SIST EN 17160:2026
(Main)Product category rules for ceramic tiles
Product category rules for ceramic tiles
This document defines Product Category Rules (PCR) providing guidelines and rules for developing a type III environmental declaration (as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) for ceramic tiles produced by extrusion and dry-pressing techniques, mainly used for internal and/or external floorings and walls coverings, facade cladding.
The c-PCR:
- define the indicators to be declared, information to be provided and the way in which they are collated and reported;
- describe which stages of ceramic tiles’ life cycle are considered in the EPD and which processes are to be included in the life cycle stages;
- define rules for the development of scenarios;
- include the rules for calculating the Life Cycle Inventory and the Life Cycle Impact Assessment underlying the EPD, including the specification of the data quality to be applied;
- include the rules for reporting predetermined, environmental and health information, that is not covered by LCA for a ceramic tile, construction process and construction service where necessary;
- define the conditions under which ceramic tiles can be compared based on the information provided by EPD;
- include Annex A to Annex E in alignment to EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
This PCR is intended to be used for cradle to grave and module D assessment.
Produktkategorieregeln für keramische Fliesen und Platten
Dieses Dokument legt Produktkategorieregeln (PCR) fest, welche Leitlinien und Regeln für die Entwicklung einer Typ-III-Umweltdeklaration (EPD) (wie nach EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) für keramische Fliesen und Platten bereitstellen, die mittels Strangpress- und Trockenpresstechniken hergestellt werden und hauptsächlich in Innen- und/oder Außenbereichen für Boden- und Wandbeläge und Fassadenbekleidungen angewendet werden.
Die c-PCR:
- legen die zu deklarierenden Indikatoren, die bereitzustellenden Informationen und die Art, in der sie zusammengestellt und angegeben werden, fest;
- beschreiben, welche Phasen des Lebenszyklus von keramischen Fliesen und Platten in der EPD (en: environmental product declaration) berücksichtigt werden und welche Prozesse in die Phasen des Lebenszyklus einzubeziehen sind;
- legen Regeln für die Entwicklung von Szenarien fest;
- beinhalten die Regeln zur Berechnung der Sachbilanz und der Wirkungsabschätzung, die der EPD zugrunde liegen, einschließlich der Festlegung der anzuwendenden Datenqualität;
- beinhalten die Regeln für die Kommunikation zuvor festgelegter Umwelt- und Gesundheitsinformationen, die für eine keramische Fliese und Platte, einen Bauprozess und eine Bauleistung nicht von einer Ökobilanz (LCA, en: life cycle assessment) abgedeckt sind, soweit erforderlich;
- legen die Bedingungen fest, unter welchen keramische Fliesen und Platten auf der Basis der Informationen aus den EPD verglichen werden können;
- beinhalten Anhang A bis Anhang E im Einklang mit EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
Diese PCR sind für die Beurteilung "von der Wiege bis zur Bahre" und des Moduls D vorgesehen.
Règles de définition des catégories de produits pour les carreaux céramiques
Le présent document définit des règles de définition de catégorie de produit (PCR) qui fournissent des lignes directrices et des règles permettant d'élaborer une déclaration environnementale de type III (comme dans l’EN 15804 :2012+A2 :2019) pour les carreaux céramiques fabriqués par extrusion ou autres techniques de pressage à sec, principalement utilisés pour les revêtements de sol intérieurs et/ou extérieurs, les revêtements muraux, les bardages, et les plafonds.
NOTE L'évaluation des performances sociales et économiques au niveau du produit n'est pas couverte par le présent document.
Ces PCR spécifient les règles de calcul conformément à l'EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 pour l'Analyse du Cycle de Vie (ACV) des carreaux céramiques en vue de l'élaboration d'une DEP, ainsi que les exigences relatives au contexte de l'ACV.
L’essentiel de ces PCR :
- définissent les indicateurs à déclarer, les informations à fournir, et la manière dont ils sont regroupés et consignés ;
- décrivent les étapes du cycle de vie des carreaux céramiques prises en compte dans la DEP, ainsi que les processus qui doivent être inclus dans les étapes du cycle de vie ;
- définissent les règles pour l'élaboration de scénarios ;
- comprennent les règles de calcul de l'inventaire du cycle de vie et de l'évaluation de l'impact du cycle de vie servant de base à la DEP, y compris la spécification de la qualité des données à appliquer ;
- comprennent les règles pour rendre compte d'informations prédéterminées relatives à l'environnement et à la santé, qui ne sont pas couvertes par l'ACV des carreaux céramiques, au processus de construction et au service de construction si nécessaire ;
- définissent les conditions dans lesquelles les carreaux céramiques peuvent être comparés sur la base des informations fournies par la DEP.
