Environmental Design + Construction - January 2009 - (Page 4)

Ceramic Tile. Beauty from the earth that’s actually beautiful for the earth. Ceramic tile is one of the most versatile, inspiring materials architects and designers have at their disposal. From tiny mosaics to technologically advanced large format tiles; and with boundless color and texture options, to decorating with realistic CMYK (4-color process) digital inkjet printing, the question becomes “what can’t one achieve with ceramic tile?” When it comes to ceramic tile, you’re limited only by your imagination – certainly not limited by a lack of eco-friendliness. From plentiful raw materials. The natural resources used in ceramic tile manufacture are clay and water, which means, unlike many other surface material options, ceramic tile’s raw materials are abundant. Plus, environmentally conscious tile makers, such as Tile of Spain manufacturers, reuse their own water and waste clay, adding to the material’s sustainability pro le. Ceramic Tile. Naturally eco friendly. Beyond not taking much from the environment, ceramic tile gives back – signi cantly. It’s an enduring material with a usable life of over 40 years, so it far outlasts alternative surface materials – up to eight fold. Spot repairs can be made, rather than total replacement. UV light won’t fade ceramic tile. And it has the ability to endure re, ood – virtually any natural disaster. When new tile is installed, because it can be laid over existing tile, land ll waste is reduced and nish and substrate resources Ceramic tile as energy saver and energy producer. Technological advancements led by Tile of Spain manufacturers have taken an already eco-friendly material to new heights. For example the use of cogeneration energy to supply plant electricity and heat for spray driers signi cantly reduces the energy consumption of many facilities. The environmental stewardship extends beyond their own walls, too. Tile of Spain manufacturers have proactively partnered with pioneers in solar energy to develop photovoltaic ceramic tiles that are clad with solar cells to produce energy year round. Now, architects can design building exteriors that are not only venues for creative expression, but for environmental responsibility, as well. Ventilated facades add to this eco advantage. Because they leave a gap, or “chimney,” between the building surface and the tile, a thermal barrier is created, conserving energy and reducing heating and cooling costs and noise pollution. As an added eco bonus, ventilated facades can also be out tted with photovoltaic tile. Raised oor systems are another innovation where Tile of Spain manufacturers lead the way. Ceramic tile oors are even more practical when an under- oor space is created for running Mimicking Mother Nature. Tile of Spain manufacturers, although traditional craftspeople, utilize the latest technology to trick the eye and the hand, beautifully. Digital inkjet printing is now applied to tile making, enabling architects and designers to exercise their inspirations with looks of materials such as wood, textiles, leather, metals and stone to create faux surfaces. But with all the practical bene ts of ceramic tile, including durability, easy maintenance, hygienic properties, and more. are saved. But even when a ceramic tile surface is torn out for new, the waste is 100% natural so it poses no threat to the land ll.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Environmental Design + Construction - January 2009

Environmental Design + Construction - January 2009 Contents Web TOC Editor's Note Newsline New + Notable Civic Responsibility Readers’ Choice Awards Success Story 2009 Manufacturer Spotlights Feeling Right at Home Marketplace + Classifieds Advertiser's Index Parting Shot

Environmental Design + Construction - January 2009

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