Natural stone countertops are those composed of granite, soapstone, slate, or other naturally occurring minerals. Natural stone is used scarcely within the office space as the price and feasibility of full stone coverage is typically impractical, however it is very suitable for rooms such as pantry rooms due to its durability and low porosity.

O+M Tips

• Use cleaning chemicals and solutions that are Green Seal certified that are non-abrasive.
• For soapstone countertops, seal with mineral oil to reduce staining.
• For slate countertops, rub lemon oil into the surface to create an ascetically pleasing look.

End of Life Tips

• For materials that are well worn or damaged, recycling is the next best option. Contact the flooring manufacturer for recycling information, or visit Earth911.com to determine the capacity of local facilities.

For alignment with LEED Standards

• Regional Materials: For credit achievement calculation, products sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased) within 100 miles (160 km) of the project site are valued at 200% of their base contributing cost.
  • BD+C and ID+C MR: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials and Material Ingredients
  • O+M MR: Purchasing - Facility Maintenance and Renovation
• Setting Adhesives and Grout: Must meet the volatile organic compound (VOC) requirements of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1168.
  • BD+C and ID+C EQ: Low-Emitting Materials
  • O+M MR: Purchasing - Facility Maintenance and Renovation