Natural Stone Earns Significant Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Cementing Its Position as an Eco-Friendly Material
The National Stone Institute (NSI) has recently unveiled a groundbreaking milestone for the natural stone industry with the release of industry-wide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for natural stone. This development is not only significant for architects, designers, and conscientious consumers like yourself, but it also solidifies natural stone’s status as a low-carbon and environmentally friendly building material.
In essence, an EPD is a rigorously verified and registered document that provides comprehensive environmental information about a product’s lifecycle, allowing for accurate comparisons between similar products. The newly published EPDs for natural stone encompass the entire journey of the material, from quarrying and fabrication to installation, care and maintenance, and disposal. This detailed documentation covers three major applications of natural stone: cladding, flooring/paving, and countertops, catering to both commercial and residential projects, be it indoors or outdoors.
With the endorsement of EPDs, we can now confidently declare that natural stone is a health-conscious choice for all types of spaces, backed by independent data. It boasts a VOC-free composition and its inherent durability ensures outstanding performance across various applications. In fact, in its natural state, natural stone requires minimal processing, as it is a gift from Mother Nature herself. Furthermore, natural stone is not only an ideal solution for green building objectives, but it also holds the potential for refinishing and recycling, offering endless possibilities for reuse.
Ultimately, the introduction of EPDs brings increased awareness regarding the environmental impact of natural stone. Designers, architects, and homeowners alike can now make well-informed decisions when seeking sustainable materials. This valuable documentation grants natural stone a competitive advantage in today’s construction and building industry, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the realm of environmentally conscious choices.
