New study demonstrates the lower carbon impact of Fibo’s wall panel system

Fibo’s leading waterproof wall system has been confirmed to have a total lifetime carbon footprint that is 37% lower when compared to tiles in a new independent study. This means that the Fibo waterproof wall system is not only five times faster to install, more robust and more hygienic than tiles, but it is also the more environmentally conscious choice for new build and refurbishment projects.

The research, conducted by leading Norwegian consultants Asplan Viak, found that a representative UK bathroom finished in the Fibo wall system had a total lifetime carbon footprint 37% smaller than the same tiled bathroom. The study looked at the carbon impact (kg CO2 equivalents) for both methods at all stages of the lifecycle, including the materials and transportation, as well as the treatment of the materials at the end of the bathroom lifespan.

One of the key reasons for the lower carbon footprint is the material the system is manufactured from. Fibo wall panels are constructed primarily from wood, in fact, the high-quality plywood core accounts for 80% of the panel weight. The wood captures carbon during the growth of the tree and stores it for the lifespan of the product. As the wood used in the Fibo system is harvested from renewable FSC or PEFC certified forests, customers can be assured of the sustainability of the material.

The weight of the materials was also a significant factor. The report shows that the total amount of material required to fit out a bathroom is significantly higher when using tiles compared to a Fibo based wall system. The combined materials used in a Fibo bathroom are in total 79% lighter than the materials used to tile the same wall area.

The results of the study also highlighted the positive impact that reuse and recycling can have on the total carbon footprint, especially for the wall panels where 89.5% of the carbon contribution comes if the panels are burnt for energy or left to degrade at the end of their lifespan. If the wall panel system can be reused, the release of the embodied carbon is avoided, and the total carbon footprint is reduced significantly.

Scott Beattie, Managing Director at Fibo UK, said:

“The findings of this study are important as it demonstrates the environmental benefits of using our wall system compared with tiles. With the increased focus on the embodied carbon of projects, it is now more important to look at every product and material to evaluate where lower impact choices can be made. Adding the environmental performance to the speed, simplicity, durability, hygiene and aesthetics of the Fibo wall system makes it the obvious alternative choice to tiles.”

To find out more about the Fibo wall system visit www.fibo.co.uk.