Tile: The Natural Choice for Sustainable, Healthy Spaces

TL;DR

Ceramic and porcelain tile offer timeless design, lasting durability, and environmental responsibility. With zero VOCs, a 60–75-year lifespan, and certifications like Green Squared®, they support cleaner indoor air, lower environmental impact, and long-term value—making tile the natural choice for sustainable living and building.

When a material can elevate design, improve health, and stand the test of time, it becomes more than a finish—it becomes part of a legacy. That’s exactly what ceramic and porcelain tile offer. According to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), these materials deliver exceptional performance with one of the lowest environmental footprints of any flooring surface.

🌿 Cleaner Air Starts with Zero VOCs

Great spaces start with a healthy foundation. Ceramic and porcelain tile are made from natural materials—clay, sand, and minerals—and fired at more than 2,000 °F. That high-heat process removes organic compounds entirely, leaving a surface that’s inert, non-toxic, and free from VOCs, formaldehyde, and PVC.

This means no off-gassing, no hidden chemicals, and no compromise on indoor air quality. Tile naturally resists mold and bacteria, helping projects meet LEED and WELL low-emitting materials credits.

✅ Result: cleaner air, safer interiors, and healthier communities.

🕰️ Built to Last for Generations

True craftsmanship stands the test of time. Independent TCNA life-cycle studies show that ceramic and porcelain tile floors last 60 to 75 years, far longer than vinyl, carpet, or laminate.

That longevity reduces waste, resource use, and replacement costs—key factors in sustainable design. Over decades, tile provides one of the lowest total costs per square foot, combining performance with responsibility.

✅ Result: less waste, greater value, and floors that outlast trends and tenants alike.

🌎 Certified for Green Building Excellence

Tile doesn’t just participate in green building—it helps define it. The Green Squared® certification (ANSI A138.1) confirms that ceramic and porcelain tile meet rigorous standards for recycled content, responsible manufacturing, and end-of-life reuse.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for North-American-made tile further prove that tile carries the lowest global-warming potential and fossil-fuel depletion of all major flooring types.

✅ Result: verified sustainability that supports LEED, Green Globes, and IgCC requirements with confidence.

💧 Low-Maintenance by Nature

Ceramic and porcelain tile don’t rely on harsh cleaners or sealants. Simple maintenance—warm water and a mild detergent—is enough to keep them looking new. Less chemical use means less environmental impact over time.

✅ Result: beauty that lasts, maintenance that’s gentle, and surfaces that honor both craftsmanship and care.

Why Bower Tile Cares

At Bower Tile, craftsmanship and integrity guide everything we do. We’re a family-run company built on the belief that great tilework should elevate lives and endure for generations.

We care about ceramic and porcelain tile because it reflects our own values:

• Integrity & Honesty: We stand behind materials proven to be safe and transparent.

• Craftsmanship: Tile represents the highest standard of precision and longevity.

• Continuous Learning (Kaizen): We stay current with TCNA, LEED, and Green Squared® standards so our clients benefit from the best practices in sustainable design.

• Customer Service Excellence: Helping clients choose healthier, longer-lasting materials aligns with our promise of reliability and value.

• Community Impact: Sustainable materials and expert installation mean fewer replacements, less waste, and stronger, healthier communities.

Building responsibly isn’t just about today’s project—it’s about shaping a future where quality and sustainability coexist. That’s why Bower Tile champions ceramic and porcelain tile as the natural choice for healthier, longer-lasting spaces.

Sources:
Tile Council of North America, Tile: The Natural Choice (2025 Edition)