As the demand for sustainable building solutions intensifies, metal ceilings are becoming increasingly popular, especially for commercial architecture. With their remarkable recyclability and longevity, they are emerging as a smart choice for the forward-thinking and environmentally conscious. So, we sat down with Steven Fraser, Ceiling Systems Manager at Network Architectural, to unpack the environmental potential of metal ceilings, and talk about what makes durlum a real stand-out in this space.

Can you tell us about your background in sustainability and how it led you to your current role at Network Architectural? 

I've always been passionate about how materials impact buildings and their occupants, and with over 15 years of experience in manufacturing composites and metals I have developed a deep understanding of their environmental impact. 

Now, as Ceiling Systems Manager, I strive to help architects and subcontractors choose the best products for their needs while prioritising sustainability. I strongly believe that we are the custodians of our environment for the next generation, and I like to align my career trajectory to employers that share my values. Network Architectural certainly does.

From your perspective, how does sustainability factor into today's architecture and design landscape?

Incorporating sustainable design principles from the outset is paramount to ensuring efficient use of resources, reducing waste, and improving overall building performance. And for me, creating durable ceilings that minimise ongoing maintenance and withstand the test of time to reduce waste and energy in the long term is absolutely crucial. In essence, it’s all about using less resources and repurposing existing elements.

How important is sustainability to your organisation? Is it an important consideration when sourcing products to support?

Sourcing sustainable products for our portfolio is essential for Network Architectural. It’s a fundamental principle of the company’s ambition to create positive environmental and social impact. And while financial success is important, it really is about fostering responsible business practices that benefit employees, the industry as well as global communities at large. 

durlum is your leading metal ceiling solution. How does durlum's commitment to sustainability align with Network Architectural's environmental ethos?

durlum is also committed to sustainability, which aligns perfectly with Network Architectural's environmental ethos. durlum has achieved an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for all of its steel, aluminium and chilled/heated ceilings, which means that they have independently verified the environmental impact of their products throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, use, and end-of-life disposal.

Plus, durlum is also certified according to the international environmental management standard ISO 14001 as well as energy management standard ISO 50001 – these certifications demonstrate durlum's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and improving its energy efficiency.

Speaking of certifications, last year you went through the process of obtaining Global GreenTag GreenRate certification for durlum. Can you talk through that process?

We’re very proud to have achieved Global GreenTag GreenRate Level A Certification last year. It was a rigorous process that involved evaluating our durlum Aluminium Panels across various factors, including health and ecotoxicity, life cycle analysis, and corporate social responsibility.

We had to provide detailed evidence demonstrating that our product ingredients and manufacturing processes aren't harmful to people or the environment. This was a challenging but rewarding undertaking that ultimately reinforced our commitment to sustainability.

We're confident that our Global GreenTag GreenRate Level A Certification proves that our durlum Aluminium Panels are a responsible choice for projects prioritising sustainability.

With all that in mind, would you consider metal ceilings to be a good sustainable solution and why?

Absolutely. I think it’s important to acknowledge that metal ceilings use a lot of energy to produce in the first instance, however their robustness, corrosion resistance and longevity of use offset this impact. And if incorporated with smart solutions can effectively help reduce the day-to-day energy consumption of the buildings' operational energy use, such as lighting and heating.

In addition, metal ceilings offer one of the best end-of-life opportunities. Not only do they offer an exceptional life span of over 50 years – they are infinitely recyclable and remain to be a high value item at the end of its long-life span. Plus, recycling metal ceilings uses 95% less energy than producing new metal. Consequently, metal building products rarely end up in landfills, contributing to a circular economy.