Green Squared Sets Standards for Tilemakers

The sustainability of ceramic tile materials and installation can be rated on a point system and certified through Green Squared.

Ceramic tile manufacturers can now jump from 'going green' to going Green Squared with new environmental criteria from the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

Green Squared is the first sustainability standard specifically for the flooring industry. The certification is based on a point system that evaluates attributes of tile and tile installation materials, so industry professionals and consumers can compare products.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which looks at the full lifespan of a product or material from processing the raw materials to final disposal or recycling, will also be available to gauge environmental impacts and consider improvement options.

Products from Crossville, Interceramic, and Metropolitan Ceramics by Ironrock have been awarded the first Green Squared certifications. Scientific Certification Systems, one of the first third-party certifiers accredited by the TCNA, assessed the products under the new standard.

Developed by the TCNA under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Green Squared certification (ANSI A138.1) evaluates product characteristics and manufacturing, corporate governance, end-of-life management and innovation. Certification tackles recycling systems, recycled content, indoor air quality and carbon footprint. Products eligible to achieve Green Squared certification include ceramic and glass tiles, grouts, mortars, backer boards, underlayments, and waterproof membranes.