Sustainable stone for the construction industry
![]() |
A look at stone from the point of view of sustainability, environmental impact and the effect on human health and wellbeing. |
Contents |
[edit] Characteristics of stone
[edit] No embedded carbon
Unlike many other building materials, the quarrying and fabrication of stone releases no embedded carbon, the only greenhouse gases released during quarrying are those used by the fuel to power the quarrying equipment.
[edit] Longevity
Stone is the ultimate long-term building material as the plethora of historical buildings still standing after millennia attests. Used both internally and externally, stone will last for as long as the building with very little maintenance.
[edit] No chemical treatment
Stone does not require treatment with chemicals to render it waterproof and in itself does not pollute or contribute to sick building syndrome, although care must be taken in the choice of fixing materials.
[edit] Recyclable
Stone can be recycled at the end of the building’s life. Building stone is reusable in another building, and any stone fittings that are broken or damaged in removal can be used for mosaics, construction ballast and so on.
[edit] Quarrying stone
To ensure maximum sustainability, specifiers should take care to choose a stone which comes from a plentiful resource rather than a rare or scarce one, and to pick a quarry that is responsibly managed from an environmental point of view as well as a human one.
The Stone Federation has established the Ethical Stone Register, which allows you to verify whether the stone contractor you are using is taking measures to ensure that the stone it buys has been sourced responsibly and ethically.
[edit] Transporting stone
Choosing stones from local quarries minimises the greenhouse gas emissions involved in transporting a heavy material. It also allows you to verify easily that the quarry is responsibly managed. Likewise, the choice of a stonemason close to the installation site ensures that CO2 emissions during transportation of the finished material are minimised.
[edit] Stone fabrication
Select a stonemason that has an environmentally-friendly factory to ensure minimum harm to the environment. The fabrication of finished items from stone involves cutting and in some cases polishing which requires power and water. Modern factories will have taken steps to ensure that the majority of power needs are met by renewable sources and that rainwater harvesting and recycling of greywater makes them self-sufficient, rather than using-up precious resources. Recycling waste material is also a factor that should be taken into account.
[edit] Installing stone
The use of a fabricator close to the site will minimise CO2 emissions during transportation. The method of installation should also use techniques and materials that cause the least possible harm to the environment and to human health.
--Stonecircle 12:38, 03 Sep 2019 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building with structural stone.
- Choosing stone.
- Defects in stonework.
- Finding stone to conserve historic buildings.
- Inspecting stone sample panels.
- Kentish ragstone.
- Masonry.
- Modern Stonemasonry.
- Natural stone cladding.
- Natural stone for Interiors.
- Natural stone tiles.
- Natural stone.
- Patio stone.
- Penarth Alabaster.
- Portland Stone.
- Sourcing indigenous stone.
- Sourcing stone to repair Exeter Cathedral.
- Stone dressing.
- Two New Ludgate Portland Stone Feature Wall.
- Types of stone.
- Use of Stone in Monks Lantern Weybridge.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.