TRIBUTE TO BEAUTY AND CULTURE OF DESIGN BETWEEN RESPECT FOR TRADITION AND SPIRIT OF INNOVATION
100%
Made in Italy
New control, management, and raw material handling system.
ECOQUALITY
AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, ETHICS AND SUSTAINABILITY
ECOQUALITY is a complete action programme carried out by Ceramica Sant’Agostino to coordinate all the company’s efforts aimed to obtaining very high quality products while totally respecting the strict European and international rules to protect the environment, the persons and the end-users. ECOQUALITY is a process that involves the whole company organization and therefore ambitious, objectively measurable and continually evolving.
1.100.000 KWH
Autonomous production of clean energyWe have built a cutting-edge photovoltaic system to autonomously produce electricity from the sun. The system produces 1,100,000 KWh/year, which means 507 tonnes of CO2 not released into the atmosphere every year. The commitment of Ceramica Sant’Agostino to increase the use of alternative energies has become an important, concrete project.
271.380.000 M2
Contributing to preserving the ecosystemThe company is engaged in a project, certified by the Plan Vivo Foundation, in Meghalaya (north eastern state of India), which covers an area of 271.380.000 m2. The project contributes to the restoration and preservation of the ecosystem of this state of India. The goal is twofold: to neutralize CO2 emissions and to develop local communities by involving them operationally.
3.600 M3
Integrated water management systemOur company uses a rainwater recovery system which offers more than 10% savings on mains water consumption. We discharge no water into the surrounding environment: the processing water is completely recycled and reused in the production processes. All this translates into water savings of approx. 3.600 m3 per year.
OUR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CERTIFICATES
UNI EN ISO 9001
Ceramica Sant'Agostino is the first ceramic company in Italy to be certified ISO 9001 in compliance with the 2008 regulation (UNI EN ISO 9001: 2008)
The world-regulation ISO 9001 :2008 is the reference point for the certifications of the managing and monitoring systems of each industrial phase.
The ISO 9001 :2008 certification shows that each step in production, from the selection of raw materials to the storage of the finished product, is completely repeateable and under control. The complex ceramic production process is divided into single phases, analysed, monitored, and continuously improved in order to achieve high levels of excellence that Ceramica Sant'Agostino guarantees to customers.
Quality, Reliability, Safety are fundamental parameters that can only be improved through an efficient, rigorous, highly controlled industrial process, which permits to achieve and constantly strengthen the quality standards that only Ceramica Sant'Agostino is able to offer.
Ceramica Sant'Agostino aims to reach the following goals through ISO 9001:
- Improve our products and service in full compliance with current legislation and in-house specifications in order to meet the needs and fulfil the expectations of our customers.
- Offer our customers a guarantee of support and service, both before and after purchase, to ensure our customers are properly informed as regards the proper use and installation of products.
- Enhance our human resources, stimulating their creativity and skills through proper training to help them to become more involved with the objectives we set ourselves.
- Achieve on going improvement of our production process through the correct and proper management of our technical resources.
- Schedule the control of our plant, tools and equipment to safeguard their proper use, mantain high levels of efficiency and the reliability of product measurements and tests.
- Create a mutually beneficial relationship between suppliers and sub contractors in order to achieve common business goals.
- Improve business management processes on an on-going basis in order to pursue the best strategic decisions and to achieve effective prevention of problems.
- Contribute to the improvement of the social context surrounding Ceramica Sant'Agostino, respecting and promoting the value of people and of their environment.
The quality system at Ceramica Sant'Agostino is controlled once a year by an independent authority (CERTIQUALITY) that inspects the company to verify that the standards are being applied correctly and business targets are being attained.
For further information: www.certiquality.it
BS OHSAS 18001
Ceramica Sant’Agostino ha adottato nel 2014, pur non essendo un obbligo di legge, il Sistema di gestione della salute e sicurezza sul lavoro (SGSL) conforme alla norma BS OHSAS 18001:07, la cui applicazione permette un approccio sistemico alla gestione della sicurezza del lavoro e della tutela della salute. La sua adozione, in quanto conforme all’art.30 del D.Lgs. 81/2008 ha efficacia esimente della responsabilità amministrativa delle persone giuridiche, delle società e delle associazioni (D.Lgs. 231/2001).
