The first three certifications under the tile industry’s new Green Squared standard have been awarded to products from Crossville, Interceramic, and Metropolitan Ceramics by Ironrock.Green Squared is the flooring industry’s first sustainability standard for tile and tile installation materials. Developed by the Tile Council of North America under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process, this sustainability standard recognizes manufacturers for environmental leadership and corporate social responsibility across a broad range of indicators. Scientific Certification Systems, which evaluated the first three certifications, is among the first third-party certifiers accredited by the Tile Council to conduct evaluations under the new standard.

The Green Squared certification (ANSI A138.1) evaluates products in a point system format that will allow designers, building pros, and consumers to compare products based on their achievements. Products eligible to achieve Green Squared certification include ceramic and glass tiles, grouts, mortars, backer boards, underlayments, and waterproof membranes. The standard addresses environmental product characteristics, product manufacturing, end-of-life management, corporate governance, and innovation.