If you attended the Greenbuild conference in Chicago last November, you would have been hard pressed to find a green cabinet manufacturer among the exhibitors – but you couldn’t turn around without bumping into a new type of green countertop. They nearly outnumbered the waterless urinals. Over the past couple of decades, countertops have evolved from tried-and-true laminate to bold new materials and colors of every taste and budget. It’s not surprising to see the creativity of new countertops go hand-in-hand with the emergence of green products. Below are several types of green countertops, from least expensive to most. Feel free to give any feedback you have on any of these products.
Laminate - Easily the least expensive green countertop, laminate countertops made with recycled wood particle board (like SkyBlend) and non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) adhesives are ideal for building projects that are seeking green certification at the lowest cost. It may take a while to track down a local fabricator offering green laminate countertops, but they shouldn’t cost more than a few dollars more a square foot than regular laminate tops.
Stainless Steel - Made from one of the most recycled materials, stainless steel objects today consist of, on average, 60% recycled material. If the particle board or MDF substrate is made from recycled material and glued with a non-VOC adhesive, a stainless steel countertop can be an inexpensive green option.
Recycled Paper - Manufactured from recycled paper, countertops like Richlite and PaperStone are durable and give off low to no VOCs. PaperStone, which Starbucks has been using both as a counter and as a rainscreen, offers colors in both 50% and 100% post-consumer recycled paper. EcoTop is a new paper based countertop from Joel Klippert, one of the innovators of PaperStone.
Greenguard Certified - Some countertops that may not be made up of recycled materials can be considered green because they emit low to no harmful emissions. Many solid surface countertops, like Silestone, Cambria, and Corian, are Greenguard certified. Greenguard, which certifies many types of products, is to emissions what ENERGY STAR is to energy usage.
Terrazzo – Where art meets sustainability. Easily some of the most beautiful countertops available, terrazzo is a concrete based countertop highlighted with chips of material, usually glass, to give it a marble-like look. IceStone and Vetrazzo are both stunning recycled glass and concrete countertops. EnviroGLAS offers EnvirSLAB, a countertop made of recycled glass and porcelain in an epoxy resin. IceStone has been awarded the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Certification for their environmental efforts at every stage of production.
Wood - Craft-Art offers wood countertops made from either Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood or reclaimed wood. They can be butcher block, stained wood, or a beautiful distressed rustic look.
It won’t be long until house listings start to include the phrases “IceStone countertops” or “Craft-Art countertops” instead of the usual “granite countertops.”
It just so happens that I was visiting Joel today to look at some of these counter top materials (among other things… planning a kitchen remodel, and want to make it as green as possible). I was impressed by the range, both in terms of materials (re)used, and cost options. Most importantly for many people, though, these were beautiful materials… nothing “crunchy” about them…
It just so happens that I was visiting Joel today to look at some of these counter top materials (among other things… planning a kitchen remodel, and want to make it as green as possible). I was impressed by the range, both in terms of materials (re)used, and cost options. Most importantly for many people, though, these were beautiful materials… nothing “crunchy” about them…
The PaperStone looks like an exciting product. Does anyone have info on its durability or moisture absorption? My only concern with ‘new’ products is knowing how long they will continue to look good when the product itself has only been around a couple years.
The PaperStone looks like an exciting product. Does anyone have info on its durability or moisture absorption? My only concern with ‘new’ products is knowing how long they will continue to look good when the product itself has only been around a couple years.
ENERGY STAR is a public program backed by the US EPA and US DOE (www.energystar.gov). Greenguard is a private program which requires proprietary testing by the for-profit laboratory which started the program, Air Quality Sciences in Atlanta (www.aqs.com). Both programs have advantages, but they are NOT equivalent.
ENERGY STAR is a public program backed by the US EPA and US DOE (www.energystar.gov). Greenguard is a private program which requires proprietary testing by the for-profit laboratory which started the program, Air Quality Sciences in Atlanta (www.aqs.com). Both programs have advantages, but they are NOT equivalent.
