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Stone and other aggregates

Stone and other aggregates

Stone and aggregates have been used for millennia in interior design. flooring, counters and worktops, walls, fireplaces, and decorative element widely use marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, onyx, quartzite, and sandstone,  These natural materials contribute to as biophilic elements in a space, which is linked to improved mental health, relaxation, and well-being.

Unlike concrete, natural stone uses less intensive energy to process,  However these strong and highly durable resources are from finite sources that are not renewable. Modern extraction and processing practices raise important concerns about environmental impact (habitats, water and air pollution and soil erosion) as well as social responsibility (supply chains, impact on communities),

Some of the worst worker exploitation in the world is in the raw commodity world. It is the most hidden and the most difficult to improve, because the brands consumers know and engage with are not the ones who purchase raw materials. SOURCE: Responsible Sourcing Network.

Facts

  • Aggregates (sand, gravel, crushed stone) are the second most consumed resource on Earth after water SOURCE
  • Aggregate mining and quarrying cause significant land degradation. It is estimated that 10–20% of global wetlands have been lost due to sand and gravel extraction, impacting biodiversity and water filtration SOURCE
  • 500 UK construction workers die each year from silicosis and silica  SOURCE The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) 
     

Key Points

Prioritise  

Use of recycled, salvaged or reclaimed stone

Buy local

Slab marbles and stones are heavy to transport and resource intensive.

Fair wages 

As well as depletion of resources, negative impact on the surrounding environment and communities Many regions still lack adequate wage standards for quarry and processing workers

Supply chain labour

Some stone-producing countries have documented instances of child labour, force labour and unsafe working conditions 

Cultural significance

Some stones have cultural or spiritual significance to indigenous communities

Be aware

Of high wastage during production, transport and installation. For every slab that is used an equal or greater amount of off-cut marble is wasted. Calculate accurately and consider use of  thinner slabs

Use unloved or waste/offcuts 

‘Unloved’ stone can be structurally sound but have geological characteristics (shells, voids, markings). Reprocessed waste or offcuts can be reused in terrazzo for worktops and tile.  Ask which method is used. Opt for terrazzo that uses recycled content rather than virgin content. Resin binders however will make recycling complex - but terrazzo can be recycled and reused again as terrazzo.

Verify ethical sourcing

Using the Ethical Stone Register or the Stone Federations’ British Stone Finder.

Be inquisitive

Poor and unsafe working conditions for miners extracting and fabricating stone. Ask about material origins and supply chain involved. The Ethical Stone Register encourages companies involved in the production and supply chain of stone products, to register, declare and verify responsible and ethical sourcing practices.

Silicosis 

An irreversible and incurable occupational lung disease which causes around 500 deaths a year and is preventable. Silicosis can also arise from natural stone (granite, marble) as well as concrete, ceramics and porcelain - where silica is present at differing levels. Workers require training on the risks of silica dust.

Request further information

For stone and stone products made outside the UK - request safety data sheets (SDS) to verify silica content percentage and wet-cutting method 

Follow guidelines

Silica is a natural substance found in varying amounts in most natural stone, (also sand and clay). For example, sandstone contains more than 70% silica, whereas granite might contain 15-30%. When dry cut, polished or ground, fine respirable silica dust is released.  

Engineered stone dry cutting UK ban

Crystalline silica dust exposure is linked to silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD. In the UK, those handling engineered stone (also called quartz) are banned from dry cutting by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Specify wet-cutting methods and ensure contractors follow current HSE guidance on silica dust control.

Quality Mark 

For ease of selection, look for manufacturers certified by the Worktop Fabricators Federation who use the WFF Quality Mark

Resin content

Engineered stone has a synthetic resin content which may trigger allergen sensitivities and makes the material impossible to safely recycle

Extend lifecycle

With operation and maintenance instructions for ongoing care

End-of-life planning

Design for disassembly and for ease of material recovery

RESOURCES