La norma BS OHSAS 18001 definisce come SGSSL quella parte del sistema di gestione di un’organizzazione utilizzato per sviluppare ed implementare la sua politica e la gestione dei rischi relativi alla salute e sicurezza sul lavoro includendo la struttura organizzativa, le attività di pianificazione, le responsabilità, le prassi, le procedure, i processi e le risorse.
L’obiettivo della Ceramica Sant’Agostino, nel suo percorso di certificazione allo standard BS OHSAS 18001:07, è sempre stato quello di:
- stabilire un Sistema di gestione della salute e sicurezza sui luoghi di lavoro capace di eliminare o minimizzare i rischi per il personale e per le altre parti interessate che potrebbero essere esposte ai pericoli per la salute e la sicurezza associati con le proprie attività;
- implementare, mantenere e migliorare continuamente un SGSSL;
- assicurare se stessa della conformità alla politica sulla sicurezza e salute sui luoghi di lavoro stabilita;
- dimostrare la capacità di mantenimento del proprio SGSSL attraverso la richiesta di certificazione.
Lo standard BS OHSAS 18001:07 si ispira al modello P-D-C-A (Plan, Do, Check, Act), rappresentando uno strumento organizzativo che consente di gestire in modo organico e sistematico la sicurezza dei lavoratori e la Ceramica Sant’Agostino con l’adozione di una politica per la gestione della sicurezza è impegnata costantemente a rispettare i requisiti per:
- identificare i pericoli, valutare i rischi e individuare delle modalità di controllo, in stretta connessione alle prescrizioni legislative o ad altre adottate definizione di programmi e obiettivi specifici;
- definire i compiti, responsabilità adeguati a garantire l’effettiva gestione della salute e sicurezza sui luoghi di lavoro;
- formare, addestrare e coinvolgere il personale e i suoi rappresentanti;
- stabilire e attuare tutte le operazioni e attività associate ai pericoli identificati, dove l’attuazione di adeguate modalità di controllo sono necessarie per la gestione dei rischi per la salute e sicurezza sul lavoro;
- stabilire e mantenere attive le adeguate misure per individuare, prevenire e controllare i possibili eventi accidentali (infortuni e mancati incidenti) ed emergenze;
- monitorare e misurare le prestazioni del sistema per la sicurezza e salute, nonché per il mantenimento della conformità legislativa;
- assicurare che siano svolti ad intervalli pianificati audit interni, riesami dell’idoneità, dell’adeguatezza e dell’efficacia del sistema di gestione e valutare tutte le opportunità di miglioramento al sistema, alla politica e agli obiettivi.
Il sistema BS OHSAS 18001:07 della Ceramica Sant’Agostino viene verificato annualmente da un ente esterno (CERTIQUALITY) che certifica attraverso visite ispettive la corretta applicazione della norma e il raggiungimento degli obiettivi che l’azienda si è posta in questa materia.
OUR PRODUCTS CERTIFICATES
GBC
Ceramica Sant’Agostino è membro del Green Building Council Italia (GBC) l’ente che ha il compito di redigere il regolamento LEED Italia, ovvero l’insieme di norme in accordo con lo standard internazionale LEED pensate per promuovere la realizzazione di edifici che tutelano l’ambiente e la salute delle persone che ci vivono. Associandosi al GBC Italia, Ceramica Sant’Agostino si propone di contribuire alle attività di introduzione del sistema di certificazione LEED nel nostro paese.
LEED
LEED credits give all the operators in the field the necessary instruments to objectively calculate the building impact in terms of environmental sustainability. The system is based on a credit rating for each requirement regarding a building eco-compatibility. The credit sum determines the certification level achieved, which also contributes to increase the building competitive level on the real estate market. CSA products give a very good performance on the requirements of LEED certifications. Our production uses a percentage of recycled material above 20% (pre-consumer material). No toxic substance is released, no contribution to heath island effect is caused, and production is carried out in factories with environmental management system.
