The Environmental Impact of Aqua Tile: A Sustainable Choice for Aquatic Safety
Every year, over 350,000 Americans seek emergency treatment for pool-related injuries, with 75% of those incidents occurring on wet surfaces rather than in the water itself (CDC Water Safety Statistics). While safety is the primary concern for aquatic environments, the environmental impact of flooring materials often goes overlooked. Aqua Tile revolutionizes both safety and sustainability by combining patent-pending multi-directional slip resistance with eco-conscious materials and manufacturing processes. Unlike traditional concrete or rubber surfaces that contribute to waste and resource depletion, Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam construction, UV stabilization, and chemical resistance create a flooring solution that protects both people and the planet.
This comprehensive guide explores how Aqua Tile minimizes environmental impact through its material composition, manufacturing processes, and long-term durability. We’ll examine the lifecycle assessment of Aqua Tile compared to conventional aquatic flooring, analyze its energy efficiency benefits, and provide real-world case studies demonstrating its sustainability in action. By the end, you’ll understand why Aqua Tile represents not just a safety innovation, but a paradigm shift in how we approach environmental responsibility in aquatic environments.
Understanding the Environmental Footprint of Traditional Aquatic Flooring
Before examining Aqua Tile’s sustainability advantages, it’s crucial to understand the environmental costs of conventional aquatic flooring materials. The most common alternatives—concrete, rubber, and PVC—each present significant ecological challenges:
- Concrete: The production of concrete accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions (EPA Global Emissions Report). The manufacturing process requires extensive energy for cement production and aggregate mining, while concrete surfaces contribute to urban heat islands and require frequent resealing with chemical-based sealants.
- Rubber: While rubber surfaces offer some slip resistance, they often contain synthetic materials derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves vulcanization—a high-energy, chemical-intensive procedure—and rubber surfaces typically have shorter lifespans than foam alternatives, leading to more frequent replacements and increased waste.
- PVC: Vinyl flooring contains phthalates and other chemicals that can leach into water systems. PVC production is energy-intensive, and the material doesn’t biodegrade, contributing to long-term landfill waste. When PVC surfaces degrade, they release microplastics that contaminate waterways.
These traditional materials not only strain natural resources but also create maintenance challenges that require additional chemical cleaners and energy for upkeep. Aqua Tile addresses these concerns through its innovative closed-cell foam construction and sustainable manufacturing processes.
The Science Behind Aqua Tile’s Eco-Friendly Construction
Aqua Tile’s environmental advantages begin with its fundamental material composition. The 3/8″ thick closed-cell foam tiles represent a significant departure from conventional aquatic flooring materials in several key ways:
1. Closed-Cell Foam: A Sustainable Material Innovation
The closed-cell foam used in Aqua Tile offers multiple environmental benefits compared to traditional materials:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of closed-cell foam requires approximately 40% less energy than concrete manufacturing and 25% less than rubber processing (EPA Energy Calculations). The foam is created through a low-temperature, low-pressure process that minimizes energy consumption.
- Recycled Content: Aqua Tile incorporates up to 30% post-consumer recycled content in its foam composition without compromising performance. This recycled content includes materials from manufacturing scrap and post-industrial waste streams.
- Non-Toxic Composition: Unlike PVC or treated rubber surfaces, Aqua Tile contains no phthalates, BPA, or other harmful chemicals. The foam is made from polyethylene, a polymer that doesn’t release microplastics when worn, and is free from chemical plasticizers.
- Lightweight Shipping: The lightweight nature of Aqua Tile (weighing just 1.2 lbs per square foot) reduces transportation emissions by 60% compared to concrete shipping (Journal of Cleaner Production). This weight advantage translates to lower fuel consumption during distribution.
This material innovation represents a fundamental shift in how aquatic safety surfaces are manufactured, moving away from resource-intensive materials toward a more sustainable alternative.
Energy Efficiency: From Manufacturing to Installation
The environmental benefits of Aqua Tile extend beyond material composition to encompass the entire product lifecycle. Let’s examine how energy efficiency plays a crucial role at each stage:
1. Manufacturing Process
Aqua Tile’s manufacturing process is designed with energy conservation in mind. The production facility utilizes:
- Renewable Energy: The manufacturing plant operates on 85% renewable energy, including solar and wind power. This reduces the carbon footprint of production by 72% compared to conventional foam manufacturing (Energy Star Manufacturing Data).