Keep in mind that, while Greenguard certified, the Quartz products (Silestone, Cambria, Zodia, Caesarstone, etc) are made of 25% petroleum based resin by volume. They’ll say (7% by weight) Not so green in my book. Lots of things don’t off-gas. Doesn’t make them green.
Keep in mind that, while Greenguard certified, the Quartz products (Silestone, Cambria, Zodia, Caesarstone, etc) are made of 25% petroleum based resin by volume. They’ll say (7% by weight) Not so green in my book. Lots of things don’t off-gas. Doesn’t make them green.
@green mormon architect — I know there’s info on PaperStone’s moisture absorption… Joel mentioned that yesterday when we talked, and my take-away was that it’s not an issue (but I’m sure you want details). He can likely tell you more.
@green mormon architect — I know there’s info on PaperStone’s moisture absorption… Joel mentioned that yesterday when we talked, and my take-away was that it’s not an issue (but I’m sure you want details). He can likely tell you more.
I think that Joel’s intent was to give a more familiar example to help explain what Greenguard is for people who are not familiar with it.
In that each is a major program in its respective field (energy efficiency, indoor air quality) I think it’s a reasonable comparison.
Greenguard is (at least according to their website: http://www.greenguard.org/Default.aspx?tabid=22) a third-party non-profit organization. It arose out of work done by AQS, but it is now an ANSI standards developer.
If you know more about their practices and processes, I’d be interested in hearing about it.
I think that Joel’s intent was to give a more familiar example to help explain what Greenguard is for people who are not familiar with it.
In that each is a major program in its respective field (energy efficiency, indoor air quality) I think it’s a reasonable comparison.
Greenguard is (at least according to their website: http://www.greenguard.org/Default.aspx?tabid=22) a third-party non-profit organization. It arose out of work done by AQS, but it is now an ANSI standards developer.
If you know more about their practices and processes, I’d be interested in hearing about it.
Thanks for the clarification on ENERGY STAR. It wasn’t my intent to paint Greenguard as a governmental organization with the same standards as ENERGY STAR. I simply wanted to convey that if you are looking to save energy, you look for the ENERGY STAR certification, and if you are looking for countertops with low to no harmful emissions, you look for the Greenguard certification.
As for PaperStone, water absorption is usually the first question we get. That’s understandable, considering it’s made of paper. The first detail listed on their technical specifications page is water absorption, which is listed at .82% by weight.
Thanks for the clarification on ENERGY STAR. It wasn’t my intent to paint Greenguard as a governmental organization with the same standards as ENERGY STAR. I simply wanted to convey that if you are looking to save energy, you look for the ENERGY STAR certification, and if you are looking for countertops with low to no harmful emissions, you look for the Greenguard certification.
As for PaperStone, water absorption is usually the first question we get. That’s understandable, considering it’s made of paper. The first detail listed on their technical specifications page is water absorption, which is listed at .82% by weight.
What about concrete countertops? Does anyone have an opinion on how green it is? We are planning a major green remodel including kitchen and our plan is to use concrete for our countertop mainly because the large island is an irregular shape and concrete can be molded into any shape. We also like the earthy look and feel of a concrete countertop. Thanks so much for any input any of you have.
What about concrete countertops? Does anyone have an opinion on how green it is? We are planning a major green remodel including kitchen and our plan is to use concrete for our countertop mainly because the large island is an irregular shape and concrete can be molded into any shape. We also like the earthy look and feel of a concrete countertop. Thanks so much for any input any of you have.
Thanks for your question, Lisa. Concrete countertops have the potential to be green, but there are some questions you need to ask the fabricator. It should have as much fly ash as possible while remaining structurally sound. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal power plants that previously was released into the atmosphere. Concrete is one of the best ways to recycle this material. Plus, it replaces Portland Cement, which is not green because of the resources required to manufacture it. Additionally, make sure the sealants used on the countertop are free of urea-formaldehyde or other VOCs.
