When it comes to materials for architecture and design, sustainability is an increasingly central issue. But are we sure we know which materials really have the least environmental impact?
During Marmomac 2024, engineer Claudia Chiappino presented a study commissioned by PNA Pietra Naturale Autentica, based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), comparing natural stone and other materials such as ceramics. The result? Natural stone slabs have a significantly lower environmental footprint than ceramic slabs. A figure that debunks many clichés and shows how the visual impact of quarries is only a perception, while the real environmental burden lies elsewhere.
LCA: why natural stone is more sustainable than ceramics
The event began with a reflection on the definition of sustainability, as reported by the Treccani: a constantly evolving concept that implies responsibility and adaptation.
In the debate between stone and ceramics, it is often thought that the former has a greater impact because quarries alter the landscape. However, what escapes many is that visual impact is not synonymous with environmental impact. When analysing real data, it emerges that the production of ceramics requires much more energy and resources than the processing of natural stone.
The study presented at Marmomac compared the production processes of natural stone slabs and ceramic tiles, taking into account transport, energy consumption and waste management. Here are the most significant data:
Transport has the greatest impact on the environment
The element that weighs most heavily in the overall environmental footprint of both materials is transport. However, while Italian stone companies operate in areas where extraction and processing are often integrated, the ceramic sector needs to transport large quantities of raw materials (clays and minerals) to production plants, increasing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Energy consumption: stone consumes half as much
The energy used to process materials is a key parameter in the LCA.
- Natural stone: the impact on climate change, analysing 12 materials extracted in Italy and 8 abroad, the weighted average is 12.5 Kg CO₂ eq/m². If only Italian materials are considered, the average is 8.6 Kg CO₂ eq/m².
- Ceramics: the impact is significantly higher; according to the available EPDs, it registers an impact of between 15.5 and 29.9 kg CO₂ eq/m².
This discrepancy is due to the fact that ceramics require a firing process at temperatures above 1,200°C, while stone is mainly processed by cutting and finishing, mechanical operations with much lower energy consumption.
Waste management: natural stone is a model for the circular economy
One of the most interesting points of the study concerns the management of production waste.
- In the ceramic sector, waste is often disposed of as waste, with high costs and a significant impact on the environment.
- In the stone sector, on the other hand, waste is increasingly reused for quarry rehabilitation or processed into new raw materials.
In this context, the Consorzio Marmisti della Valpantena is a virtuous example: thanks to the use of processing sludge for the environmental restoration of quarries, the land is returned to nature in a sustainable manner, avoiding waste accumulation and creating a circular production cycle.
An Italian model for the future of the sector
Italy is the first country to have developed an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) for the stone sector. This is an internationally recognised environmental certification that provides a transparent and comparable method for measuring the environmental impact of a material throughout its life cycle.
This represents a competitive advantage for our industry, but also a responsibility: the challenge for the future is to define a global EPD by 2026, to allow a standardised and internationally comparable assessment.
Sustainability, beauty and well-being: the future of natural stone
In addition to numbers and scientific data, the research presented at Marmomac highlighted a fundamental point: natural stone is not just a material, but a symbol of durability, well-being and authentic beauty.
We live in an era where the concept of living is changing rapidly. Today, people are looking for materials that guarantee comfort, longevity and a reduced environmental impact. Natural stone responds perfectly to these needs, offering aesthetic and environmentally sustainable solutions for architecture and design.
- It stands the test of time: it does not require frequent replacement, reducing waste production and is easily repaired/replaced.
- Does not release harmful substances: contains no glues, resins or chemicals found in many industrial materials.
- It has a reduced energy impact: it does not require invasive transformation processes.
The sustainability of natural stone translates into well-being, quality and value over time.
Natural stone is the sustainable choice for the future
Life Cycle Assessment shows that natural stone has a lower environmental impact than ceramics. Thanks to its lower energy consumption, waste recovery and greater durability, stone is a more responsible and sustainable choice for architects, designers and builders.
The challenge now is to take this awareness forward and enhance our stone heritage, making the true sustainability of natural stone known to the world.
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Source: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) dalla produzione italiana e internazionale di lastre in pietra naturale, Torino, Settembre 2024.