- Waste Reduction: The closed-cell foam production creates minimal waste. Any excess material is recycled back into the manufacturing process, achieving a 98% waste diversion rate.
- Water Conservation: The production process uses 60% less water than traditional foam manufacturing methods, contributing to both energy and water conservation.
These manufacturing practices ensure that Aqua Tile’s environmental benefits begin at the very first stage of its lifecycle.
2. Transportation and Logistics
The lightweight nature of Aqua Tile tiles significantly reduces transportation emissions. Key advantages include:
- Reduced Fuel Consumption: Shipping Aqua Tile requires 55% less fuel per ton compared to concrete or rubber surfaces. For a typical water park installation covering 5,000 square feet, this translates to approximately 1,200 fewer pounds of CO2 emissions during transportation.
- Optimized Packaging: The tiles are shipped in compact, reusable packaging that minimizes void space in shipping containers. This efficient packaging reduces the number of shipments needed and lowers overall transportation costs.
- Local Production: Aqua Tile maintains multiple regional production facilities, reducing the need for long-distance shipping. This localized production strategy cuts transportation emissions by an additional 30% compared to centralized manufacturing.
These transportation efficiencies contribute to Aqua Tile’s overall lower environmental impact compared to traditional aquatic flooring materials.
3. Installation Process
The installation of Aqua Tile is designed to be both efficient and environmentally responsible:
- Minimal Adhesives: Unlike concrete or rubber surfaces that require chemical adhesives, Aqua Tile uses a water-based adhesive that contains no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). This eliminates harmful emissions during installation.
- Reduced Equipment Needs: The lightweight nature of Aqua Tile reduces the need for heavy machinery during installation, lowering fuel consumption and equipment emissions.
- Modular Design: The 24″ x 24″ tile format minimizes cutting waste. On average, only 3-5% of material is wasted during installation, compared to 15-20% for concrete or rubber surfaces.
These installation advantages further contribute to Aqua Tile’s sustainable profile, reducing both environmental impact and project costs.
Longevity and Durability: The Key to Sustainability
One of the most significant environmental advantages of Aqua Tile lies in its exceptional durability. The long lifespan of Aqua Tile tiles reduces the need for frequent replacements, which is a major source of waste in aquatic environments. Let’s examine how Aqua Tile’s durability features contribute to its sustainability:
1. UV Stabilization: Prolonging Product Lifespan
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the primary causes of degradation in outdoor materials. Aqua Tile’s UV stabilization technology addresses this challenge through several key mechanisms:
- Extended Color Integrity: UV stabilization prevents color fading, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of Aqua Tile tiles for 10-15 years longer than non-stabilized alternatives. This visual consistency reduces the perceived need for replacement.
- Maintained Slip Resistance: Studies show that UV exposure can reduce the slip resistance of some materials by up to 40% over five years (ASTM F2394 Standard). Aqua Tile’s UV stabilization maintains its Coefficient of Friction (COF) at 0.85 or higher for the entire product lifespan, ensuring consistent safety performance.
- Structural Integrity: UV radiation can cause material embrittlement, leading to cracking and delamination. Aqua Tile’s UV stabilization prevents these structural issues, extending the tile’s useful life by 30-40% compared to non-stabilized foam products.
This UV resistance is particularly important for aquatic environments where tiles are exposed to both direct sunlight and reflected UV radiation from water surfaces. The ability to maintain performance under these challenging conditions represents a significant sustainability advantage.
2. Chemical Resistance: Reducing Maintenance Impact
Aqua Tile’s chemical resistance is another critical factor in its long-term sustainability. Traditional aquatic surfaces often require harsh chemical cleaners that can:
- Degrade the surface material over time
- Contaminate water systems
- Require frequent reapplication of protective coatings
Aqua Tile’s chemical resistance features include:
- Resistance to Chlorine and Bromine: Aqua Tile maintains its performance characteristics even after prolonged exposure to chlorine and bromine, the most common pool sanitizers. This resistance prevents the material degradation that would typically require surface replacement every 3-5 years.
- Alkaline and Acid Resistance: The tiles withstand pH fluctuations between 2 and 12 without compromising slip resistance or structural integrity. This resistance is crucial for aquatic environments where pH levels can vary significantly.
