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Referred to by one of the judges as “a true innovator,” IceStone’s Refined Collection promotes sustainability in several ways. Each slab is made with 100 percent recycled glass, which would otherwise end up in a landfill, resulting in millions of pounds of glass being diverted from the waste stream. Additionally, production of the Refined Collection requires no extraction of raw materials from a quarry, which also keeps the company’s environmental footprint relatively small.
This durable surfacing material is made of locally extracted white Portland cement and 100 percent recycled glass, with recycled content per 35-square-foot slab calculated at 70 percent. No waste is generated during manufacturing, and the company recycles any unused product into roadbed. (It also contracts with construction and demolition companies to recycle wood, metal, bricks, and palettes.)
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While the factory uses water during the production, polishing, cutting and steam curing processes, it offsets this usage with a state-of-the-art recycling system, where all wastewater is filtered and clean water is released back into the system. The water then collects any residual dust into cakes, which are also recycled into roadbed.
McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) reviewed the product’s life-cycle and awarded the Refined Collection with Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Gold certification.
“The recent upgrade to a gold MBDC C2C certification level over its previous Silver rating indicates that IceStone continues to enhance the sustainable quality of both its factory and products,” notes Childs. “IceStone’s involvement in community activities and support of various neighborhood programs through volunteer participation are important contributing factors to the company’s sustainable agenda. These actions contribute to human well-being and strengthen the community … and are critically important considerations in a well-rounded environmental program.”