Warning: Many fabricators have moved away from pouring concrete on site because it has a curing and sanding process of almost a month, essentially making your kitchen unusable if you are remodeling. Most cut your top from a slab they have poured at their own plant and deliver it after the curing and sanding process is finished.
Thanks for your question, Lisa. Concrete countertops have the potential to be green, but there are some questions you need to ask the fabricator. It should have as much fly ash as possible while remaining structurally sound. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal power plants that previously was released into the atmosphere. Concrete is one of the best ways to recycle this material. Plus, it replaces Portland Cement, which is not green because of the resources required to manufacture it. Additionally, make sure the sealants used on the countertop are free of urea-formaldehyde or other VOCs.
Warning: Many fabricators have moved away from pouring concrete on site because it has a curing and sanding process of almost a month, essentially making your kitchen unusable if you are remodeling. Most cut your top from a slab they have poured at their own plant and deliver it after the curing and sanding process is finished.
Concrete is probably about the same or slightly less green than granite or other stone. Stone probably has more embodied energy in quarrying and shipping, versus concrete, which comes from more local sources. But, as Joel says, there’s a lot of embodied energy in producing portland cement.
Concrete is probably about the same or slightly less green than granite or other stone. Stone probably has more embodied energy in quarrying and shipping, versus concrete, which comes from more local sources. But, as Joel says, there’s a lot of embodied energy in producing portland cement.
I just wanted to ad my 2 cents on Concrete Countertops.
As for full disclosure I do want to add that I am a Concrete Countertop Fabricator.
I want people to know that Concrete Countertops “CAN BE” the most eco-friendly choice for the consumer market if people do their research on who is doing the work and where they are getting their materials. I had previously worked in the heavy civil, materials (quarry, concrete) supply, and materials quality control industry for over 10 years. It is important to understand that you should be looking for someone with both back-round (accredited certifications), and real world experience (actual work in place no just photo’s and seminars). It is also important to know the supply chain of where the products are coming from. How good is green if the recycled content is coming from a location in on area of the world, then shipped to a manufacturing facility, then shipped to a port, then ship to a distribution center, then shipped to a warehouse, then shipped to the local retailer or installer to be sized before it is finally shipped and installed to the customer. That is a very lengthy supply chain. This is seen in your new engineered quartzite stones, or terrazzo stone like products. The supply chain foot-print is nearly the same for the granite industry as well. Not to mention the problem of grinding, honing, and polishing many time is required to take place in two separate locations on opposite ends of the supply chain in order to meet all the different supply chain customers’ expectations along with the final customers expectations.
If you choose a “REPUATIBLE” Concrete Countertop manufacturer who has crafted their own “PROVEN” mix design (a non pre-bagged retail product). And who deals directly with the right suppliers of local raw materials (usually within 500 miles) it is possible to greatly reduce the supply chain foot-print.
Aside from this a good “PROVEN” mix design can yield a recycled/reclaimed/re-used product over 90 %. We have on product that has less than 3% of completely virgin material used (that being the Portland Cement). That means that 97% of our materials are either of recycled products, reclaimed products, or of re-used products (we classify secondary use as a re-use product). By the way we do not use “Fly Ash” in our mix designs for engineering reasons and for possible health reasons brought up by some customers.
If anyone is interested in the mechanics of good “PROVEN” concrete countertop mix design please feel free to contact me at eric@crete-isan.com.
Thank you for your time.
I just wanted to ad my 2 cents on Concrete Countertops.
As for full disclosure I do want to add that I am a Concrete Countertop Fabricator.