LEED CREDITS OBTAINABLE THROUGH USE OF CERAMICA SANT’AGOSTINO PRODUCTS
LEED NC (New Constructions) (Analysis based on Leed 2009 USGBC rules )
| SS Credit 7.1 | Heat Island Effect – Nonroof Heat Island Reduction |
1 point |
| SS Credit 7.2 | Heat Island Effect – Roof Optimize Energy Performance |
1 point |
| MR Credit 1.2 | Building Reuse 50% Interior | 1 point |
| MR Credit 2.1 | Construction Waste Management 50% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 2.2 | Contruction Waste Management 75% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 4.1 | Recycled Content 10% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 4.2 | Recycled Content 20% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 5.1 | Regional Materials 10% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 5.2 | Regional Material 20% | 1 point |
| EA Prereq 2 | Minimum Energy Performance | |
| EA Credit 1 | Optimize Energy Performance | 1-19 points |
| EQ Credit 4.1 | Low Emitting Materials – Adesive & Sealants | 1 point |
| EQ Credit 4.2 | Low Emitting Materials – Flooring Systems | 1 point |
| ID Credits | Innovation in Design | 1-5 points |
LEED CI (Commercial Interiors) (Analysis based on Leed 2009 USGBC rules)
| MR Credit 1.2a | Building Reuse 40% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 1.2b | Building Reuse 60% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 4.1 | Recycled Content 10% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 4.2 | Recycled Content 20% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 5.1 | Regional Materials 10% | 1 point |
| MR Credit 5.2 | Regional Material 20% | 1 point |
| EQ Credit 4.1 | Low Emitting Materials – Adesive & Sealants | 1 point |
| EQ Credit 4.2 | Low Emitting Materials – Flooring Systems | 1 point |
| ID Credits | Innovation in Design | 1-5 points |
LEED EB (Existing Buildings) (Analysis based on Leed 2009 USGBC rules)
| SS Credit 7.1 | Heat Island Effect - Nonroof | 1 point |
| SS Credit 7.2 | Heat Island Effect - Roof | 1 point |
Further information on the LEED system
LEED NC (New Constructions) (Analysis based on Leed 2009 USGBC rules)
SS Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect – Nonroof (1 point) Same contribution also for LEED EB
Intent
To reduce the heat island effect (thermal gradient differences between developed and underdeveloped areas) to minimize impacts on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats.
Requirements
Option 1
Use any combinations of the following strategies for 50% of the site hardscape (included roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots)
- Shade (within 5 years from installation)
- Flooring materials with solar reflectance index (SRI) of at least 29
- Open-grid pavement systems
Or
Option 2
Place a minimum of 50% parking spaces under cover (defined as ground, under deck, under roof of under building). Every roof used to shade or cover parking lots must have a SRI of at least 29.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
The Certifications proving the solar reflectance index of the product chosen is available on request.
SS Credit 7.2: Heat Island Effect – Roof (1 point) Same contribution also for LEED EB
Intent
To reduce the heat island effect (thermal gradient differences between developed and underdeveloped areas) to minimize impacts on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats.
Requirements
Option 1
Use roofing materials with SRI equal to or greater than the values in the table below for a minimum of 75#37; of the roof surface.
| ROOF TYPE | SLOPE | SRI |
| LOW-SLOPED ROOF | <=2:12 | 78 |
| HIGH-SLOPED ROOF | >2:12 | 29 |
Or
Option 2
Install a vegetated roof that covers at least 50% of the roof area.
Or
Option 3
Install high solar reflectance surfaces or vegetated roofs that, in combination, meet the following criteria: (Area roof meeting minimum SRI/0.75) + (Area of vegetated roof /0.5) ≥ Total Roof Area.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
The Certifications proving the solar reflectance index of the product chosen is available on request.
MR Credit 1.2: Building Reuse 50% Interior (1 point)
Intent
To extend the lifecycle of existing building stock, conserve resources and existing architectural style, reduce waste and environmental impacts on new buildings as they relate to materials manufacturing and transport.
Requirements
Use existing interior nonstructural elements (e.g. interior walls, doors, floor coverings and ceiling system) in at least 50% (by area) of completed building, including addictions. If the project includes an addiction with square footage more than 2 times the square footage of the existing building, this credit is not applicable.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles can contribute to the credit when used to cover existing floors and walls. You can thus renovate surfaces and structures in a simple an ecological way and save expensive building works. Moreover the flexibility and design of Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles besides preserving and increase the lifecycle of existing areas where they are laid, contribute to enhance the building value thanks to their unquestionable stylistic and technical value.