Ces DEP sont destinées à être utilisées pour l'évaluation du berceau à la tombe et du module D.
Après vérification, une DEP est valable pendant une période de cinq ans à compter de la date de publication, période au terme de laquelle elle doit être revue et vérifiée.
Pravila za kategorije proizvodov za keramične ploščice
Ta dokument opredeljuje Pravila kategorije izdelkov (PCR), ki zagotavljajo smernice in pravila za razvoj okoljske deklaracije tipa III (kot v EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) za keramične ploščice, proizvedene z ekstrudiranjem in tehnikami suhega stiskanja, ki se večinoma uporabljajo za notranje in/ali zunanje talne obloge in stenske obloge, ter obloge fasad.
c-PCR:
- opredeljuje kazalnike, ki jih je treba navesti, informacije, ki jih je treba zagotoviti, ter način, kako se te zbirajo in poročajo;
- opisuje, katere faze življenjskega cikla keramičnih ploščic so upoštevane v EPD (okoljska deklaracija izdelka) in kateri procesi so vključeni v faze življenjskega cikla;
- opredeljuje pravila za razvoj scenarijev;
- vključuje pravila za izračun Inventarja življenjskega cikla (Life Cycle Inventory) in Ocene vplivov življenjskega cikla (Life Cycle Impact Assessment), ki so osnova za EPD, vključno z določitvijo kakovosti podatkov, ki jih je treba uporabiti;
- vključuje pravila za poročanje o vnaprej določenih okoljskih in zdravstvenih informacijah, ki niso zajete v LCA (ocena življenjskega cikla) za keramične ploščice, gradbeni proces in gradbeno storitev, kjer je to potrebno;
- opredeljuje pogoje, pod katerimi se lahko keramične ploščice primerjajo na podlagi informacij, ki jih zagotavlja EPD;
- vključuje Prilogo A do Priloge E v skladu z EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
Ta PCR je namenjen uporabi za oceno od zibelke do groba in modul D.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 21-Jan-2025
- Publication Date
- 19-May-2026
- Technical Committee
- IKER - Ceramics
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 13-May-2026
- Due Date
- 18-Jul-2026
- Completion Date
- 20-May-2026
Relations
- Effective Date
- 22-Nov-2023
Overview
kSIST FprEN 17160:2026 - Product Category Rules for Ceramic Tiles is a European standard developed by CEN/TC 67. This standard provides comprehensive Product Category Rules (PCR) for creating Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) according to EN 15804:2012+A2:2019. It specifically addresses ceramic tiles manufactured by extrusion and dry-pressing, used in internal and external flooring, wall coverings, and facade cladding. The standard applies to a cradle-to-grave assessment, including module D, supporting accurate and comparable environmental performance reporting across the lifecycle of ceramic tiles.
By defining specifications and standardizing the approach for evaluating the environmental impact of ceramic tiles, kSIST FprEN 17160:2026 advances transparency, sustainability, and comparability within the construction industry.
Key Topics
- Product Category Definition: Covers all ceramic tiles intended for flooring, walls, facades, and ceilings, made by extrusion or dry-pressing, and includes mosaics, slabs, and decorative pieces.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Rules: Sets the rules for consistent LCA, referencing mandatory and optional life-cycle stages as defined in EN 15804.
- Environmental Indicators: Specifies which environmental impact indicators must be declared, how they are measured, and the data quality requirements.
- Data Quality and Reporting: Emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, representative, and transparent data in EPDs. Outlines requirements for reporting, including functional unit definitions (minimum 50 years reference service life).
- Comparability Conditions: Details scenarios under which different ceramic tile products may be compared based on EPD information.
- End-of-Life and Recycling: Provides guidance on end-of-life processing, potential for recycling or reuse, and links to module D scenarios to account for avoided impacts.
- Scenarios for Use and Installation: Offers predefined scenarios and default data for common installation, use, maintenance, and packaging, tailored for different building contexts and regions.
- Alignment with Related Standards: Ensures compatibility with EN 15804 for product sustainability and EN 14411 for tile characteristics and classification.
Applications
kSIST FprEN 17160:2026 is designed for:
- Manufacturers of Ceramic Tiles: To produce verified, standardized, and comparable EPDs, enhancing product transparency and eco-labelling.
- Construction Sector Professionals: Including architects, designers, and specifiers seeking reliable environmental impact data to support green building certifications or sustainable procurement.
