GREEN points about Tile

"The solution of every problem is contained within itself. Its plan, form and character are determined by the nature of the site, the nature of the materials used, the nature of the system using them, the nature of the life concerned and the purpose of the building itself.”  Frank Lloyd Wright

• There are no plastics or solvents used to make the product.  Nearly all components in tile are organic—clay, sand, and feldspar.
• When harvested in a responsible manner, clay is considered an eco-friendly material.
• Tile is durable and can last generations (if not longer), meaning it will not be disposed of very quickly.
• Tile does not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria.
• Most tile glazes are water-based and use minimal amounts of solvents.  Once fired, the tile and glaze are completely fused with no emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Tile manufacturers are employing sophisticated dust collection systems and reclamation processes to reuse all unfired waste generated by production.
• Many manufacturers have systems that recycle 100% of retained production water resulting in a drastic reduction in water consumption.
• Technological advances are allowing manufacturers to take back post-consumer tiles and recycle them into new ones, thus keeping materials from municipal waste streams.
• Porcelain is technically impervious ceramic tile.  This means spills will not seep through the material and deteriorate the subfloor with rot, mold, etc.
• Tile can help projects earn LEED points under various areas, depending on where and how it is manufactured.
• Tile effectively retains both heat and the cooling effect of air conditioning.  When used in conjunction with an energy-efficient radiant heating system, the energy consumption required for a building can be reduced.
• Tile will not give off odors or absorb odors from other contaminants such as smoke and paint fumes.
• There are generally no gases or toxic by-products when installing or living with tile.

Information provided by Floor Covering News March 7/14 2011 issue.