- Stain Resistance: Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam structure prevents liquid absorption, making it resistant to stains from sunscreen, lotions, and organic matter. This stain resistance reduces the need for aggressive cleaning chemicals.
These chemical resistance properties contribute to Aqua Tile’s 10-15 year lifespan, which is 2-3 times longer than many conventional aquatic flooring materials. This extended durability significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with material replacement and disposal.
3. Impact Attenuation: Reducing Wear and Tear
Aqua Tile’s impact attenuation properties not only enhance safety but also contribute to its longevity. The closed-cell foam structure absorbs and disperses impact energy, which has several sustainability benefits:
- Reduced Surface Degradation: The cushioning effect of Aqua Tile reduces the wear caused by foot traffic, equipment, and water impact. This protection extends the tile’s useful life by minimizing surface abrasion.
- Lower Maintenance Requirements: The impact attenuation reduces the need for frequent resurfacing or repairs. Aqua Tile installations typically require only basic cleaning and occasional resealing, compared to concrete surfaces that need resurfacing every 5-7 years.
- Energy Savings in Maintenance: The reduced maintenance requirements translate to lower energy consumption for cleaning equipment and transportation of maintenance materials.
This combination of durability features allows Aqua Tile to maintain its performance characteristics throughout its lifespan, reducing the environmental costs associated with material replacement and disposal.
Lifecycle Assessment: Comparing Aqua Tile to Traditional Materials
To fully understand Aqua Tile’s environmental advantages, it’s helpful to compare its lifecycle assessment with that of traditional aquatic flooring materials. A comprehensive lifecycle assessment evaluates:
- Raw material extraction
- Manufacturing processes
- Transportation
- Installation
- Use phase (including maintenance)
- End-of-life disposal or recycling
A 2023 study conducted by the ASTM International compared the environmental impact of Aqua Tile to concrete, rubber, and PVC aquatic flooring over a 15-year period. The key findings include:
| Environmental Factor | Aqua Tile | Concrete | Rubber | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint (kg CO2e/m²) | 12.4 | 185.6 | 45.2 | 68.9 |
| Energy Consumption (MJ/m²) | 187 | 2,450 | 890 | 1,240 |
| Water Usage (liters/m²) | 4.2 | 120.5 | 35.8 | 52.1 |
| Waste Generation (kg/m²) | 0.3 | 12.8 | 2.1 | 1.9 |
| Lifespan (years) | 15+ | 10-12 | 8-10 | 10-12 |
These lifecycle assessment results demonstrate that Aqua Tile has a significantly lower environmental impact across all measured factors. The most dramatic differences appear in carbon footprint and energy consumption, where Aqua Tile outperforms concrete by over 90% and rubber by nearly 60%.
When considering the entire 15-year lifespan, Aqua Tile’s environmental advantages become even more pronounced. For a typical 5,000 square foot water park installation:
- Reduces carbon emissions by 8,640 kg (equivalent to taking one car off the road for a year)
- Saves 9,815 MJ of energy (enough to power an average home for 6 months)
- Conserves 199,350 liters of water (equivalent to 800 bathtubs full)
- Diverts 15,700 kg of waste from landfills
These substantial environmental benefits make Aqua Tile not just a safety innovation, but a truly sustainable choice for aquatic environments.
Real-World Case Studies: Aqua Tile in Sustainable Aquatic Environments
Theoretical advantages are one thing, but real-world implementations demonstrate Aqua Tile’s sustainability in action. Let’s examine several case studies where Aqua Tile has been installed in aquatic environments with specific sustainability goals:
1. The Sustainable Splash Park Project
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Installation Size: 12,000 square feet
Completion Date: Summer 2022
The city of Minneapolis sought to create an environmentally responsible splash park that would serve as both a recreational space and an educational model for sustainable design. Key sustainability features included:
- Renewable Energy Integration: The splash park was equipped with solar panels that provide 60% of the park’s electrical needs. The energy generated powers both the water features and the nearby community center.
- Water Conservation: A closed-loop water system recirculates 90% of the splash pad water, reducing freshwater consumption by 75% compared to traditional splash pads.
- Sustainable Materials: Aqua Tile was selected for its environmental benefits, including the closed-cell foam composition and UV stabilization. The installation reduced the park’s carbon footprint by 4,200 kg compared to a concrete alternative.
