Plaster 2.0
It's no secret that sustainability is important for both people and the planet, and the naturally eco-friendly properties of ceramic and porcelain help bring these initiatives into our homes and businesses. The below resources, courtesy of TCNA (Tile Council of North America, Inc) Tile of Spain and Confindustria Ceramica (the Association of Italian Ceramics), provide a deeper look at tile and its related materials to better inform the material selection process, identify unique advantages with tile, share educational content and offer transparent and unbiased reports about installations.
SpecCeramics is committed to working alongside manufactures that are finding ways to reduce their impacts upon the planet and their communities.
TILE IS ENERGY EFFICIENT
Tile has the lowest carbon footprint of any flooring choice. The materials used to make tile are generally found within 500 miles of manufacturing facilities, dramatically reducing the energy and emissions that come from long-distance shipping. Tile's inherent thermal mass also reduces peak heating and cooling, which helps moderate temperature swings in your home. This means less work for an HVAC system and more energy savings.
ZERO VOCs
Since tile is manufactured at temperatures that reach up to 2500 degrees F, it's inherently inorganic, emitting zero VOCs. VOCs – emitted by virtually all other types of flooring – are harmful gases that can cause headaches, nausea, and nose, eye and throat irritation. VOC emissions are also a leading cause of "sick building syndrome."
RECYCLING & REUSE
There are many tile options available which are made from recycled materials. Plus, once installed, tile can be reused generation after generation. There's no question: combining incredible durability and responsible manufacturer usage of recycled content, tile is one of the most eco-friendly flooring options available.
FLAME RESISTANCE
Tile is nonflammable, meaning it doesn't produce smoke in a fire, reduces flame spread, and doesn't burn and give off toxic fumes. All of this can be especially meaningful in the event of a fire emergency, especially when considering the importance of maintaining clear exit pathways.
HEALTH, HYGIENE, AND SUSTAINABILITY BENEFITS
Ceramic tile is one of the healthiest flooring choices available—easy to clean, free of harmful irritants, and sustainable—all without compromising on artistic versatility. Every type of ceramic tile, including porcelain tile, quarry tile, wall tile, and pressed pavers, share all the health and sustainability benefits of ceramic tile. All written information is courtesy of Why Tile® – a joint initiative of the tile industry, with installers, contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers banded together the common goal of simply providing education and information about tile. Content has been edited for relevancy and clarity. Learn more at HTTPS://WHYTILE.COM/