MR Credit 2.1: Construction Waste Management 50% (1 point)
Intent
To avoid that construction and demolition debris are taken to landfills and incineration facilities. Redirect recyclable recovered resources back to the manufacturing process and take reusable material to appropriate waste collection sites.
Requirements
Recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of nonhazardous construction and demolition debris. Develop and implement a construction waste management plan that identifies the materials not to be diverted from disposal and that determines whether the materials will be sorted on-site or co-mingled. Calculation can be done by weight or volume, but must be consistent throughout.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino products can be considered reusable materials, in fact in case of demolition the tiles can be used as inert material for foundations, as fill materials, embankments. In this way Ceramica Sant’Agostino products can be wholly reused, thus contributing to reach the LEED credit.
MR Credit 2.2: Contruction Waste Management 75% (1 point)
Intent
Avoid that construction, demolition and soil cleaning waste are thrown into landfills or incinerators. Reintroduce recyclable materials in the production cycle again and take reusable materials to waste collection disposal sites.
Requirements
Recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of nonhazardous construction and demolition debris. Develop and implement a construction waste management plan that identifies the materials not to be diverted from disposal and whether the materials will be sorted on-site or co-mingled. Excavation soil and yard waste form soil cleaning do not contribute to this credit. Calculation can be done by weight or volume, but must be consistent throughout.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino products can be considered reusable materials, in fact in case of demolition the tiles can be used as inert material for foundations, as fill materials, embankments. In this way Ceramica Sant’Agostino products can be wholly reused, thus contributing to reach the LEED credit.
MR Credit 4.1: Recycled Content 10% (1 point) Same contribution also for LEED CI
Intent
To increase the demand for building products that incorporate recycled materials, thereby reducing impacts resulting from extraction and processing of virgin materials.
Requirements
Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus 1/2 of preconsumer content constitutes at least 10#37; (based on cost) of the total value of the materials in the project. The recycled content value of a material assembly is determined by weight. The recycled fraction assembly is then multiplied by the cost of assembly to determine the recycled content value.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino products have a certified precomsumer content of recycled material above 20#37;, therefore they can contribute to obtain the percentage required by the credit.
MR Credit 4.2: Recycled Content 20% (1 point) Same contribution also for LEED CI
Intent
To increase the demand for building products that incorporate recycled materials, thereby reducing impacts resulting from extraction and processing of virgin materials.
Requirements
Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus 1/2 of preconsumer content constitutes at least 20#37; (based on cost) of the total value of the materials in the project. The recycled content value of a material assmbley is determined by weight. The recycled fraction assembly is then multiplied by the cost of assembly to determine the recycled content value.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino floor tiles (wall tiles do not contribute to the score in this credit) have a certified preconsumer content of recycled material above 20%, therefore they can contribute to obtain the percentage required by the credit.
MR Credit 5.1: Regional Materials 10% (1 point) Same contribution also for LEED CI
Intent
To increase demand for building materials and products that are extracted and manufactured within the region, thereby supporting the use of indigenous resources, and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from transportation.
Requirements
Use building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured, within 500 miles (804,5 km) of the project site for a minimum of 10#37; (based on the cost) of the total materials value. If only a fraction of a product or material is extracted, harvested, or recovered and manufactured locally, then only that percentage (by weight) can contribute to the regional value.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino floor tiles (wall tiles do not contribute to the score in this credit) are made with 50% materials deriving from European mines, so they contribute by 50% of their economic value to reach the score required for this credit.
MR Credit 5.2: Regional Material 20% (1 point) Same contribution also for LEED CI
Intent
To increase demand for building materials and products that are extracted and manufactured within the region, thereby supporting the use of indigenous resources, and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from transportation.
Requirements
Use building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured, within 500 miles (804,5 km) of the project site for a minimum of 10#37; (based on the cost) of the total materials value. If only a fraction of a product or material is extracted, harvested, or recovered and manufactured locally, then only that percentage (by weight) can contribute to the regional value.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino floor tiles (wall tiles do not contribute to the score in this credit) are made with 50% materials deriving from European mines, so they contribute by 50% of their economic value to reach the score required for this credit.
EA Prereq 2: Minimum Energy Performance
Intent
To establish the minimum level of energy efficiency for the proposed building and systems.