- Biodiverse Landscaping: Native plantings around the splash pad create habitats for local wildlife and require no irrigation once established.
Since its opening, the Sustainable Splash Park has become a model for eco-friendly aquatic recreation. Visitor surveys indicate that 88% of parents appreciate the park’s sustainability features, and 92% report that their children are more engaged in learning about environmental conservation after visiting.
This case study demonstrates how Aqua Tile can be integrated into larger sustainability initiatives, contributing to both recreational value and environmental responsibility.
2. The Eco-Friendly Water Park Renovation
Location: Orlando, Florida
Installation Size: 45,000 square feet
Completion Date: Spring 2023
A major water park in Orlando underwent a comprehensive renovation with sustainability as a core principle. The project included:
- Energy-Efficient Filtration: New filtration systems reduce chemical usage by 30% while maintaining water quality standards.
- Solar-Powered Features: All water features are powered by on-site solar arrays, reducing the park’s energy consumption by 45%.
- Aqua Tile Installation: The entire pool deck and splash pad areas were retrofitted with Aqua Tile, replacing the existing concrete surfaces. This change reduced the park’s carbon footprint by 18,000 kg annually.
- Waste Reduction Program: A comprehensive recycling program was implemented, diverting 95% of the park’s waste from landfills.
The renovation resulted in the water park achieving LEED Gold certification, the first of its kind in the amusement industry. Aqua Tile played a crucial role in this certification by:
- Contributing to the Materials and Resources category through its recycled content and low embodied energy
- Supporting the Indoor Environmental Quality category through its non-toxic composition and low VOC emissions
- Enhancing the Sustainable Sites category through its durability and reduced maintenance requirements
Post-renovation data shows that the water park’s energy consumption has decreased by 38%, and water usage has been reduced by 22%. Guest satisfaction scores related to cleanliness and maintenance have also improved by 25%, demonstrating that sustainability can enhance both environmental and operational performance.
3. The Community Pool Upgrade Project
Location: Seattle, Washington
Installation Size: 8,500 square feet
Completion Date: Fall 2021
A community pool in Seattle underwent a comprehensive upgrade with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. Key features of the project included:
- Accessible Design: The pool was redesigned with universal accessibility in mind, including zero-entry pools and accessible changing rooms.
- Geothermal Heating: A geothermal system provides 70% of the pool’s heating needs, reducing natural gas consumption by 65%.
- Aqua Tile Installation: The entire pool deck area was covered with Aqua Tile, replacing the existing rubberized surface. This change:
- Reduced the pool’s carbon footprint by 3,200 kg annually
- Eliminated the need for chemical adhesives used with the rubber surface
- Improved slip resistance, reducing the number of reported slip-and-fall incidents by 60%
- Rainwater Harvesting: A 50,000-gallon rainwater collection system supplies 40% of the pool’s makeup water needs.
Since the upgrade, the community pool has seen a 20% increase in usage, with particular growth in senior and adaptive swim programs. The pool’s operating costs have decreased by 18%, allowing the city to redirect funds to additional programming. Aqua Tile’s contribution to these savings came primarily through reduced maintenance requirements and lower energy consumption for cleaning equipment.
These case studies illustrate how Aqua Tile can be integrated into various types of aquatic environments, from large water parks to community pools, to create sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and users.
The Future of Sustainable Aquatic Flooring
As the aquatic recreation industry continues to evolve, sustainability will play an increasingly important role in material selection. Several emerging trends are shaping the future of sustainable aquatic flooring:
1. Biodegradable and Recyclable Materials
While Aqua Tile already incorporates recycled content, future innovations may include:
- Bio-Based Foams: Research is underway to develop closed-cell foams made from plant-based polymers like corn starch or sugarcane. These materials could offer similar performance characteristics with an even lower carbon footprint.
- 100% Recyclable Tiles: Future versions of Aqua Tile may be designed for complete recycling at end-of-life, with all components able to be reprocessed into new products.
- Compostable Adhesives: Water-based adhesives that are fully compostable could replace current adhesive systems, eliminating any potential waste from installation.
These material innovations could further reduce the environmental impact of aquatic flooring while maintaining the safety and performance benefits that users expect.
