CaesarStone understands how manufacturing processes can potentially harm the environment. CaesarStone is the first quartz surfacing company to receive the ISO 14001 global standard emblem. From investing in recycling technologies in our manufacturing plants to embracing environmentally sensitive suppliers, CaesarStone has made a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment. CaesarStone's environmental policy includes: Recycling waste materials and using recycled raw materials Storing all waste materials securely to prevent waste from leaking into the environment Vacuuming industrial dust during the manufacturing process to prevent waste from polluting the air Adopting a manufacturing process that ensures entirely inert products Guaranteeing products are nonporous to prevent surface mold and bacteria from forming Maintaining VOC (volatile organic compounds) standards to minimize the spread of toxins in the environment Installing regenerative thermal oxide to improve the air quality in the manufacturing plant and environment Using filtered and recycled systems to save 97% of the water used in production Complying with international NSF 51 standards to ensure that non-toxic products are manufactured. The nonporous quality of our quartz surfaces prevents the growth of surface mold and microbes, and requires less detergent use. The Project7Ten house is the first conventionally constructed LEED Platinum house in California. To see more go to: http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/11/19/project7ten-house-completed/