At Statements, we emphasize environmental sustainability in both our product selection and our business practices. In this post, I’m going to describe our process for selecting green tiles. For more information on our business practices, check out the “sustainability” link.
In product selection, we have delineated eight criteria to measure potential products for sustainability. A product that meets 5 out of 8 criteria is considered sustainable. An easy way to recognize green products is to watch for the green leaf logo, shown above, on our product pages, tearsheets, and sample boards.
1. Green Production: In regards to manufacturing, the production company is certified by ISO 14001, Ecolabel, EMAS, Environment Priority One, or any third-party certification for environmental sustainability.
2. Local Origin: The product is manufactured within 400 miles of Seattle, WA.
3. Durability: With proper installation, the estimated lifespan of the product exceeds 30 years.
4. Recyclability: The product is re-useable as an input in the production of a new good.
5. Freight Emissions: Carbon emissions associated with the product supply chain have been mitigated through alternative fuel use, carbon offsetting or some other method. (Note: Statements Inc. has offset all carbon emissions resulting from inbound freight through a partnership with Renewable Choice Energy.)
6. VOC Free: The product does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful gases.
7. Recycled Inputs: The product is composed of post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials.
8. Toxin Free: Products must not contain any allergens that could contaminate the built environment. Product must not contain any toxins that could leach into the natural environment after disposal of the product.
Our Elements glass series is a good example of a product line that qualifies as green. This handcrafted, glass tile is made up of silica sand, an abundant natural resource, and a combination of pre-consumer, post-industrial and/or post-consumer recycled content from curbside glass recycling programs. Up to 86 percent of Oceanside Elements glass tile is made up of recycled materials.
Similarly, Statements Alumillenium metal line is made of 100 percent recycled metal content making it a sustainable, durable and allergen-free addition to your home or workspace.
If you are interested in materials that will help a project achieve LEED or BuiltGreen certification, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you with the process.
It’s stuff like this that makes me proud to work here.
We don’t just say that something is green and leave it at that. There are so many products out on the market today, especially in an eco-conscious area like the Puget Sound, that claim to be green as a selling point but don’t really have anything to back up their claims. We don’t make fuzzy claims, we put our criteria out in the open.
Also, thanks a ton Rebekkah for all the work you put in researching the tech specs on our products so that we can have as detailed a standard as we do!
~pw
Well said PW!! Statements is a great place to work, and thank you Rebekkah for your extra hard work keeping us at the forefront in eco-aware flooring.