Porcelain stoneware in green building projects

Eco-building and restored church with porcelain stoneware.

Green building, also known as bioarchitecture, is a design and construction approach that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of buildings by promoting the use of natural materials and sustainable practices. This approach combines ecological, biological and architectural principles to create healthy, eco-friendly living spaces that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings.

The fundamental principles of green building are:

Use of natural and recyclable materials.
Reduction of CO2 emissions throughout the building’s life cycle.
Enhanced energy efficiency and reduced consumption.
Creation of healthy and comfortable indoor environments for occupants.
Promotion of local resources and traditional building techniques.

Environmental and health benefits of green building

Buildings constructed according to green building principles are designed to reduce air and water pollution, improve indoor air quality, and minimise health risks associated with the use of toxic materials. By using natural materials and creating bright, well-ventilated spaces, these buildings promote the physical and mental well-being of occupants.

The combination of sustainable design and environmentally friendly materials creates healthier, more natural living environments. The most commonly used materials are hemp, cork, flax fibre, clay, cellulose fibre, perlite, calcium silicate, bamboo and porcelain stoneware.

Eco-friendly lobby with stone-effect porcelain stoneware. — Omnia Ceppo Grey

Why porcelain stoneware is ideal for green building

Ceramiche Keope’s porcelain stoneware is particularly suitable for green building projects because of its numerous ecological and sustainable properties.

For starters, it is made from natural, often recyclable materials, and its durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, cutting down on resource consumption.

Moreover, its exceptional resistance to temperature changes, water, fire, impact, abrasions, chemicals and mould ensures it maintains both its structural integrity and appearance over time.

Another key aspect is the energy efficiency of porcelain stoneware, which contributes significantly to thermal insulation in buildings, keeping indoor temperatures stable and reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. This makes it especially suitable for exterior facades, where it can provide extra thermal insulation and protection from the elements.

Porcelain stoneware is also low maintenance, as it is easy to clean and care for, which reduces the cost and environmental impact associated with long-term maintenance. At the end of its life cycle, it can be fully recycled, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.

These properties make Ceramiche Keope’s porcelain stoneware an excellent choice for green building projects, as it contributes to creating long-lasting, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings.

Incorporating porcelain stoneware into LEED-certified building projects

Porcelain stoneware’s eco-friendly and sustainable properties make it a valuable asset for earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits across several categories.

The voluntary LEED® certification, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the world’s most widely recognised standard for green building and sustainable design. The LEED® rating system is divided into nine categories, each with mandatory criteria and credits awarded based on the specific characteristics of the project.

Due to their eco-friendly production cycle, Keope’s ceramic and porcelain stoneware products contribute to earning LEED® credits in categories like Materials and Resources (MR), Sustainable Sites (SS) and Indoor Environmental Quality.

Porcelain stoneware can be used in various ways, including:

Ventilated external facades: porcelain stoneware can be used in ventilated external facades to enhance thermal insulation and protect the building from the elements.

Indoor and outdoor flooring: its durability and strength make porcelain stoneware ideal for creating floors in areas that experience heavy traffic and harsh conditions. Its resistance to impact, abrasion and chemicals makes it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor high-traffic areas.

Spaces with high hygienic demands: porcelain stoneware is ideal for environments such as hospitals, kitchens and bathrooms, where easy cleaning and chemical resistance are essential. Its low porosity inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria, ensuring a hygienic and safe environment.

International recognition for sustainability

Ceramiche Keope’s commitment to environmental sustainability is backed by numerous green certifications, including ISO 17889-1, PEF, FDES Vérifiée, EPD, CAM, LEED Compliant, WELLv2, MSDS, Declare and HPD. These certifications confirm its adherence to international standards in terms of environmental management, energy efficiency and material safety.

For more details, please refer to the pages on the porcelain stoneware production cycle and sustainability.