3 Key Considerations for Specifying Sustainable Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic-based materials are often the best choice for high-traffic spaces—not just for their durability but also for their benefits to well-being. Antimicrobial, allergen-free, and resistant to fire and chemical abrasion, ceramic tiles are an obvious choice for holistic good, though there is still much to consider when specifying. Keep these three simple tenets in mind on your next project.

01 THINK HEALTHY

While ceramic tiles are free of plastic, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds, they can contain recycled materials, so it’s imperative to watch out for added lead or other harmful elements when sourcing. More than 85 percent of North American ceramic tiles are covered by an industry-wide environmental product declaration (EPD), and all are cited by the Tile Council of North America in reports including the Ceramic Tile Green Guide and the Material Ingredient Guide. Internationally, the Spanish Ceramic Manufacturers’ Association outlines global EPD standards and insights into ceramics’ impact on indoor air quality. 

02 THINK LONG TERM

Not only can tiles be converted back into raw material for new products, but they also boast a useful lifespan estimated to be up to 50 years. Long-term sustainability goals should be clearly defined in a specification’s goals and objectives section, with a focus on durability and life cycle as key outcomes. To strengthen these goals, consider specifying requirements that go beyond the standard recommendations of ASTM International.

03 THINK LOCAL

The use of ceramic materials like terra-cotta for cladding dates back to the Babylonian era. Today, naturally occurring clays can still be sourced within 500 miles of manufacturing sites, making local sourcing a smart choice for reducing energy consumption. Manufacturers can provide key data on production locations, raw material sources, and transportation methods, helping architects and designers make informed, sustainable decisions.