The construction and architectural communities have an ongoing and increasingly important role in the awareness and preservation of our environment. With conservation at the forefront, Custom® Building Products continues its commitment to minimizing the negative impact on our environment through many eco-responsible initiatives throughout the product development stages, manufacturing processes, installation procedures and product support.

Custom’s Build Green® program is a leading model in the construction industry, supplying customers with environmentally-responsible products and the peace of mind that they are contributing to a cleaner world. The Build Green program designates products that help contribute to LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by qualifying for at least one of three major categories.

One component of earning LEED credits is using recycled materials whenever possible during the manufacturing of tile and stone installation products. Recycled materials help conserve natural resources and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. In addition to using recycled materials, Custom has also built a strategic logistics plan for the regional production of products. To reduce transportation emissions, 10 locations throughout the country ensure many products will use local raw materials and be manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. In the category of maintaining indoor environmental quality, many Custom products contain low-emitting materials with No VOC or Low VOC which helps reduce the amount of harmful chemicals discharged into the atmosphere.

Although most Custom products help contribute to LEED credits, the most recent introduction to this family of innovative products is EBM-Lite™ Epoxy Bonding Mortar. This is the first 100 percent solids epoxy that contributes to LEED certification based on recycled content. Due to its lightweight and durable formula, EBM-Lite helps conserve energy due to less fuel consumption during shipping and transportation and reduces materials ending up in landfills when projects are replaced.

While adhering to tight, self-imposed requirements at each stage in the manufacturing process, Custom continues to develop and enhance products that add value to each installation by saving contractors time and money. By recognizing the potential risks that the manufacturing process imposes on the environment, Custom Building Products proves its philosophy of searching for ways to reduce the burden on the environment and promote sustainability throughout the building community.

- Anthony Corwin, Channel Manager