Over the last decade, it has become clear that construction is changing significantly to accommodate evolving environmental concerns, regulations, and legislation. One such change is the choice of materials.
In addition to material cost and availability, current regulation has introduced other considerations in the decision-making and specification process: most notably, safety and environmental impact. Both are driving considerable innovation and encouraging construction professionals to reassess existing materials. It is within this context that interest in porcelain as a construction material of the future is growing.
Aesthetics & energy-efficient performance
Porcelain is undoubtedly aesthetically pleasing, it boasts fantastic durability, the longest expected lifespan of any building material, and benefits from outstanding thermal performance.
Porcelain's thermal inertia means heat is stored within the material and released slowly and uniformly, helping buildings avoid extreme spikes and drop-offs in temperature and moderating indoor microclimates. This makes it an excellent choice for under-floor heating. Efficient heat storage and dispersal translate to energy savings in the long run, suggesting porcelain can play a critical role in energy-efficient construction systems.
Its performance extends to excellent under-foot stability as many porcelain products benefit from brilliant slip resistance, though it is worth checking a tile's PTV, Booted Ramp Test and Barefoot Test scores before committing to a specification.
Eco-friendly manufacturing
Porcelain typically requires less energy-intense extraction and manufacturing than other similar materials, making it eco-friendly in this regard. It is made from clay, water and feldspar or quartz, all widely accessible, reducing raw material transportation. Furthermore, the process adapted to minimise energy and water requirements means porcelain has a relatively low carbon footprint.
Modern manufacturing uses a thermal energy recovery system, which enables the re-use of up to 95% of the exhaust gases released by energy cogeneration, reducing the amount of natural gas required in manufacturing by approximately 40%.
Recyclability is just as important: porcelain's long potential lifespan means it will outlast most other building materials and when it does reach the end of its life, it can be reclaimed, recycled, and reconstituted in another manufacturing round.
EPC Ratings and certifications
Certifications help ensure materials are manufactured in the most eco-efficient way possible. ISO 14021 certifies compliance with Minimum Environmental Criteria and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) V4 certifies materials that follow Green Building Council guidelines. Porcelain accredited with these and EN 15804+A1 EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) represents the most environmentally friendly on the market.
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is the most widely used measurement of energy efficiency in construction and the basis of much of the UK government's regulation and legislation, which hopes to enforce a minimum EPC rating of B by 2030.
EPDs and EPCs may serve different purposes, but they both contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency. The information on energy efficiency or environmental performance of a product should be taken into consideration during specification as this may indirectly impact the overall energy performance of the building and its EPC rating.
Significant remediation will take place over the next seven years, if you consider that approximately 70% of the City of London's commercial property currently holds a sub-B EPC.
Guaranteeing long-term asset value
When conducting remediation work, property owners will look to de-risk their assets and guarantee their long-term value by selecting long-lasting materials with proven eco-credentials, to mitigate further expensive remediation should energy efficiency targets shift again.
In this respect, porcelain is an excellent choice and specifiers should look out for certifications that ensure the materials they select are manufactured in the most eco-efficient way possible.
Moving towards a circular economy
Experts insist that implementing a circular economy is essential in moving towards a more sustainable future. This implies rejecting the throw-away culture of the current linear manufacture-use-dispose relationship and creating a circular process in which products are manufactured, used, recycled, and reintegrated into fresh manufacturing processes.
Porcelain is a perfect example of a construction material that would work in a circular economy.
RYNO's porcelain range
RYNO Porcelain has all the certifications for complete peace of mind and the aesthetics of natural materials to inspire both architects & designers.
Fully accredited (EN 15804+A1 EPD, ISO 14021 and LEED V4) and manufactured in an eco-aware and sustainable manner, it is an excellent choice for both new-build and remediation projects.