Requirements
The building project must comply with:
- the “mandatory provisions” (Sections 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4, 10.4) in Standard ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004 ;
- the “Prescriptive Requirements” (Sections 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 and 9.5) or the “performance requirements” (Section 11) in Standard ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004;
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles are low thermal conductivity materials. From the data reported in the literature you can deduct the following reference values:
0,6 - 0,7 Wm-1 K-1, for tiles with porous structure (water absorption higher than 6#37;) [double fired]
1,0 - 1,3 Wm-1 K-1, for tiles with compact structure (water absorption lower than 1#37;) [porcelain]
Since these are low thermal conductivity materials, Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles have insulating power, therefore they contribute to energy saving of the building.
EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance (1-19 points)
Intent
To achieve increasing levels of energy performance beyond the prerequisite standard to reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use.
Requirements
Demonstrate a percentage improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared with the baseline building performance rating, through a simulation model of the whole building using the Building Performance Rating Method, reported in Appendix G of the rule ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004. The points are attributed according to energy saved for the global building working (energy simulation).
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles are low thermal conductivity materials. From the data reported in the literature you can deduct the following reference values:
0,6 - 0,7 Wm-1 K-1, for tiles with porous structure (water absorption higher than 6#37;) [double fired]
1,0 - 1,3 Wm-1 K-1, for tiles with compact structure (water absorption lower than 1#37;) [porcelain]
Since these are low thermal conductivity materials, Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles have insulating power, therefore they contribute to energy saving of the building.
EQ Credit 4.1: Low Emitting Materials – Adesive & Sealants (1 point) Same contribution also for LEED CI
Intent
To reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.
Requirements
All adhesives and sealants used in the building interior and applied on-site must meet the requirements of the following reference standards:
- Adhesives, Sealants and primer Sealants: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino product do not have any VOC (volatile organic compound). Besides they can be laid with low VOC content adhesives as indicated on the general catalogue and the section LAYING AND MAINTENANCE
EQ Credit 4.2: Low Emitting Materials – Flooring Systems (1 point) Same contribution also for LEED CI
Intent
To reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.
Requirements
Paints and coatings used on the interior of the building and applied on-site must comply with the following criteria:
- Paints, coatings and primers must meet the Green Seal Standard GS-11, Paints. First Edition, May 20th, 1993.
- Anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints applied to interior ferrous metal substrates must meet the Green Seal Standard GC-03, Anti-corrosive Paints, second Edition, Januaru 7th, 1997.
- Clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains, primers and shellacs must meet the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), Rule 1113, Architectural Coating, rules in effect on January 1st, 2004.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino product do not have any VOC (volatile organic compound). Download the certification by Centro Ceramico on all our products.
ID Credits: Innovation in Design (1-5 points) Same contribution also for LEED CI
Intent
To provide design teams and architects with the opportunity to achieve exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by the LEED Green Building Rating System.
Requirements
Option 1
Demonstrate that one or more parameter proving the achievement of one or more LEED point has been widely exceeded if not doubled.
Option 2
Demonstrate that the use of construction technologies, spending strategies and technologically innovative products allow to increase the environmental performance of the project.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Most Ceramica Sant’Agostino products have one or more certification of Ecological product fit for green housing, like ANAB or ECOLABEL. These certifications, guaranteed by an external board, attest the unquestionable green vocation of the products and their contribution to increasing the project ecological performance.
LEED CI (Commercial Interiors) (Analysis based on Leed 2009 USGBC rules)
MR Credit 1.2a: Building Reuse 40% (1 point)
Intent
To extend the lifecycle of existing building stock, conserve resources and existing architectural style, reduce waste and environmental impacts on new buildings as they relate to materials manufacturing and transport.
Requirements
Use existing interior nonstructural elements (interior walls, doors, floor coverings and ceiling systems) in at least 40#37; (by area) of the completed building, including addictions.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles can contribute to the credit when used to cover existing floors and walls. You can thus renovate surfaces and structures in a simple an ecological way and save expensive building works. Moreover the flexibility and design of Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles besides preserving and increase the lifecycle of existing areas where they are laid, contribute to enhance the building value thanks to their unquestionable stylistic and technical value.
