Sustainability

Developing and Building Sustainably with James Hardie.

In It Together

James Hardie is committed to helping you build better, more sustainable projects by working with building science experts to understand the role our products play in the building envelope. The following information will help you determine how James Hardie brand products contribute toward the overall performance of the building.

LEED Guidelines

There are many green guideline programs in the building industry and all share the goal of building a more efficient, healthier building environment for those who live or work there. The USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) has created national guidelines (the LEED Program) from the collective experience of leading personnel in the green building movement.

While products alone do not provide points, Hardie® siding products may contribute to the following LEED New Construction points: MR5 (MR4 for Homes) Recycled Content and MR5 (MR4 for Homes) Regional Materials.  

James Hardie interior products may contribute to the LEED New Construction points for Low-Emitting Materials as the HardieBacker® product line is certified GREENGUARD Gold. Please view the certificates here. A project-specific cutsheet in support of recycled and regional content claims is available upon request. Please contact us for more information.

Product certified for low chemical emmissions: ULCOMM/GG UL2818

Building a Better Structure with Better Products and More Sustainable Raw Materials

While all green programs share a common goal of more efficient, healthier building, they do not always measure every way a product can contribute toward a better structure. The resources used and how and where the product is made, all contribute to it’s sustainability.
 
James Hardie has high quality standards for the raw materials it used for its products.
At least 75% of raw materials used are locally sourced
Raw materials (Portland cement, cellulose pulp, sand, and water) are low in toxicity
Raw materials that are extracted and processed near each manufacturing facility also reduces transportation
Ten manufacturing facilities support the regional economy and reduce the environmental impact caused by transportation of materials
Durable fiber cement materials not only require fewer resources for replacement, but help reduce maintenance and repair costs.

Other Features

The raw materials and practices used to create James Hardie brand products contribute to their sustainability, but there are a few more characteristics regarding how the product holds up over time.
 
Unique ColorPlus® Technology manufacturing process bakes on paint in our factories delivering a quality, consistent finish, eliminating VOCs during exterior painting.
Hardie® siding is non-combustible in accordance with ASTM E 136.
Our Zero to Landfill Project demonstrates our vision for making our products as efficiently as possible and is currently focused on reducing our landfilled waste by half.

Green Experts Say...

 
The single most important factor in green architecture is durability. If you want something to be green it has to last a long time. It has to handle water, heat and UV radiation. Fiber-cement handles all three exceptionally well.
Joseph Lstiburek, BASC, MENG., PHD, PENG
Green programs are intended to provide guidelines, however, they don't account for everything — good, common sense tells you that if a product is durable, doesn't rot, it will make your building better.
Peter Pfeiffer, FAIA

The Votes Are In:
James Hardie is chosen as the greenest siding brand

James Hardie was selected as part of the prestigious Green Builder Magazine Readers’ Choice awards for “Most Sustainable Product” of 2019.
 

Sustainability Is Built Into Our DNA

At James Hardie, our business is about building better communities that have a lower impact on our environment and are built to last. We operate with a global mindset and at the same time take great care in how our business impacts households, our James Hardie community, and the local communities in which we live and operate. We have formalized our commitment to sustainability with a strategy prioritizing the four pillars of Communities, Environment, Innovation and Zero Harm. Building sustainable communities is at the forefront of our strategy and integral to our success.
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