To help reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, Armstrong World Industries has officially launched ULTIMA Low Embodied Carbon (ULTIMA LEC) ceiling panels, offering customers the lowest embodied carbon mineral fiber acoustical ceiling panels available.* Compared to standard Armstrong ULTIMA ceiling panels, ULTIMA LEC delivers a 43% reduction in embodied carbon utilizing new technology that includes sustainably sourced, wood-generated biochar. ULTIMA LEC panels are USDA verified 100% biobased content.
“We couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to uphold the mission of Earth Day than by introducing ULTIMA Low Embodied Carbon ceiling panels to demonstrate our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our ceilings,” said Shannon Weir, Director, Mineral Fiber Product Management, Armstrong World Industries. “Embodied carbon reduction is being discussed more and more in the built environment and sometimes is required in project specifications. ULTIMA Low Embodied Carbon ceiling panels make it simple to specify and remain true to the design vision while supporting our customers’ sustainability goals.”
To enhance its commitment to the planet, Armstrong has purchased verified carbon removal offsets for the remaining global carbon emissions in ULTIMA LEC. This will make all ULTIMA LEC sales carbon neutral through 2026 while additional product innovation work continues to further reduce the carbon emissions associated with the product.
ULTIMA Low Embodied Carbon Performance
ULTIMA LEC ceiling panels are part of the Armstrong TOTAL ACOUSTICS portfolio and provide the ideal combination of sound absorption and sound blocking in one panel (0.75 NRC and 35 CAC). They are also part of the Armstrong SUSTAIN portfolio and meet the most stringent industry sustainability compliance standards today. In addition, the fine-textured panels have a durable, washable, impact- and scratch-resistant finish, offering disinfectable, mold- and mildew-resistant surfaces and a 30-year warranty.
Circularity and Sustainability
To further support the circularity goals of Armstrong and the building products industry, ULTIMA LEC ceiling panels are made from 54% recycled content and can be recycled through the Armstrong Ceilings Recycling Program at end of their useful life. In addition, ULTIMA LEC ceilings will contribute to LEED® Material and Resources and IEQ credits. ULTIMA LEC ceilings will also help buildings achieve lower embodied carbon targets. With a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) optimization summary, this product offers an additional contribution to carbon reduction.
Building Better Together
ULTIMA LEC ceiling panels join recent Armstrong product introductions, including TEMPLOK Energy Saving ceiling panels, that aid in reducing the carbon footprint in the built environment. The launch of these new ceiling products follows the introduction of the “Building Better Together” initiative in 2023. This Armstrong initiative focuses on industry wide collaboration to advance sustainable solutions to public health and climate change challenges.
