Marble stone has long been a popular and practical choice of material for building and interior design. However, in today’s world, where sustainability and environmentally friendly considerations are top of mind, the interest in eco-friendly marble or alternatives to traditional marbles is growing.
The reality of marble is that it can be more or less sustainable than materials depending on a number of factors. It is important to understand both what makes marble a sustainable stone and what doesn’t, and appreciate what the other green interior ideas are out there and their own respective pros and cons.
Sustainability of Marble
Marble stone does offer a number of environmentally-friendly attributes.
1. Carbon emissions
The process of procuring and manufacturing marble, being a natural stone, can produce less carbon than other manufactured and alternative products.
2. No chemical processing
Procurement of marble stone does not require any processing or releasing of environmentally-damaging and toxic chemical substances.
3. Durability
Marble, like all natural stone, is long-lasting, durable and hard-wearing, so it is not subject to the same wear-and-tear and therefore needs replacing as some other materials.
4. Recyclability
Due to the durability of marble, this type of stone can be and is regularly recycled. The more material that can be reused and repurposed, the less rubbish needs to go to landfill.
Environmental Challenges of Marble
However, there are some challenges in procuring eco-friendly marble.
For one thing, while its processing may emit less carbon than some other alternatives, there are still significant emissions associated with the quarrying of marbles in particular.
Similarly, the mining process produced marble dust which, in large quantities, can cause some deterioration in the air quality of the immediate vicinity, deteriorate local soil quality and contaminate water sources if left completely unmitigated and uncontrolled.
Marble stone also needs to be transported from its quarry of origin to its final destination around the world. While the shipping and transportation industry is undergoing a massive energy transition in and of itself, there may still be some level of a carbon footprint associated with long distance shipping in the immediate future.
Finding Sustainable Stone for Your Home
Sustainable stone is becoming increasingly popular and, steadily, easier to find. Sustainable stone can be found for just about every type of natural stone, from granite to travertine, and from limestone to marble.
Natural stone material that offers environmental benefits, either in its procurement or in its application, can be considered sustainable and can positively contribute to the eco-friendly nature of the building or construction it is being incorporated into.
Characteristics of Sustainable Stone
1. Responsible processing
The processing of sustainable stone is critical. As the stone is extracted from the Earth with little or no chemical treatment, there is plenty of opportunity to reduce unnecessary pollution and carbon emissions in the process.
2. Long-term usability
As with marble stone mentioned above, sustainable stone can withstand the elements and use for literally hundreds of years, reducing the need for replacement, waste and more stone to be quarried.
3. Recyclability
In the event that the stone does need to be replaced, the more it can be repurposed and used in another application the more eco-friendly it will be.
4. Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a factor many people forget to consider. Stone facades can effectively improve a home or building’s energy efficiency. The high levels of insulation reduce heat transfer and allow for better and more natural climate control.
5. Carbon footprint compared to alternatives
Eco-friendly marble and sustainable stone can produce significantly less carbon in its manufacturing process compared to other synthetic materials like most ceramics and concrete.
Considerations for Sourcing Sustainable Stone
If eco-friendly stone is your preferred choice, there are a few strategies you can use for discerning just how green the stone you’re considering is.
For starters, consider where the stone is sourced from and how it is being transported to your construction site, home or building. The shorter the distance, the less emissions-heavy transportation will be required. In Australia, the options may be limited so it is important to also consider what sort of sustainability and offset practices your supplier offers.
Secondly, there are certifications, such as the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard which helps to formalise and standardise adherence to environmental and ethical quarrying standards and practices.
Thirdly, and this is reiterating the points above, consider the entire lifecycle of the stone you are intending to use. It’s not just about its procurement and transportation. Are you intending on using the stone for long-term purposes? Are you able to recycle or repurpose the stone in the future should it no longer be of use or required?
Discover Sustainable Marble with Euro Marble
Green Interior Ideas: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Marble
Through careful selection and thorough research, sustainable stone is more accessible than ever before. However, if for whatever reason, eco-friendly marble stone is not an option, there are a few green alternatives you can consider for your construction or interior design project.
1. Sintered Stone
Sintered stone is made from recycled materials, such as porcelain, glass or quartz. Well-made sintered stone can be stain resistant and durable, as well as available in a variety of colours and styles.
2. Recycled Glass
Recycled glass is often produced through a blend of glass mulch and natural adhesives and aggregates. Recycled glass is increasingly popular for use as countertops in particular, making it a possible alternative for marble.
3. Bamboo
Ethically sourced bamboo can make for an excellent option to replace marble countertops. This increasingly renewable resource is unique in its look, natural in its origin and, when properly sourced and manufactured, carbon-neutral in its production.
4. Recycled Porcelain
Some porcelain can be recycled and reused in the form of countertops, vanities and other household applications. Non-porous, waterproof and requiring little maintenance, recycled porcelain can be an eco-friendly alternative.
5. Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is a wonderful option to incorporate aesthetic, natural character in your home whilst minimising environmental impact. Like the recycled material options outlined above, reclaimed wood makes the most of otherwise wasteful material to reduce the impact on the environment.
Explore Eco-friendly Marble and More At Euro Marble
The team here at Euro Marble are passionate about all things natural stone, and in particular marble. But we are also passionate about being responsible and ethical about our carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
