Vermont Quarries has announced its achievement of Greenguard Indoor Air Quality and Greenguard Children & Schools SM Certification for marble surfacing. Greenguard-certified products must meet stringent emissions requirements set by the Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI), such as being screened for more than 10,000 chemicals. Greenguard Certified products are recognized, referenced or preferred by many retailers, companies, institutions, government agencies, environmental programs, standards and specifications around the globe. All certified products can be found in a free online product guide at www.greenguard.org.

Vermont Quarries also reports being the first quarry to have its complete line of marble certified under this program. Vermont Danby marble has met the qualification standards for LEED certification credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect, non-roof: Using light colored natural stone with a solar-reflective index of 20 or greater can reduce heat-island effects. Danby marble comes in at over 60, the company reports.

All Danby slabs will be labeled with the Greenguard certification stickers. This will let clients know that not only is Danby marble highly suitable for kitchens due to its low absorption, but also, it is a clean and safe marble to use in their home.

In regards to commercial projects, it is possible that the Greenguard certification will qualify Danby marble for another LEED certification point under innovation and design. With LEED certifications so far, Danby marble will add to any project within 500 miles of the quarry two LEED points confirmed with a possible third with Greenguard. If the project is outside of the 500 mile radius, a minimum of one to two points will still apply.

Finally, Vermont Quarries is announcing its availability to give companies a CEU Learning AIA Credit with a presentation on "Marble Use in the Kitchen." Everyone in attendance, including architects and designers, will receive one learning credit. This is for both interior designers as well as architects. Find out more at www.vermontquarries.com.