S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
At Z Collection, we are committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability across all facets of our business. As a tile distributor based in the Pacific Northwest, we understand the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations.
C E R T I F I C A T I O N S
EPD (ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION)
A voluntary environmental product declaration that certifies the environmental footprint of the product life cycle according to the “cradle to grave” approach.
LEED (LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN) DECLARATION
The world's most widely used green building rating system. LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits.
PEF (PRODUCT ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT)
A certification relating to the determination of the potential environmental footprint of products during their life cycle.
MSDS (MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS) + HPD (HEALTH PRODUCT DECLARATION)
A declaration that constitutes the safety data sheet of the material and certifies that it does not contain toxic or hazardous substances.
ISO (INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION)
ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
ISO 45001 Occupational Health + Safety
ISO 50001 Energy Management
ISO 17889 Ceramic Tiling Systems – Sustainability for ceramic tiles and installation materials
FDES (FICHE DE DECLARATION ENVIRONMENTALE ET SANITAIRE)
An environmental declaration that is specific to the French market and certifies the suitability of the material for the construction of green buildings.
Z C O L L E C T I O N O P E R A T I O N S
IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
We utilize a hybrid energy model by sourcing part of our energy from renewable providers.
ENHANCED LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
To optimize energy consumption and longevity, we installed automated LED lighting systems in both our warehouse and showroom.
EFFICIENT RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT
Office Initiatives: We've implemented recycling programs for all paper and packaging materials, minimal printing practices, and the recycle or reuse of electronics.
Employee Break Room: Established dedicated recycling bins for bottles and cans, and transitioned to filtered water to reduce the reliance on bottled options.
Warehouse Operations: We reuse crates and pallets for deliveries and minimize waste thorough efficient inventory management.
Sample Department Innovation: We prioritize resourcefulness by salvaging broken tiles into samples.
End of Lot Materials: Strategically donate or offer closeout pricing for end-of-lot, returned, and miscellaneous tiles, to foster a community that supports sustainable disposal practices.
Commitment to Staff Well-Being: Prioritizing the safety, health, and overall well-being of our valued team members through comprehensive policies and initiatives.
Engagement and Education: Actively engaging with our community through educational sustainability content and promotions.
C O N T I N U O U S I M P R O V E M E N T
We understand that the journey towards sustainability is ongoing. As such, we are dedicated to constantly evaluating and enhancing our sustainability efforts. Through regular assessments of our practices and staying informed about advancements in sustainable technologies, we continue to improve our operations.
By adhering to these principles, Z Collection aims to be a leader in the tile industry's sustainability efforts. We believe that our actions today can create a brighter and more sustainable future for the Pacific Northwest and global community.
E T H I C A L S O U R C I N G O F P O R C E L A I N + C E R A M I C T I L E S
We are dedicated to partnering with factories and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and uphold environmentally conscious practices. Beyond environmental considerations, we place significant emphasis on fair labor practices, worker safety, and ethical working conditions. Each of our partner factories operates autonomously, yet all are aligned or actively working towards achieving the following standards:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Implementation of heat recovery systems for kiln-generated heat.
Integration of renewable energy sources such as solar power.
Utilization of pallets made from reclaimed or FSC-certified wood.
Adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions.
REGIONAL SOURCING
Factories prioritize sourcing raw materials within their region.
RECYCLED CONTENT & WASTE MANAGEMENT
Commitment to waste reduction practices.
Reclamation of all or most raw and fired materials within the production cycle.
WATER CONSERVATION
Reduce overall water use and reutilization industrial water.
EMISSIONS CONTROL
Implementation of air filtration systems to minimize dust emissions.
Adherence to stringent EU air quality standards in factories located in Italy and Spain.
ECO_CONSCIOUS PACKAGING
Embrace minimal packaging and utilize recycled and recyclable cardboard materials.
C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S O F P O R C E L A I N , C E R A M I C , + S T O N E
ENHANCED DURABILITY
These materials have inherent longevity, surpassing all other flooring options. When properly specified and installed, these materials can endure as long as the building itself and ensure lasting quality and performance.
ECO-FRIENDLY SOURCING
Stone is sourced entirely from nature, while porcelain and ceramic are crafted from naturally occurring raw materials such as clay, kaolin, and feldspar. Extraction processes are minimally invasive, demonstrating a commitment to environmental preservation.
NON-TOXIC COMPOSITION
Free from harmful substances like lead, cadmium, heavy metals, PVC, VOCs, radon, phthalates, and formaldehyde, these materials provide a safe and healthy living indoor environment.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Porcelain, ceramic, and stone contribute to improved indoor air quality through their nonporous surfaces, which naturally repel bacteria, fungi, mold, and other allergens. Additionally, their inert nature and high firing temperature ensure compliance with low-emission standards, further enhancing air quality.
FIRE SAFETY
Resistant to fire and devoid of toxic fumes when exposed to flames, these materials offers a secure and non-toxic option for building materials.
THERMAL EFFICIENCY
These materials offer advantageous thermal properties, enabling energy savings when integrated with under-floor or wall-mounted heating systems. They also contribute to ventilated facades and mitigate heat island effects, fostering a comfortable and sustainable indoor environment.
LOW MAINTENANCE
With their stain, scratch, and water-resistant properties, these materials require minimal upkeep. Cleaning and maintenance are easily managed with mild, non-toxic agents, ensuring both convenience and environmental responsibility.
SUSTAINABLE DISPOSAL OPTIONS
High-quality tile and stone possess significant value and are frequently salvaged for architectural re-use. Alternatively, they can be repurposed for industrial applications, such as being crushed and incorporated into concrete production. At the end of their lifecycle, if properly disposed of, these materials pose no threat to the environment, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
S T O N E M O S A I C + T I L E M A N U F A C T U R I N G
The stone mosaic industry inherently repurposes industrial by-products by utilizing stone blocks for larger finished sizes, while end cuts are repurposed for mosaics and smaller format tiles. For instance, our Bianco Carrara 1" Tumbled Triangle mosaic is exclusively crafted from leftover pieces from cutting 3" Hexagons.
Manufacturers have implemented industrial water capture and reuse strategies.
Through their commitment to energy efficient practices, they've implemented energy reduction measures and renewable energy alternatives.