I want people to know that Concrete Countertops “CAN BE” the most eco-friendly choice for the consumer market if people do their research on who is doing the work and where they are getting their materials. I had previously worked in the heavy civil, materials (quarry, concrete) supply, and materials quality control industry for over 10 years. It is important to understand that you should be looking for someone with both back-round (accredited certifications), and real world experience (actual work in place no just photo’s and seminars). It is also important to know the supply chain of where the products are coming from. How good is green if the recycled content is coming from a location in on area of the world, then shipped to a manufacturing facility, then shipped to a port, then ship to a distribution center, then shipped to a warehouse, then shipped to the local retailer or installer to be sized before it is finally shipped and installed to the customer. That is a very lengthy supply chain. This is seen in your new engineered quartzite stones, or terrazzo stone like products. The supply chain foot-print is nearly the same for the granite industry as well. Not to mention the problem of grinding, honing, and polishing many time is required to take place in two separate locations on opposite ends of the supply chain in order to meet all the different supply chain customers’ expectations along with the final customers expectations.
If you choose a “REPUATIBLE” Concrete Countertop manufacturer who has crafted their own “PROVEN” mix design (a non pre-bagged retail product). And who deals directly with the right suppliers of local raw materials (usually within 500 miles) it is possible to greatly reduce the supply chain foot-print.
Aside from this a good “PROVEN” mix design can yield a recycled/reclaimed/re-used product over 90 %. We have on product that has less than 3% of completely virgin material used (that being the Portland Cement). That means that 97% of our materials are either of recycled products, reclaimed products, or of re-used products (we classify secondary use as a re-use product). By the way we do not use “Fly Ash” in our mix designs for engineering reasons and for possible health reasons brought up by some customers.
If anyone is interested in the mechanics of good “PROVEN” concrete countertop mix design please feel free to contact me at eric@crete-isan.com.
Thank you for your time.
Mr. Eric Anderson, on June 26, 2008 gave his comments on being green and synthetic counter-tops and the fight between MIA and Promoters of Engineered stone. With what little is known, Man has lived with nature since his creation. Granite was there in the begining. Engineered stone is latest development. Yes, advocates of engineered stone say only 7% by wt. is resins and allied materials, note it is 22 to 30% by volume of polyesters, Phenolformaldehyde, Acrylates or epoxies plus pigments, plus accelerators plus activators plus boosters and retarders besides more health & safety hazardous chemicals, extending to ultimate deseases as silcosis (cancer of lungs)from quartz dust and powder, Phenol-formaaldehyde derivatives a proven carcinogenic symthic resin, and pigments which do relate to give off carcinogenes, all depending upon what type of formulation is used, in the production of Engineered stone.
Proponents of engineered stone have vested interested. Asbestos was used in the Gaskets/Automotive/Building Industry as a friction material, when it was found to be a cancer promoter. Thus banned. Are we going to ban silicon dioxide, Silica dust in quartz from which synthetic stone products are made? Masses should be educated with total proven facts of the products and not given partial truths to benefit ones interest or greed. MIA is partially following the truth. It should expose the drawbacks of Engineered stone and or benefit of Granite. In the final analysis, yes radon is prevelent in Granite, what is the safe level? Some granites have negliable levels. Some may have none. If Green is Nature then Granite is Nature. We lived with it since time immemorial. All synthetics products have proven eventuually to a greater or lesser extent a health hazzard. THEREFORE WE USE WHAT WE CAN AND CAN WHAT WE CAN”T
Mr. Eric Anderson, on June 26, 2008 gave his comments on being green and synthetic counter-tops and the fight between MIA and Promoters of Engineered stone. With what little is known, Man has lived with nature since his creation. Granite was there in the begining. Engineered stone is latest development. Yes, advocates of engineered stone say only 7% by wt. is resins and allied materials, note it is 22 to 30% by volume of polyesters, Phenolformaldehyde, Acrylates or epoxies plus pigments, plus accelerators plus activators plus boosters and retarders besides more health & safety hazardous chemicals, extending to ultimate deseases as silcosis (cancer of lungs)from quartz dust and powder, Phenol-formaaldehyde derivatives a proven carcinogenic symthic resin, and pigments which do relate to give off carcinogenes, all depending upon what type of formulation is used, in the production of Engineered stone.
