Hearing a lot about "green" and wondering what's real?  Or how ceramic tile rates as a "green" building product?  Ceramic tile has always been a "green" product, but the increased attention to environmentally sound building practices highlights ceramic tile's advantages.

Because ceramic tile does not release fumes and gases after installation (unlike, say, some carpet), it contributes to indoor air quality.  If ceramic materials are made nearby, the fuel and emissions related to transportation of building supplies are reduced.  In addition, because ceramic lasts so long, it is a very low lifetime-cost building product. 

There are several Green Building rating systems that evaluate how "green" a building is.  The LEED system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the US Green Building Council and is one of the better known ones.  The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Collaborative for High Performance Schools, and Green Globes are other rating systems.

Arcana's tiles contribute to LEED points in the following areas:

• Regional Materials (MR Credit 5.1 and 5.2)
• Low-Emitting Materials (EQ Credit 4.3)

In addition, we strive to protect our enviroment by using sound environmental practices in our shop with biodegradable lubricants, water recycling, packaging recycling, and other measures.