Cosentino, a global natural stone manufacturer,
receives International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001
certification. ISO 14001 certification is an internationally recognized
framework for environmental legislation, regulation, management,
measurement, evaluation, and auditing. ISO sets and maintains a variety
of standards for businesses and industries, and those systems that are
ISO certified meet management standards that are recognized around the
globe.
"From quarry to kitchen, Cosentino is committed to
being environmentally conscious," says Roberto Contreras, Jr., chief
executive officer, Cosentino North America. "By committing to ISO 14001
certification, we are proving our dedication to the environment,
showing that Cosentino is not satisfied with mere legislation
compliance, and furthering our corporate mission to reduce waste and
control environmental processes."
Cosentino's dedication to sustainability goes
beyond its commitment to comply with environmental regulations by
focusing on continually improving its processes and products using
quality and environmental management systems tools.
Cosentino is committed to respecting the
environment in all stages of surfacing production, from extraction
through fabrication and distribution to installation. Cosentino invests
in environmental technologies that preserve and improve its direct
surroundings. Based in Almeria, Spain, Cosentino strives to protect the
environment surrounding its warehouses, fabrication facilities, and
quarries worldwide by:
Utilizing modern settlings and filtration systems
Pursuing quarry restoration Optimizing rubble generation and natural
erosion control Generating new vegetation and the propagation of native
species surrounding quarries Sponsoring company-wide allegiance to
environmental responsibility
"Since ecological conservation is in our DNA at
Cosentino, we respect the strict ISO standards, and we feel all
corporations should be striving to achieve ISO 14001 certification,"
says Contreras. "ISO 14001 requires the organization to take a hard
look at all areas where its activities have an environmental impact."
In addition to ISO 14001 certification, Cosentino
continues to develop eco-friendly products. Cosentino's Silestone
natural quartz leads the charge with the recent introduction of
Silestone MURO(TM). By collecting Silestone fabrication scrap pieces,
Silestone MURO pre-meshed mosaics efficiently utilize otherwise unused
resources to create innovative and stylish products that benefit the
environment and offer luxurious appeal.
"Silestone MURO is an example of how useful and
beautiful materials can be created out of what would have been scrap,"
says Roberto Contreras, Jr., chief executive officer, Cosentino North
America. "Cosentino North America is committed to closing the gap
between economical growth and ecological conservation."
In addition to utilizing recycled Silestone scraps
for Silestone MURO, Cosentino continues to develop and manufacture
colors with post-consumer recycled glass, including Silestone Dali,
Coffee Brown, Absolute Green and the Silestone Stellar Series. By
utilizing these colors, building teams can gain up to four points
toward LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Silestone and Silestone MURO are certified by GREENGUARD Environmental
Institute for low-to-no off-gassing into indoor air during their
product lifetime, and the National Sanitation Foundation for use in
food-prep areas. Silestone is the only quartz surface with built-in
Microban antimicrobial protection.
