Porcelain tile needs consideration
as part of a green building strategy

Today there is more green flooring on the market than ever, ranging from carpet, VCT, laminate, rubber, linoleum and hard wood, products that have varying degrees of green properties. For years these products have been developed, manufactured and marketed as the leaders in green products.
Yet where has the marketability been for the tile indus-try as a viable option as it pertains to sustainability? It is hard to get information on green tile. If you were to have discussions with most tile manufacturers, they would say that they are working on making their products and process greener. Some of these manufacturers are highly visible in their processes and products mostly because of their large resources to pull from and investments into the program, such as having more money to spend on telling their green stories and making sure architects, designers and end users understand how their products can be used to gain points in LEED programs. Some even have senior staff dedicated to environmental issues.
What about tile in general and its value as a green product? The once believed idea that to be green meant recycled days is gone. We now are educated to know that it includes sustainability, life cycle impact, indoor air quality, emissions, soil erosion, efficient use of water, transportation, and of course, use of recycled materials — of which there are multiple kinds.

Life cycle analysis
One of the biggest impacts in One of the biggest impacts in green construction is the life span of materials. Life cycle assessment, or cradle-to-grave analysis, is the investigation of the environmental impacts caused by a product’s existence throughout its usable life. These results show that the environmental impact of longevity usually far outweighs the impact of the manufacturing process.
Years ago this study showed a life cycle longevity chart that indicated carpet and other flooring options would end up in landfills within six to 10 years, but this study will change given that most of these manufacturers can now recycle these products back into product without using landfill. However, the study can-not negate the fact that tile’s performance, durability, ease of maintenance and longevity make it a greener choice than most other flooring options, given that tile can easily last 50 years, and of course, some types can last much longer.
All studies that have been performed by the Tile Council of America and by way of flooring life cycle assessments have shown that all types of tile were more durable and therefore less expensive over the course of the products’ life span. In the documented listing of the TCNA all categories of tile have been listed as the best life cycle assessment followed by hardwood flooring, marble, laminate, terrazzo, carpet and VCT.

Indoor air quality
Volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, and include a variety of chemicals that may have short or long term health effects. Most highly concentrated forms are found inside of buildings, making a big issue for indoor air quality. Tile in general fares better for air quality than carpeting, wood products and resilient flooring. In the past the only real concern for tile as it related to indoor air quality was the installation materials used in setting-it. Recently manufacturers have made great strides to improve technological advances to reduce dust during installation, and products that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew in many of their products. These companies have their own green standards and offer multiple offerings in regards to green materials.
Emissions
The manufacturing of tile produces limited air pollution. In a study in 2003, the EPA found that the production of clay products results in the emissions of pollutants. These pollutants are generally produced due to fuel combustion during handling and transfer at the kilns and a little from the dryers, along with a small amount of emissions during the final processes. However, keep in mind that the environmental impact of longevity usually far outweighs the impact of the manufacturing process.
Transportation
One of the largest challenges to all manufacturers is transportation. Tile, of course, is heavy and many of the newest trends in flooring still come from overseas. Some of the U.S. manufacturers that produce, for example, in Dallas, Texas, Florence, Ala., or Crossville, Tenn., have the ability to be more environmentally friendly and to earn points toward LEED certification, if — and here is the limit — your retail installation location is within a 500 mile-radius of the manufacturing plant. If your installation site is more than this allowed 500 mile radius, the point towards certification is lost.

Recycled material
The two most used forms of recycled terms are post=industrial and post-consumer and are usually valued as a percentage by weight. LEED awards points toward the final project for use of recycled materials, not just one singular product or products
Some manufacturers use old glass, such as bottles or. windshields, and some manufacturers are able to recapture the clay and or glazes to recycle materials within the factory. Although these practices do not directly count toward recycled credits, it does keep these items out of landfills and water supplies.
Porcelain tile in ventilated façades
For the last few years, a few of the tile manufacturers have been promoting the specification of ventilated ceramic tile façades for exterior vertical applications. These systems have been used dominantly in the areas of Asia, Brazil and Europe. While some experts felt these systems would naturally grow in popularity in the United States, others were not so sure the trend would catch on here. In reality, the level of knowledge of ventilated facades was so limited, for both the architectural and tile community, that rapid growth of the systems was improbable. Enter the Green Movement sweeping our country today, and we perhaps have the catalyst we need to propel these products into demand for exterior facades
Many of the leaders in the tile industry are investing. their resources to understand the requirements of LEED certification, and the impact of their products and how they can contribute to the environment and sustainability. We know that ventilated façades can provide many benefits that center on energy savings by reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Couple this with the long-term benefits in relation to a lengthy life cycle of a ceramic tile ventilated façade installation. Aesthetically, polished porcelain tile is especially attractive as a product selection, as it is lighter in weight than natural stone, and it reflects the surroundings of the structure. This look is visually unique.
An exterior cladding system can contribute to LEED certification in a variety of ways. Credit could be available in the category of Energy and Atmosphere and also Materials and Resources. Additional credits could potentially be obtained by utilizing recycled material or offering products that meet regional criteria. The design and performance benefits are numerous, and must be explained to the specifier and general contractor.

Tile,in general,is a green product because it is of the earth.Tile has the best life cycle assess ment and scores very high with the environment indoor air quality standards. Most manufacturers are using recycled material content and have programs in place for solid waste conservation, water conservation and energy conservation.

As the green building movement continues to encompass more and more of the overall construction in the United States, the opportunities for exterior façades will increase.
Tile, in general, is a green product because it is of the earth. Tile has the best life cycle assessment and scores very high with the environment indoor air quality standards. Most manufacturers are using recycled material content and have programs in place for solid waste conservation, water conservation and energy conservation
Until there is consensus about standards for green. product certification, manufacturers and suppliers are having to supply their own due diligence to the multiple options and do the very best they can to be responsible and use good sense. Having said this, in conjunction with the CTDA, TCNA and the USGBC, new guidelines are in the process to set these standards.
As we are all aware, these issues will change at a rapid pace as the demand for this movement increases. Until then, tile will continue to be an excellent option when looking for green flooring and a sustainable option

Jason Neu is director of national accounts for South East Interior Systems in Acworth,Ga.He can be reached at. 770.499.0051 or via e-mail at jneu@seinteriors.com.