Hello,

I was reading that even though gypsum itself isn't harmful, the manufacturing of gypsum board is very harmful to the environment due to energy output required in the drying process required. Does anyone know of any alternatives that would be considered more 'green' or eco-friendly? I found one online at but they are not ready to receive orders...thank you!

wood paneling from site cut trees.

On a similar vein, any idea what kind of problems with code i will have using 5/4 poplar for the interior, instead of drywall on osb sips? Before i knew about the fire thing i had 2000 bf of poplar "Treecycled" into 8" wide planks at a local sawyer. Plan on using for bedroom floor but if i can find a way to use it with the sips as interior i can split it and double the sq foot i have. i hope to use no drywall, but i am now learning this could be problematic. thanks michael

Magnesium oxide board?

I actually lifted some up today. It is about as heavy as drywalll, but each sheet is smaller........at leaast the ones I picked up. it may be a better alternative to drywall/ some should check into it.

EcoBoard from Serious Materials, currently only available on the West Coast.

Magnum Board (MgO) by Magnum Building Products comes in 4x8, 4x9, 4x10 and even tapered edges if you need them. http://www.magnumbp.com/
MgO board is lighter than drywall and you can use a thinner board and have more structural strength.

What do you "tape" seams with on MgO board?

From what I've been reading on one mfgrs site, there is no need to tape MgO board. http://magnesiacore.com/

EcoRock as already mentioned is the first thing that came to my mind.
More info.

I am about to start building a three storey ICF walled apartment building in a very hot and humid country. I have become more than a little concerned with drywall mold on interior walls and am looking for a modern cost effective equivalent. Any suggestions?

dwak

How about hardibacker?

I'll try looking it up but I'm not familiar with it. Got any info and website?

Thanks,
dwak

Try solarcrete - I think one of the best and most energy efficient system. Have no relation, I just know 2 people who had built w/this system.

cd
energyefficienthouse(.)com

Might take a look at gigacrete.com (Plaster Max - ICF)

Haven't used the product, but remember coming across it at a trade show.

It is not the gypsum in the wall board that can promote mold growth, but rather the paper facings.  Have you considered fiberglass mat faced gypsum wall board?  This is readily available in the US (Lowes carries it).  See the following link for details on one particular brand of this type of wall board.  The cost is fractionally higher than standard paper faced wall board.  This is likely what I will be using in my finished basement.

G-P DensArmor Plus

Depending on what country you will be building in, you could try using clay tile or block for interior partitions. I know that most of Europe uses clay blocks, as well as south americas.
I am building a home in Canada right now that has no drywall whatsoever, only concrete and clay!

There are couple options
Magnesium Oxide Board (MGO BOARD) is fireproof, termite proof, Mould resistance, light weight, heating and sound isolation, competitive price and easy installation
Fiber cement panels is fireproof, waterproof, termite proof, Mould resistance, heating and sound isolation.

thin Mgo board could offer better strength by upgrading mesh.