top of page

Why Use Sustainable Materials like Natural Stone And Wood

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) homes are green homes that are built to be healthier and safer by providing cleaner indoor air using building materials and products that do not give off toxic fumes in the home and are environmentally friendly during production, that uses no chemicals, reduces water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, requires less energy to manufacture, do not clog landfills and increase energy efficiency in the home.

A big part of eco-friendly building is using sustainable materials that do not negatively impact the environment in their sourcing and stand to last a long time with minimal or no maintenance without the use of chemicals.

See Natural Stone Institute: "www.naturalstoneinstitute.org"

Engineered artificial quartz countertops are killing workers. Workers are falling ill and even dying after making kitchen countertops.

Exposure to silica dust created while cutting and polishing engineered quartz countertops is giving workers severe silicosis, a fatal lung disease. The center for Disease and Control has issued the following warning ‘Silicosis is an incurable occupational lung disease caused by inhaling particles of respirable crystalline silica. Engineered quartz contains 90% silica. Granite usually contains less than 45% silica. Engineered quartz countertops has been found to be extremely dangerous.

There are many varieties of stone which are calcium based including limestone and certain varieties of marble (ex. Calcite, dolomite, onyx etc.)  that contain little or no silica. The silica content varies among stone varieties.  It is important to note that Natural Stone is not a preparation nor a mixture unlike engineered or cultured stone. It deals with the only construction material that is used just as it is found in nature and therefore it is not subject to the regulations of the health and safety files.

Related Reading: "Lawmakers Seek Protections For Workers Against Lung Damage Tied To Making Countertops : Shots - Health News : NPR "

Related Reading: "How New Cases Of Lung Damage Emerged In The U.S. Countertop Industry : Shots - Health News : NPR"

1.  Green homes sell at higher prices and faster than comparable conventional homes, according to market report by real estate appraiser and author Sandra K Adomatis.

2. Natural Stone Government Incentives-Green Building Incentives and Tax credits

Many governments are making it easier to choose natural stone by offering rebates, tax breaks and other benefits for choosing environmentally friendly building materials on building projects.

US Green Building Council Related Reading: "www.usgbc.org/articles/about-green-homes"

 

3. Green homes are built to be energy efficient ensuring they can be comfortably heated and cooled with minimal energy usage.

 

4. Green homes create value and are designed to use about 30-60% less energy.

 

5. Green homes can be built for the same cost as and sometimes less than conventional homes.

 

6. Natural stone is an excellent insulator, it can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in summer. Not only does it save you money on energy bills, it also helps protect your home against extreme weather conditions.  Homes that use sustainable materials such as natural stone is increasingly desirable as more than half of consumers rank green and energy efficiency as top requirements for their next homes.

bottom of page