2. Smart Sustainable Design
The integration of technology with sustainable materials represents an exciting frontier for aquatic flooring. Potential developments include:
- Solar-Reflective Surfaces: Tiles with integrated solar-reflective properties could reduce the heat island effect in urban aquatic environments, lowering both energy consumption for cooling and the risk of surface overheating.
- Self-Cleaning Coatings: Advanced coatings that use photocatalytic technology could break down organic contaminants when exposed to sunlight, reducing the need for chemical cleaners.
- Impact-Sensing Tiles: Future versions of Aqua Tile could incorporate sensors that monitor usage patterns and surface conditions, providing data to optimize maintenance schedules and prevent wear.
These smart features could enhance both the sustainability and safety of aquatic environments while providing valuable data for facility management.
3. Circular Economy Models
The concept of a circular economy—where materials are continuously reused rather than discarded—is gaining traction in the building materials industry. For aquatic flooring, this could mean:
- Tile Leasing Programs: Facilities could lease Aqua Tile tiles rather than purchase them, with the manufacturer responsible for recycling or repurposing tiles at end-of-life.
- Modular Replacement Systems: Damaged tiles could be easily replaced without disturbing the entire installation, reducing waste and maintenance costs.
- Material Recovery Networks: Partnerships with recycling facilities could ensure that old tiles are properly processed and their materials reused in new products.
These circular economy approaches could significantly reduce the environmental impact of aquatic flooring while creating new business models for manufacturers and installers.
Making the Sustainable Choice: Why Aqua Tile Stands Out
When evaluating sustainable options for aquatic environments, several factors should be considered:
1. Comprehensive Lifecycle Assessment
As we’ve seen in the lifecycle assessment data, Aqua Tile offers significant advantages across all stages of its lifecycle. From manufacturing to end-of-life, its environmental impact is substantially lower than that of traditional materials. This comprehensive sustainability profile makes it a clear leader in the aquatic flooring category.
2. Performance Without Compromise
Sustainability should never come at the expense of performance. Aqua Tile maintains:
- Superior Slip Resistance: With a Coefficient of Friction (COF) of 0.85 or higher, Aqua Tile exceeds ASTM F2394 standards for wet surfaces.
- Exceptional Impact Attenuation: Independent testing shows that Aqua Tile reduces impact forces by 72% compared to concrete, significantly lowering the risk of injuries.
- Long-Term Durability: With a 15+ year lifespan, Aqua Tile requires fewer replacements than any conventional aquatic flooring material.
This performance consistency ensures that facilities can prioritize sustainability without sacrificing safety or functionality.
3. Versatility in Design
Aqua Tile’s design versatility allows it to be customized for various aesthetic preferences while maintaining its sustainability benefits. The available color collections—Dune, Coastal, and Caribbean—offer:
- Dune Collection: Earth tones like Driftwood, Sand, and Pebble create natural, organic looks that blend well with outdoor environments.
- Coastal Collection: Ocean blues such as Marine, Pacific, and Tide provide a fresh, aquatic aesthetic that complements water features.
- Caribbean Collection: Tropical brights like Reef, Splash, and Tropic add vibrant colors that enhance the fun atmosphere of splash pads and water parks.
These design options allow facilities to create visually appealing spaces that align with their branding while maintaining the environmental benefits of Aqua Tile.
4. Proven Track Record
With installations worldwide, Aqua Tile has demonstrated its sustainability benefits in diverse climates and environments. From the cold winters of Minnesota to the intense UV exposure of Florida, Aqua Tile maintains its performance and environmental advantages. This proven track record provides confidence to facility managers considering sustainable upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aqua Tile’s Environmental Impact
How does Aqua Tile compare to traditional concrete in terms of carbon footprint?
Aqua Tile has a carbon footprint that is 93% lower than concrete over its 15-year lifespan. For every square meter installed, Aqua Tile reduces CO2 emissions by 173.2 kg compared to concrete. This significant difference comes from both the manufacturing process and the material composition. Concrete production is highly energy-intensive, requiring the heating of limestone to 1,450°C (2,642°F) in kilns, which accounts for 5-8% of global CO2 emissions. In contrast, Aqua Tile’s closed-cell foam is produced through a low-temperature process that requires minimal energy. Additionally, concrete surfaces typically need resurfacing every 7-10 years, while Aqua Tile maintains its performance for 15+ years, further reducing its lifecycle emissions.
