Knauf is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of modern insulation materials, drylining systems, plasters and accessories, thermal insulation composite systems, floor screed, floor systems, and construction equipment and tools.

Local roots. Global presence.

With more than 300 plants, a presence in 90 countries across all continents, around 41,500 employees worldwide, and a turnover of €15.4 billion (2022), the Knauf Group is without doubt one of the big players on the market – in Europe, the USA, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

What are some of Knauf’s key sustainability priorities?

At Knauf, we have embraced the challenge and responsibility of leaving the next generation with a liveable planet. Thinking in generations and working sustainably have been key attributes of our family business from the very start.

Firstly, we believe in transforming the built environment. And to accelerate our sustainability leadership in the industry, we are continuously innovating to create solutions that reduce the environmental impact of buildings and make homes more sustainable in future.

Secondly, at every step of our operations, we try to do things better – from naturally recultivating the sources of our raw materials and ensuring the wellbeing of the communities where we operate to driving a circular economy across our plants, supporting our customers, suppliers and partners to adopt the sustainability best practices that will be genuinely world-changing.

This vital project specified Knauf’s GECA certified Multistop™ 5 plasterboard

Knauf committed to a sustainability pushback in 2021, and as of this year, most of the 90 countries we operate in have a dedicated sustainability manager. We are committed to reducing our operations and solutions’ carbon footprint and targeting net zero by 2045.

Why did you choose GECA certification? And how vital is independent certification to you and your customers?

GECA certification gives confidence to the architects, specifiers and building designers we work with that our products meet world-class environmental standards. This independent certification makes it easy for them to trust their selection of Knauf for green building projects.

What do you think are the biggest sustainability challenges for your industry right now?

The construction industry has long been known for its consumption of raw materials and natural resources; now, the infrastructure boom is increasing the pressures associated with climate change and the race to net zero. Ensuring the built environment can meet goals for sustainability requires effort at every stage of the process and a more open and transparent relationship between design and construction. This type of collaboration will foster more sustainable building designs.

Image: Northern Hospital Epping