it has many safety labels. These include CE Marking, ISO 9001, EN ISO 1716, and others. These labels prove the board is safe and high quality. You can use it in homes, schools, and hospitals without worry.
Certification Name | Description |
|---|---|
CE Marking | Compliance with European safety standards |
ISO 9001 | Quality Management System certification |
EN ISO 1716 | Fire Performance standard |
EN 13501 | Fire Classification standard |
ICC-ES ESR-2880 | Evaluation Service from the International Code Council |
CCMC 14038_e | Certification from the Canadian Construction Materials Centre |
BBA | British Board of Agrément certification |
Kiwa BDA | European Technical Approval |
INTERTEK | International Laboratory Accreditation |
MSDS | Material Safety Data Sheet |
VOC Report | Report on Volatile Organic Compounds |
Asbestos Report | Safety report regarding asbestos presence |
Chloride Report | Safety report regarding chloride presence |
Formaldehyde Report | Safety report regarding formaldehyde presence |
Radioactivity Report | Safety report regarding radioactivity presence |
You can feel sure your building is safe for people and the planet.
Tests show magnesium oxide board is a good choice for the earth. You lower co2, cut pollution, and avoid toxic stuff. Magnesium oxide board is a safe and green pick for builders.
Production impact
Raw materials and sourcing
When you pick magnesium oxide board, you help the earth. The main parts come from nature. Magnesium oxide is made from minerals with lots of magnesium. The board also has magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate. These help hold the board together. Perlite, glass fiber mesh, and wood fiber are added to make the board strong and light.
Magnesium oxide (MgO) comes from minerals
Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) helps bind the board
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) adds strength
Perlite, glass fiber mesh, and wood fiber make it work better
These natural parts do not have bad chemicals or VOCs. This means the air inside stays cleaner. You also help the planet by making less pollution. The board can be recycled, so you make less trash and protect nature.
Manufacturing energy efficiency
Choosing magnesium oxide board saves energy. Making this board uses less power than making cement or gypsum boards. MagPanel® boards need less energy to make, so you save resources. The board makes 40–50% less carbon dioxide than cement boards. This helps the planet and meets green building rules.
Tip: Use magnesium oxide board if you want less pollution.
Comparison with gypsum and cement boards
Magnesium oxide board is different from gypsum and cement boards. It uses fewer resources and makes less pollution. In Canada, making magnesium oxide with natural gas makes 18% less CO2 than using coal. Magnesium oxychloride panels give off 22% less CO2 than concrete boards. Magnesium oxide is over 35% of the CO2 from these boards, but the total pollution is still lower.
Board Type | CO2 Emissions | Energy Use | Harmful Chemicals |
|---|---|---|---|
MgO Board | Low | Low | None |
Gypsum Board | High | Medium | May contain VOCs |
Cement Board | Highest | High | May contain VOCs |
When you use magnesium oxide board, you help the earth. You make less pollution, save energy, and keep the world healthy.
Performance and durability
Longevity and recyclability
You want building materials that last and help the earth. Magnesium oxide board does both jobs well. This board is tough and does not break down fast. You do not have to replace it often. This means you save money and make less trash. Using fewer new boards helps nature because you use less stuff.
Magnesium oxide board lasts longer than most other boards.
You do not need to worry about warping or rot. The board stays strong, even if it gets wet.
It uses natural magnesium sulfate, which is safe for the planet.
When the board gets old, you can recycle it. Most old boards go to landfills, but not this one. You can use it again or turn it into new building materials. This helps the earth by making less waste and using things again.
Tip: Picking recyclable materials helps you build a greener world.
Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
Longevity | |
Moisture Resistance | Prevents warping and rot |
Recyclability |
Resistance to fire, mold, and pests
You want your building to be safe. Magnesium oxide board keeps you safe from fire, mold, and bugs. It works better than drywall or plywood. The board does not soak up water, so mold cannot grow. This keeps the air inside clean and healthy.
Magnesium oxide board has a Class A fire rating. It does not burn easily and makes little smoke, so people can get out safely.
Mold cannot grow on the board, even in wet places.
Bugs like termites do not eat magnesium oxide board, so your building stays strong.
You can feel good knowing your building is safer and healthier. Magnesium oxide board helps you make spaces that last and protect everyone.
Note: Using magnesium oxide board means you pick safety and strength for your green building.
Life cycle and carbon footprint
Embodied energy and emissions
If you check the life cycle of magnesium oxide board, you find clear benefits. This board needs less energy from beginning to end. Picking it helps lower harm to nature because it takes less power to make. Magnesium oxide panels give off less than half the carbon of regular drywall. You also get cleaner air inside since these panels do not have bad chemicals or VOCs.
Magnesium oxychloride panels make 22% less CO2 than concrete boards.
The CO2 for magnesium oxychloride panels is 37.3 kg CO2 eq/m2.
Tilt-up concrete makes 105 kg CO2 eq/m2, and insulated concrete forms make 48 kg CO2 eq/m2.
Using magnesium oxide board can cut your building’s carbon footprint by up to 70% compared to normal materials. This helps a lot with life cycle checks and lets you reach green building goals.
Waste reduction and end-of-life options
You want to pick things that make less waste. Magnesium oxide board helps with this during its whole life. You can recycle or reuse these boards when your building is old. This means less trash goes to landfills and saves resources. Magnesium oxide board lasts longer, so you do not replace it often. This also means less waste.
You can recycle magnesium oxide boards, so less trash ends up in landfills.
The boards last longer, so you throw away fewer things over time.
Making the boards uses lower kiln heat, which lowers the carbon footprint.