MR Credit 1.2b: Building Reuse 60% (1 point)
Intent
To extend the lifecycle of existing building stock, conserve resources and existing architectural style, reduce waste and environmental impacts on new buildings as they relate to materials manufacturing and transport.
Requirements
Use existing interior nonstructural elements (interior walls, doors, floor coverings and ceiling systems) in at least 60#37; (by area) of the completed building, including addictions.
The contribution of Ceramica Sant’Agostino products
Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles can contribute to the credit by using them to cover existing floors and walls, thus renewing surfaces and structures in a simple and ecological way while avoiding expensive building works. Furthermore the versatility and design of Ceramica Sant’Agostino tiles, besides preserving and increasing the lifecycle of the existing areas, contribute to enhance the value of the building thanks to their unquestionable stylistic and technical prestige.
For further information www.usgbc.org
ENVIRONMENTILE
Environmentile is the new voluntary environment label with which Ceramica Sant’Agostino, according to rule ISO 14021, declares that Ceramica Sant’Agostino products are made with the lowest environmental impact obtainable with the most updated technological knowledge (BAT - best available techniques).
This approach demands rigorous, ongoing research that seeks to optimise the energy demands of production and the constant monitoring of every substance.
Our goal is to create products that are as safe as they are attractive; our commitment is to achieve this goal in the most eco-friendly possible way.
The key points of our Environmentile labels are:
- reducing the energy consumed in production;
- reducing the pollution of air and water;
- correct management procedures for the disposal/recycling of waste;
- better information for consumers.
Ceramica Sant’Agostino pursues the goal of cutting the impact of its production processes on the environment by implementing the following strategies:
- process water is completely recycled and reused by means of a closed-loop system in the production process so that no water is released into the environment;
- gas emissions are authorised by the relevant authority and are processed by the latest and most sophisticated systems for the elimination of pollutants;
- processing waste is managed as part of the production process so that 100#37; of the resources of raw material is exploited;
- the acoustic impact of production machinery on the external environment is mitigated by the use of the latest and most effective systems for noise abatement and insulation;
- waste heat recovery systems are implemented to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels;
- waste packaging is sent for recycling and reuse.
ECOLABEL
IT/021/013
Ecolabel is a product certification system created in 1992 by the European Community. Its purpose is to grant the consumers the possibility to purchase eco-friendly products, namely able to contribute to improve the environment and men’s life standard. As a matter of fact, Ecolabel mark is awarded only if, after very accurate analyses, the products proves to excel in the following environmental elements:
- air and water quality
- soil protection
- waste reduction
- energy saving
- natural resources management
- environment safety
- biodiversity
The whole productive cycle must be carefully checked in each and every phase, the technologies used must have a low environment impact with monitored emissions and with strict analyses on the technical performances.
An Ecolabel product grants to be free from raw materials harmful to man and the environment.
Ecolabel mark is a synonym of objective and verifiable guarantee. A board of 14 members designated by the Ministers of Productive Activities, of the Environment, of Health and Economy examines the certification requests. On the base of analyses carried out by the technical board with the help of external credited laboratories, they decide if there are the prerequisites to confer the prestigious acknowledgement.
Ecolabel does not mean only ecosustainability.
It also means quality excellence achieved through the newest production technologies and complex scientific researches. The request for the Ecolabel mark is voluntary and comes from Ceramica Sant'Agostino need to inform the customers regarding the quality of our procedures from every point of view, the strong attention for the human being and the environment, outside and inside the factory.
For further information www.ecolabel.eu
Certified collections ECOLABEL
The ECOLABEL certification does not refer to collections (or ranges) but to each single item.
Porcelain
EPD
DICHIARAZIONE AMBIENTALE DI PRODOTTO (EPD:Environmental Product Declaration)
Sostenibilità e comunicazione delle prestazioni ambientali dei prodotti, un tema sempre più attivo ed in continua evoluzione che vede Ceramica Sant’Agostino S.p.A. attiva partecipante di una nuova dichiarazione.
Aderente attiva di uno studio, sviluppato da Confindustria Ceramica in collaborazione con la Regione Emilia Romagna, che ha visto il coinvolgimento dell’industria ceramica italiana nella raccolta dati e nello sviluppo successivo dell’EPD media di settore attraverso la creazione di un Gruppo di Lavoro più ristretto ma rappresentativo.
