Page 63 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

minimum number of points in each of the following categories: up points simply for staying on the right side of regulations. Our
point is not to bash the KCMA, but to urge its many members to
Air Quality 30 think much bigger about what it means to be green. We often 61
Product Resource Management 30 write about ESP-certified cabinet brands that are being used in
Process Resource Management 20 our demonstration homes and other projects. We know these
Environmental Stewardship 15 companies, and they’ve indicated that they want to get real about
Community Relations 10 sustainability. We believe they’re sincere, and we expect exciting
new cabinet products soon.
Some points are sound—such as the five points awarded under
ESP for “reviewing the environmental practices and policies of Homeowners and builders have been frustrated too long by the
its key vendors and contractors,” although reviewing it should be lack of readily available green cabinetry and shelving. It’s time to give
noted, does not guarantee any changes. Unfortunately, other point them more options. For people with asthma, chemical sensitivity or
criteria act as loopholes that weaken the program. For example, infants in the house, the only alternative in the past has been to take
a company can earn 10 points in Air Quality if “75 percent of matters into their own hands, to have their cabinets custom built and
finished products are finished domestically, and finishes used emit finished with low-VOC paints, or to seal in VOCs and formaldehyde
no greater HAPs (hazardous air pollutants) than allowed by local with surface sealing paints. They shouldn’t have to work so hard.
plant operating permits.” We’d call that simply playing by the
rules. They also can earn five Community Relations points for not A few brands are pointing the way by offering low-VOC water-
getting any citations “from any federal, state or local environmental borne finishes and safer adhesives, along with straw core shelves
regulatory agency in the previous 12 months.” Again, they can rack and wood for both door faces and veneers that is certified by the
Forest Stewardship Council. Change is coming. GB

Countertops: What’s the Difference?

Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015

Material Price Overall score Test
per sq.ft. results

Stains
Heat
Abrasion
Impact

Quartz (engineered stone) $ - 79
78
Granite - 78
62
Laminate - 58
53
Solid surfacing - 52
38
Tile (ceramic and porcelain) 10-30 36
26
Concrete (topical sealer) 80-120

Stainless steel 100-150

Concrete (penetrating sealer) 80-120

Limestone 60-100

Marble 50-140

SOURCE: CONSUMER REPORTS

Consumer Reports analyzed various attributes of common countertop materials, including how it handles staining, heat,
abrasions and impact. Quartz (engineered stone) got the highest marks, with marble coming in last, primarily because
it doesn’t hold up well against abrasions and impact. While both quartz and granite garner high scores, it’s important to
remember that large amounts of energy are required to transport these stones, so it’s best to look for a local fabricator.
Stainless steel has become quite popular in contemporary kitchens, but it is susceptible to scratching. – Editor