Proponents of engineered stone have vested interested. Asbestos was used in the Gaskets/Automotive/Building Industry as a friction material, when it was found to be a cancer promoter. Thus banned. Are we going to ban silicon dioxide, Silica dust in quartz from which synthetic stone products are made? Masses should be educated with total proven facts of the products and not given partial truths to benefit ones interest or greed. MIA is partially following the truth. It should expose the drawbacks of Engineered stone and or benefit of Granite. In the final analysis, yes radon is prevelent in Granite, what is the safe level? Some granites have negliable levels. Some may have none. If Green is Nature then Granite is Nature. We lived with it since time immemorial. All synthetics products have proven eventuually to a greater or lesser extent a health hazzard. THEREFORE WE USE WHAT WE CAN AND CAN WHAT WE CAN”T
What is the countertop in the picture? Looks beautiful….
What is the countertop in the picture? Looks beautiful….
The picture is of a wood top by Craft-Art.
The picture is of a wood top by Craft-Art.
Cosentino has a new product coming out in March 09 called ECO, It is made with the same machinery that Silestone is made on, slabs will be 63″ x 128″ and will be made with corn oil resin. It utilizes as much as 75% post consumer recycled products. It will be, scratch, scorch, and stain resistant and the price will be very competitive. In my opinion this will be the green countertop that all others will try to compete with.
Cosentino has a new product coming out in March 09 called ECO, It is made with the same machinery that Silestone is made on, slabs will be 63″ x 128″ and will be made with corn oil resin. It utilizes as much as 75% post consumer recycled products. It will be, scratch, scorch, and stain resistant and the price will be very competitive. In my opinion this will be the green countertop that all others will try to compete with.
So, I’m still trying to decide on the healthiest countertop to put in my kitchen. Does silestone have the unhealthy radon levels and is this a good alternative? Corian anyone?
I’m a bit concerned about this new ECO product–it doesn’t yet have a track record and is it affordable and available–we live in the Atlanta, Ga area?
So, I’m still trying to decide on the healthiest countertop to put in my kitchen. Does silestone have the unhealthy radon levels and is this a good alternative? Corian anyone?
I’m a bit concerned about this new ECO product–it doesn’t yet have a track record and is it affordable and available–we live in the Atlanta, Ga area?
Natural quartz surfaces such as Silestone or Cambria are absolutely radon free. They are also non-absorbent, so they don’t harbor bacteria and don’t require sealers or chemical treatments. Quartz surfaces are one of the healthiest countertop options out there, actually.
BTW, Cambria is the only quartz surface manufactured in America- so they have a lighter carbon footprint than others that are shipped in, such as Silestone (from Spain, I think).
Natural quartz surfaces such as Silestone or Cambria are absolutely radon free. They are also non-absorbent, so they don’t harbor bacteria and don’t require sealers or chemical treatments. Quartz surfaces are one of the healthiest countertop options out there, actually.
BTW, Cambria is the only quartz surface manufactured in America- so they have a lighter carbon footprint than others that are shipped in, such as Silestone (from Spain, I think).
Icestone is beautiful, but outrageously expensive. I’d hoped to use one their least-expensive styles, but it cost nearly twice as much as granite. And the other vetrazzos I’ve seen are twice that.
I’ve heard that the paper countertop does not wear well.
Guess I’ll be going with a Wilsonart laminate on a urea-free substrate.
Icestone is beautiful, but outrageously expensive. I’d hoped to use one their least-expensive styles, but it cost nearly twice as much as granite. And the other vetrazzos I’ve seen are twice that.
I’ve heard that the paper countertop does not wear well.
Guess I’ll be going with a Wilsonart laminate on a urea-free substrate.
Fantastic information. Wish i could locate more knowledge like this by other people! Thank you.