The role of architectural stone in sustainable architecture
Stone has been a popular building material for thousands of years and it’s still consistently specified for many reasons.
In this article, we’re going to delve into why architectural stone makes a great choice for those looking to create more sustainable architecture.
Completely natural
As stone is a natural material, there’s no production process involved; this greatly minimises the environmental impact of architectural stone compared to man-made building materials. It also doesn’t require any chemical treatments to give it waterproof properties and doesn’t release any off-gases.
Durable
As a highly durable and hard-wearing material, buildings made from natural stone can withstand the elements and remain strong hundreds or even thousands of years later. From the pyramids of Egypt to Westminster Abbey, there are lots of examples of the durability of architectural stone.
Recyclable
At the end of the building’s life, any stone components can be completely recycled. Large pieces can be reclaimed and used as architectural stone in another building project. Smaller stone pieces, or those that have been broken in removal, can be turned into other products such as rockery stone, quicklime, or even toothpaste!
Eco-friendly architectural stone companies
As well as opting for natural stone as your primary building material, you can further improve the green credentials of your project by choosing the right architectural stone company.
Quarrying
While stone is a natural resource, some architectural stone companies use more sustainable quarrying methods than others. Carefully choosing the extraction location and method allows for maximum output with less impact on the environment.
Processing
The choice of methods used to cut, process and finish a natural stone product can dictate how environmentally friendly it ends up being. Collecting and reusing water from the cutting process, using modern equipment or favouring traditional manual stonemasonry techniques are just some of the ways that architectural stone companies increase the sustainability of their processing methods.
Transportation
Due to its size and weight, transporting architectural stone can be costly and have a more significant impact on the environment than transporting other materials. For this reason, many architectural stone companies choose to only deliver within a certain radius. Using modern haulage vehicles for delivery and organising multiple drops for partial loads to reduce unnecessary journeys allows for greater energy efficiency and less pollution.
Waste
An environmentally friendly architectural stone company will use sustainable quarrying methods to minimise excess stone during the extraction process. Any waste is turned into byproducts. Stamford Stone recycles as much waste as possible, transforming it into rockery stone and lime dust.
Other practices
As well as the actual quarrying, processing and transportation of architectural stone, suppliers can improve their sustainability by implementing environmentally friendly practices throughout the rest of the business. This could include installing solar panels, switching to digital invoicing or minimising packaging materials used when delivering natural stone products.
Your sustainable architectural stone company
Stamford Stone is proud to be an architectural stone company with a robust environmental policy in place. We’re dedicated to minimising our environmental impact by supplying ethically sourced natural stone that builders, architects and construction companies can be proud to shout about.
If you’d like to work with us, or you’re interested in finding out more about Stamford Stone’s commitment to sustainability, get in touch with the team, and we’ll be happy to help.