A material for comfort and well-being

Italian ceramic products can contribute to the comfort and quality of living spaces, both indoors and outdoors.

The alternative to air-conditioning systems

Ceramic solutions for building envelopes and roofs can help improve the thermal comfort of buildings and reduce the need for heating and cooling, depending on the design and climate. In Europe, buildings account for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions (European Commission). Certain ceramic solutions can contribute to the microclimate and living comfort; their effect depends on the design and local conditions. The following are a few examples of how ceramic products can be used in this way:

• Ceramic ventilated façades can improve the energy efficiency of buildings. They are easy to install and are resistant to shock, scratching and weathering.
• Ceramic roof tiles have a high thermal emissivity, they are recyclable and they last for decades. Ventilated roofs allow for natural ventilation, creating an air barrier that keeps the building warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Ceramic surfaces can help manage indoor humidity, depending on the type of product and the installation method.

Air quality

Italian ceramic products can help maintain good indoor air quality, both at home and in the workplace. Ceramic products for architecture and interiors are made from natural raw materials such as clays, feldspars and kaolin, fired at high temperatures. As inert mineral materials, their emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during use are generally negligible.

In addition, Italian ceramic tiles tend not to retain odours, paint fumes or other contaminants. Provided they have the appropriate product documentation, Italian ceramic tiles may also contribute towards credits for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification of buildings.

The importance of aesthetics

To ensure a high level of living comfort, documentable environmental benefits must go hand in hand with aesthetic and architectural quality. The Italian ceramic industry combines care for the environment with a constant search for solutions that cater to the latest trends in architecture and design. Ceramic surfaces create stunning floors and walls that reproduce the original natural material in meticulous detail. Likewise, the distinctive style of Italian porcelain and ceramic tableware enhances the excellence of Italian food, whether at home or in a bar or restaurant.