Cosentino, a global natural stone manufacturer, receives International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification. ISO 14001 certification is an internationally recognized framework for environmental legislation, regulation, management, measurement, evaluation, and auditing. ISO sets and maintains a variety of standards for businesses and industries, and those systems that are ISO certified meet management standards that are recognized around the globe.

"From quarry to kitchen, Cosentino is committed to being environmentally conscious," says Roberto Contreras, Jr., chief executive officer, Cosentino North America. "By committing to ISO 14001 certification, we are proving our dedication to the environment, showing that Cosentino is not satisfied with mere legislation compliance, and furthering our corporate mission to reduce waste and control environmental processes."

Cosentino's dedication to sustainability goes beyond its commitment to comply with environmental regulations by focusing on continually improving its processes and products using quality and environmental management systems tools.

Cosentino is committed to respecting the environment in all stages of surfacing production, from extraction through fabrication and distribution to installation. Cosentino invests in environmental technologies that preserve and improve its direct surroundings. Based in Almeria, Spain, Cosentino strives to protect the environment surrounding its warehouses, fabrication facilities, and quarries worldwide by:

Utilizing modern settlings and filtration systems Pursuing quarry restoration Optimizing rubble generation and natural erosion control Generating new vegetation and the propagation of native species surrounding quarries Sponsoring company-wide allegiance to environmental responsibility

"Since ecological conservation is in our DNA at Cosentino, we respect the strict ISO standards, and we feel all corporations should be striving to achieve ISO 14001 certification," says Contreras. "ISO 14001 requires the organization to take a hard look at all areas where its activities have an environmental impact."

In addition to ISO 14001 certification, Cosentino continues to develop eco-friendly products. Cosentino's Silestone natural quartz leads the charge with the recent introduction of Silestone MURO(TM). By collecting Silestone fabrication scrap pieces, Silestone MURO pre-meshed mosaics efficiently utilize otherwise unused resources to create innovative and stylish products that benefit the environment and offer luxurious appeal.

"Silestone MURO is an example of how useful and beautiful materials can be created out of what would have been scrap," says Roberto Contreras, Jr., chief executive officer, Cosentino North America. "Cosentino North America is committed to closing the gap between economical growth and ecological conservation."

In addition to utilizing recycled Silestone scraps for Silestone MURO, Cosentino continues to develop and manufacture colors with post-consumer recycled glass, including Silestone Dali, Coffee Brown, Absolute Green and the Silestone Stellar Series. By utilizing these colors, building teams can gain up to four points toward LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Silestone and Silestone MURO are certified by GREENGUARD Environmental Institute for low-to-no off-gassing into indoor air during their product lifetime, and the National Sanitation Foundation for use in food-prep areas. Silestone is the only quartz surface with built-in Microban antimicrobial protection.