Want to build better and save the planet? The plastering industry is right at the centre of this exciting revolution.
Construction is a big polluter with the buildings sector accounting for 37% of global emissions. Every trade needs to play its part.
The problem is that old-school plastering methods use way too much material, energy, and produce huge carbon footprints.
But what if modern plastering techniques could significantly reduce waste and emissions and produce healthier and longer-lasting buildings?
I’m going to show you just how the advanced plastering methods are reshaping sustainable construction. Whether you’re in need of a plasterer for your next build or planning to take your own methods up a gear these techniques will help you build better.
Ready? Let’s go!
Here’s a summary of what we’ll be covering in this article:
- Why Sustainable Plastering Is So Important Right Now
- The 5x Best Eco-Friendly Plastering Methods
- The Best Sustainable Plastering Materials To Use
- How To Minimise Waste On Every Job
Why Sustainable Plastering Is So Important Right Now
The game is changing…
Traditional plaster methods produce a ton of waste and are made of energy-intensive materials. Housing alone accounts for 20-35% of all environmental impacts and plastering is a key contributor.
Smart plasterers are already on the case…
Modern plasterers are using the best sustainable methods to save money, reduce waste, and deliver superior results. These techniques are not some kind of crazy high-tech wizardry. They’re common-sense ways of working that work on any job.
Recycled Gypsum Plastering
Did you know that modern gypsum plasterboard can be up to 100% recycled?
Yes, you read that right.
You can completely plaster a building with recycled materials.
How’s that possible? Well…
Manufacturers use old plasterboard from demolition and construction waste to process back into gypsum. They mix this recycled gypsum with virgin aggregates and produce new plasterboard. The finished product performs just as well as virgin materials.
Recycled gypsum significantly reduces:
- Manufacturing energy – by up to 75%
- Carbon emissions
- Material costs over time
- Landfill waste
The UK gypsum industry has already achieved 25% average recycled content and the number is only growing as plasterers specify more recycled materials.
Lime-Based Plastering Systems
Let me introduce you to one of the oldest sustainable plastering methods of them all…
Lime plaster has been used for centuries. But modern lime plastering systems combine the natural benefits of lime plaster with advanced application methods. The end result? A naturally sustainable and breathable finish that will last for decades.
The cool thing about lime plastering is that lime plaster actually absorbs CO2 as it cures.
Wait… so it removes carbon from the atmosphere?
Yes!
Lime plaster also creates:
- Naturally antibacterial surfaces
- Humidity regulation
- Walls that breathe properly
- Self-repairing materials through carbonation
Heritage restoration and eco-builds achieve unbeatable sustainability with lime plastering.
Clay Plaster Applications
Clay plaster is one of the sustainable construction materials making a massive comeback.
Totally natural and non-toxic. The manufacturing of clay plaster results in zero industrial emissions.
Clay plaster is a master at regulating indoor air quality. It absorbs moisture when humidity is high and releases it when the air is dry.
The list of benefits goes on:
- 100% natural and non-toxic
- Absorbs pollutants and odors
- Easy to repair and maintain
- Fully recyclable at the end of life
Modern clay plaster systems are compatible with standard plastering tools and techniques.
Thin-Coat Plastering Techniques
Want to slash your material waste on every job?
Thin-coat plastering methods reduce material use by 30-50% compared to old-school three-coat systems. Less material = lower costs and significantly reduced environmental impact.
Here’s how thin-coat systems work:
Advanced bonding agents allow plasterers to use thinner layers to achieve the same strength and performance as thicker traditional coats. Modern formulations also cure faster and provide better finishes.
Let’s look at the simple maths:
- Less material = lower carbon footprint
- Faster drying = faster completion times
- Reduced weight = lower structural loads
Thin-coat plastering works particularly well when used with plasterboard systems.
Prefabricated Plaster Systems
This could be the future of sustainable plastering…
Prefabricated plaster panels mean on-site waste is almost entirely eliminated. Manufacturers create precision plaster panels in a factory under controlled conditions. Plasterers then install them with minimal cutting required.
The advantages?
Factory production means:
- Zero weather delays
- Consistent quality control
- Minimal site waste
- Faster installation times
Prefab systems can also integrate insulation and vapor barriers, reducing coordination with other trades and speeding up construction.
Choosing The Right Sustainable Materials
Not all plastering materials are made equal…
Sustainable materials should have as little environmental impact as possible over their full lifecycle. This includes production, transportation, installation, and disposal. Some “eco-friendly” plastering materials have massive emissions during manufacture or transport.
When specifying sustainable plastering materials look for:
- High recycled content percentages
- Local material sources to reduce transport emissions
- Low-VOC formulations to maintain indoor air quality
- Third-party sustainability certification
Gypsum products with BES 6001 certification have been independently assessed to ensure responsible sourcing. You can find embodied carbon data in manufacturers’ documentation.
Reducing Waste On Every Project
The average job produces 15-30% waste.
This is money in the bin. Some basic planning can reduce waste by more than half.
Start by measuring and ordering more accurately. Plan room layouts to fit with standard board sizes to eliminate unnecessary cutting and off-cuts.
Sketch out your board layout on paper first to minimise joins and waste. A 15-minute planning exercise can save hours of unnecessary cutting and fitting.
Store materials correctly to prevent damage and contamination. Damaged boards and contaminated plaster cannot be used.
Installation Best Practices
The best eco-friendly materials will never perform well if not installed correctly.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. The most common system failures are due to improper mixing or application.
Use the right tools for each type of plastering material. Clay and lime plasters have different requirements to gypsum and require different trowels.
Train your team correctly:
Sustainable plastering methods are often different to traditional practices. It is worth investing time and effort in training. Improved results and reduced callbacks more than pay for the time spent.
Track waste percentages, drying times, and quality of finish on each job. Use this data to continuously improve performance and lower your environmental impact.
The Business Case For Going Green
Let’s talk numbers…
Sustainable plastering is not only good for the planet. It is great for your bottom line. Sustainable projects using the advanced methods outlined here typically cost less overall.
Here’s why:
Faster installation = lower labour costs.
Less waste = lower material costs.
Better quality = fewer callbacks.
Clients are increasingly demanding sustainable construction and are happy to pay more for it.
The sustainable construction market is huge and growing. Positioning your services as eco-friendly gives you access to high-value projects.
Final Thoughts On The Topic
Advanced plastering methods for sustainable building design are no longer a nice-to-have.
They are a requirement to stay competitive. All the techniques I have covered in this article result in:
- Lower environmental impact
- Reduced overall project costs
- Better finished quality
Start by implementing one or two techniques on your next project and measure the results. I promise you will be shocked why sustainable plastering is taking over the industry.
The construction sector is going through a transformation. Plasterers who change and adapt today will be the leaders of the market tomorrow.
Which sustainable plastering method are you going to try first?