L’EPD settoriale, dichiarazione ambientale di prodotto (medio di settore), è un documento sintetico che disegna un semplice "profilo" delle prestazioni ambientali di un prodotto (la piastrella) e che permette di comunicare informazioni oggettive, confrontabili e credibili al riguardo, senza esprimere criteri di valutazione, preferibilità o livelli minimi da rispettare e che permette a chi lo consulta di compiere una scelta consapevole e correttamente informata.
Ma cos’è l’EPD?
E’ un viaggio che determina, attraverso la valutazione del ciclo di vita (LCA: Life Cycle Assessment), gli impatti ambientali per la produzione delle piastrelle (dei nostri prodotti), dalle materie prime al fine vita (cradle-to-grave).
E’ una dichiarazione di Tipo III e quindi rispondente alla ISO 14025 e EN 15804: dichiarazioni ecologiche che riportano informazioni basate su parametri stabiliti che contengono una quantificazione degli impatti ambientali associati al ciclo di vita del prodotto calcolati attraverso un sistema LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) e che sono sottoposte a un controllo indipendente.
Gli indicatori di performance ambientale che risultano dalla LCA e che sono riportati sull’EPD sono informazioni quali:
- il consumo di energia (rinnovabile e non);
- la produzione di rifiuti;
- l'impatto sulle principali problematiche ambientali di tipo globale e regionale (effetto serra, assottigliamento della fascia d'ozono, acidificazione, ecc.);
- la corretta utilizzazione del prodotto al fine di limitarne gli impatti;
- i suggerimenti per un corretto riutilizzo;
- il recupero o il riciclaggio del prodotto o di sue componenti;
- ecc.
Perché è importante l’EPD?
Oltre a riportare le performance ambientali dei prodotti lungo il loro ciclo di vita
La EPD :
- è applicabile a tutti i prodotti o servizi, indipendentemente dal loro uso o posizionamento nella catena produttiva;
- consente confronti tra prodotti o servizi funzionalmente equivalenti;
- viene verificata e convalidata da un organismo indipendente che garantisce la credibilità e veridicità delle informazioni contenute nello studio LCA e nella Dichiarazione.
- ed in particolare serve a contribuire ai punteggi LEED.
UNI-CERTIQUALITY and CEN-KEYMARK
The Italian UNI-Certiquality mark certifies the conformity of the certified products to the European UNI EN 14411 standards “ Ceramic tiles – Definition, classification, features and marking” through strict laboratory tests and a rigorous inspection by an independent authority (CERTIQUALITY). Tiles with the UNI-Certiquality mark belong to an elite of high quality products that totally fulfil the UNI EN 14411 standards requirements and technical parameters.
The CEN-KEYMARK mark is the extension of the UNI-Certiquality mark validity in Europe and permits to the other European Union Member States, which have their own national quality marks, to know the validity of the UNI-Certiquality mark.
The UNI-Certiquality and the CEN-KEYMARK are voluntary, not obligatory certifications. Ceramica Sant'Agostino products with above marks have excellent technical features.
CE
The CE mark is the product passport.
The CE mark means safety. A product marked CE complies the strict parameters of the European Community for the consumers' safety and protection.
The CE mark is achieved after passing laboratory tests and the presentation of a technical pamphlet describing the product performance, in compliance with the REGULATION (EU) N. 305/2011 and the UNI EN 14411 standards “ Ceramic tiles – Definition, classification, features and marking”.
The customer can always consult and print the technical data of each product (available on the site www.ceramicasantagostino.it in the technical area), describing the final results of the laboratory tests for each certified product. The CE mark shows on each Ceramica Sant'Agostino product carton.
CCC
The CCC mark certifies that Ceramica Sant'Agostino products show the lowest level of natural radioactivity for building materials, even lower than the granite natural radioactivity level. This means that Ceramica Sant'Agostino products are ideal to be installed in public places, such as school buildings and nursery-schools. The CCC certification is achieved through a crossed test carried out by two different laboratories on the same sample and after an inspection by the certification authority that guarantees the conformity of the certified products. The CCC mark divides the products into two classes: A and B. All Ceramica Sant'Agostino products belong to class A, which is the safest, ideal to be installed in all public areas