Asking the Good Questions

This is why I love the blog. PC – the comment you posted about the slate debate got me going again. We had been focusing our efforts regarding tile selection in the typical fashion. We were concerned about the look, the cost and maintenance – the more typical three questions. Our goal is “thinking green” is not necessarily to have everything qualify under the green heading but to ask the questions and to make the effort to think about it. Almost every other store we have remembered to ask about sourcing, materials and specifics of the company (followed with some internet research). With the tile, we had forgotten to ask those questions.

I am not going to go into a long speech about tile and countertop options at this time. In part because I am waiting for information from the sales people we have met with (this should be part of their pitch anyway).

I will share a bit of what I learned thus far:

Yes, quarried stone has high embodied energy. Things to think about then are: whether or not it is locally fabricated (sent to local retailers and cut and sold there to local consumers); use of no harsh chemicals; company practice to try and use every scrap; and, options for low VOC adhesives and sealants or to set tile in Portland cement. The man-made product versus natural debate also comes down to durability. A long lifecycle means that it is less likely to end up in a landfill in just a few years.

In terms of suggestions, stone can help reduce energy costs (dark stones work well with under floor radiant heating or light stones with passive solar applications). Stone also doesn’t collect allergens or off-gas VOCs as compared with carpet or synthetics. Other suggestions include considering not throwing out cracked stone as it can be used for smaller countertop applications. One way to help reduce the impacts is to consider using salvaged or reclaimed stone products.