What makes Aqua Tile’s UV stabilization more sustainable than other materials?
Aqua Tile’s UV stabilization is more sustainable for several key reasons. First, the stabilization process doesn’t require additional chemical treatments that could be harmful to the environment. Instead, the UV-resistant properties are built into the foam during manufacturing through a proprietary process that uses no hazardous materials. Second, this stabilization ensures that the tiles maintain their performance characteristics throughout their lifespan, reducing the need for replacements. Traditional materials often degrade under UV exposure, leading to:
- Reduced slip resistance, increasing injury risks
- Color fading, requiring more frequent cleaning
- Structural weakening, leading to premature replacement
By maintaining these performance characteristics, Aqua Tile’s UV stabilization directly contributes to its sustainability by extending the product’s useful life and reducing waste. Studies show that UV-stabilized materials can last 40-50% longer than non-stabilized alternatives in outdoor applications.
Can Aqua Tile be recycled at the end of its lifespan?
Yes, Aqua Tile is designed with recyclability in mind. The closed-cell foam composition allows for several recycling options at end-of-life:
- Material Recycling: The polyethylene foam can be ground into small pellets and reused in the manufacturing of new foam products, including additional Aqua Tile tiles or other foam applications.
- Energy Recovery: If recycling isn’t feasible, the high energy content of the foam can be recovered through thermal processing, where the material is burned in a controlled environment to generate energy.
- Downcycling: The foam can be repurposed for lower-grade applications such as insulation materials or packaging, extending its useful life even after its primary function is complete.
This recyclability ensures that Aqua Tile contributes to a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused rather than discarded as waste. The company maintains partnerships with recycling facilities to ensure that old tiles are properly processed at end-of-life. Additionally, Aqua Tile’s manufacturing process incorporates up to 30% recycled content, creating a closed loop where old materials contribute to new products.
How does Aqua Tile’s chemical resistance contribute to sustainability?
Aqua Tile’s chemical resistance plays a crucial role in its sustainability through several mechanisms:
- Reduced Maintenance: The chemical resistance means that Aqua Tile doesn’t degrade when exposed to chlorine, bromine, or other pool chemicals. This resistance reduces the need for frequent cleaning and resurfacing, which would otherwise consume additional resources and energy.
- Lower Chemical Usage: Because Aqua Tile doesn’t absorb or react with pool chemicals, facilities can maintain proper chemical balance with smaller quantities. This reduces both the environmental impact of chemical production and the potential for chemical runoff into water systems.
- Extended Lifespan: Chemical exposure is one of the primary causes of degradation in aquatic surfaces. Aqua Tile’s resistance to these chemicals extends its useful life by 30-40% compared to non-resistant materials, reducing the need for replacements and the associated waste.
- Safer Maintenance: The chemical resistance allows facilities to use gentler, more environmentally friendly cleaning products. Traditional surfaces often require harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and maintenance staff.
These benefits combine to create a more sustainable maintenance cycle for aquatic environments. The reduced need for chemical cleaners and surface replacements directly lowers the environmental impact of pool operations.
Are there any certifications that verify Aqua Tile’s environmental claims?
Yes, Aqua Tile’s environmental claims are supported by several industry-recognized certifications and third-party validations:
- ASTM International: Aqua Tile exceeds ASTM F2394 standards for slip resistance and ASTM F1292 for impact attenuation. These certifications verify both the safety and durability performance that contribute to its sustainability.
- Green Seal: Aqua Tile has achieved Green Seal GS-42 certification for sustainable building products. This certification evaluates the product’s environmental impact across its entire lifecycle, including raw material sourcing, manufacturing, and end-of-life options.
- Cradle-to-Cradle: The manufacturing process has been evaluated using Cradle-to-Cradle principles, which assess a product’s sustainability in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness.
- EPD (Environmental Product Declaration): Aqua Tile has a published Environmental Product Declaration that provides transparent data on its environmental impact, including global warming potential, primary energy demand, and other key metrics.
These certifications provide independent verification of Aqua Tile’s environmental claims and demonstrate its commitment to sustainability throughout the product lifecycle. Facility managers can have confidence that the environmental benefits are not just marketing claims but are supported by rigorous third-party testing and certification.