Here is how magnesium oxide board helps when it is old:
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Recycling MgO boards cuts down on construction waste sent to landfills. | |
Conservation of Resources | Recycling saves natural resources by needing fewer new materials. |
Reduced Energy Consumption | Recycled MgO boards use less energy to make than new ones, lowering carbon footprint. |
By looking at life cycle checks, you can make choices that help the planet and make your building project better for the environment.
MgO board vs. traditional materials
Environmental comparison
Choosing magnesium oxide board instead of regular boards helps the earth. Magnesium oxide board is made from natural minerals. It does not hurt the environment. Cement boards need a lot of energy to make. They also cause more pollution. Magnesium oxide board has a small carbon footprint. You can recycle it when you are done using it. Cement boards are harder to recycle.
Here is a simple table to compare them:
Feature | MgO Boards | Cement Boards |
|---|---|---|
Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly, natural, recyclable | High energy usage in production |
Carbon Footprint | Low | High |
Recyclability | Yes | Limited |
When you pick magnesium oxide board, you help the planet. You use less resources and make less trash. You also support green building rules.
Tip: Magnesium oxide board lets you build with less harm to nature. 🌱
Cost and availability
You might wonder if magnesium oxide board fits your budget and project. The price to put in magnesium oxide board is about the same as other boards like gypsum. You save money later because magnesium oxide board lasts longer. You do not have to replace it much. Throwing it away does not cost much because you can recycle it. You also finish your work faster since magnesium oxide board is quick to install.
Look at this table to see the differences:
Feature/Benefit | Magnesium Oxide Board (MagPanel®) | Traditional Materials (e.g., Gypsum) |
|---|---|---|
Upfront Cost | Similar installation cost | Higher installation cost |
Lifetime Cost | Cheaper lifetime cost | More expensive over time |
Installation Speed | Faster installation | Slower installation |
Disposal Costs | Virtually expense free disposal | Dedicated waste removal needed |
Material Thickness | Thinner boards (12mm for walls) | Thicker boards required |
Structural Strength | Increased lifespan and durability | Standard durability |
You can find magnesium oxide board in many countries. North America uses it the most. Asia Pacific, Europe, and other places use it too. Builders in China and India use magnesium oxide board for new buildings. You can get this board almost anywhere for your project.
North America is the biggest market for magnesium oxide board.
Asia Pacific uses the most, then Europe and North America.
You can find magnesium oxide board in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Note: Magnesium oxide board is easy to buy and works for many buildings.
Challenges and limitations
Potential drawbacks
Magnesium oxide board has some problems you should know about. Not all boards are made the same way. If a board is made badly, it can have issues. Some boards have chloride salts or organic stuff inside. These things can soak up water from the air. In places that are very humid, water can come out of the board. This can make things nearby get wet. Metal parts close to the board can start to rust.
Humid air can make water drip from the board.
Wet boards might hurt walls or make screws and nails rust.
Some boards do not pass strict quality checks.
There are also rules that can stop you from using magnesium oxide board. Some countries do not allow these boards in new buildings. For example, NHBC and LABC in the UK do not accept them. Some big companies that make wall finishes also say not to use these boards. Studies in Denmark and Australia found that these boards can have water problems. This makes some builders and inspectors careful.
Note: Always check the board’s quality and labels before you use magnesium oxide board for your building.
Adoption barriers
You may not see as many magnesium oxide boards in stores as drywall or cement boards. There are a few reasons why these boards are not used as much in green buildings. The table below shows some main problems:
Barrier | Description |
|---|---|
Quality Control Issues | Boards made badly can break. Early problems made people think magnesium oxide boards are not good. |
Negative Perceptions | Past problems in Europe and Australia make some builders and inspectors unsure about these boards. |
Regulatory Frameworks | Rules and standards need to change to fit new materials like magnesium oxide board. |
Other problems include:
The boards can cost more at first, so people pick cheaper ones.
You need special tools to work with magnesium oxide, which can slow things down.
There are not many boards in some places, so shipping costs more.
Many builders and buyers do not know how magnesium oxide board can help.
You can help by learning more and asking for better rules and checks. If more people know about magnesium oxide board and there are better rules, it will be easier to use these boards in green buildings.
You help the planet when you pick magnesium oxide board. This board makes buildings better for people and nature. It keeps you safe from fire and water damage. You can put it on walls, floors, or ceilings. Builders and homeowners can use these steps to install magnesium oxide board:
Application/Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
MgO boards keep buildings safe from fire. | |
Moisture Resistance | They stop mold and mildew in wet places. |
Versatility | Use them for walls, floors, or ceilings. |
Eco-Friendly Properties | Made with natural materials for a greener world. |
Easy Installation | Cut, snap, drill, and attach them easily. |
Try more eco-friendly choices to make buildings safer and greener.
FAQ
What makes magnesium oxide board eco-friendly?
Magnesium oxide board uses minerals from nature. It traps carbon dioxide while it dries. This helps lower pollution and keeps trash out of landfills. The board does not let out toxins or VOCs. Using it helps meet green building rules.
Is magnesium oxide board safe for indoor air quality?
Magnesium oxide board helps keep the air inside clean. It does not have formaldehyde, asbestos, or heavy metals. You do not have to worry about bad chemicals. The board passes tough safety tests and gets important labels.
Tip: Pick magnesium oxide board for schools and hospitals to get cleaner air.
Can you install magnesium oxide board easily?
You can put in magnesium oxide board with simple tools. You cut, drill, and attach it like drywall. The board is light, so you can move it easily. You finish your work faster.
Step | Tool Needed |
|---|---|
Cutting | Utility knife |
Drilling | Power drill |
Fastening | Screws |
Does magnesium oxide board cost more than regular boards?
Magnesium oxide board costs about the same as gypsum board. You save money because it lasts longer and needs fewer fixes. You also spend less to throw it away since you can recycle it.