- Certification Bodies and LCA Practitioners: As a reference for EPD verification, third-party reviews, and consistency with European sustainability directives.
- Public Authorities and Regulators: For policy-making, sustainable construction initiatives, and market surveillance by referencing harmonized methods for environmental declarations.
Practical Benefits:
- Supports LCA practitioners with clear rules and examples to streamline EPD preparation.
- Facilitates meaningful product comparison within and across project tenders.
- Promotes the circular economy with guidance on reuse, recycling, and module D reporting.
- Enhances the credibility and market acceptance of environmentally declared ceramic tile products.
Related Standards
- EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 - Core rules for environmental product declarations of construction products; foundational for the approach in EN 17160.
- EN 14411:2016 - Defines ceramic tile classification, characteristics, and performance, directly referenced for tile definitions and RSL.
- EN 15978 - Assessment of environmental performance of buildings, referenced for modular information use at the building level.
- EN 15942 - Supporting communication format for EPDs in construction.
- ISO 14025 - International framework for Type III environmental declarations.
By applying kSIST FprEN 17160:2026, stakeholders ensure robust, transparent, and harmonized environmental reporting for ceramic tiles, supporting sustainable construction and market trust across Europe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 17160:2026 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Product category rules for ceramic tiles". This standard covers: This document defines Product Category Rules (PCR) providing guidelines and rules for developing a type III environmental declaration (as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) for ceramic tiles produced by extrusion and dry-pressing techniques, mainly used for internal and/or external floorings and walls coverings, facade cladding. The c-PCR: - define the indicators to be declared, information to be provided and the way in which they are collated and reported; - describe which stages of ceramic tiles’ life cycle are considered in the EPD and which processes are to be included in the life cycle stages; - define rules for the development of scenarios; - include the rules for calculating the Life Cycle Inventory and the Life Cycle Impact Assessment underlying the EPD, including the specification of the data quality to be applied; - include the rules for reporting predetermined, environmental and health information, that is not covered by LCA for a ceramic tile, construction process and construction service where necessary; - define the conditions under which ceramic tiles can be compared based on the information provided by EPD; - include Annex A to Annex E in alignment to EN 15804:2012+A2:2019. This PCR is intended to be used for cradle to grave and module D assessment.
This document defines Product Category Rules (PCR) providing guidelines and rules for developing a type III environmental declaration (as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) for ceramic tiles produced by extrusion and dry-pressing techniques, mainly used for internal and/or external floorings and walls coverings, facade cladding. The c-PCR: - define the indicators to be declared, information to be provided and the way in which they are collated and reported; - describe which stages of ceramic tiles’ life cycle are considered in the EPD and which processes are to be included in the life cycle stages; - define rules for the development of scenarios; - include the rules for calculating the Life Cycle Inventory and the Life Cycle Impact Assessment underlying the EPD, including the specification of the data quality to be applied; - include the rules for reporting predetermined, environmental and health information, that is not covered by LCA for a ceramic tile, construction process and construction service where necessary; - define the conditions under which ceramic tiles can be compared based on the information provided by EPD; - include Annex A to Annex E in alignment to EN 15804:2012+A2:2019. This PCR is intended to be used for cradle to grave and module D assessment.
SIST EN 17160:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.23 - Ceramic tiles. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 17160:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 17160:2019. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 17160:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Pravila za kategorije proizvodov za keramične ploščice
Product category rules for ceramic tiles
Produktkategorieregeln für keramische Fliesen und Platten
Règles de définition des catégories de produits pour les carreaux céramiques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 17160:2026
ICS:
91.100.23 Keramične ploščice Ceramic tiles
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 17160
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
April 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 91.100.23 Supersedes EN 17160:2019
English Version
Product category rules for ceramic tiles
Règles de définition des catégories de produits pour les Produktkategorieregeln für keramische Fliesen und
carreaux céramiques Platten
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 20 March 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 17160:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Abbreviations . 6
5 General aspects . 6
5.1 Objective of the c-PCR for ceramic tiles . 6
5.2 Types of EPD with respect to life cycle stages covered . 6
5.3 Comparability of EPD for construction products . 7
5.4 Additional environmental information . 7
5.5 Ownership, responsibility and liability for the EPD. 7
6 Product Category Rules for LCA . 7
6.1 Product category . 7
6.2 Life cycle stages and their information modules to be included . 7
6.3 Calculation rules for the LCA . 7
6.3.1 Functional or declared unit . 7
6.3.2 Functional unit . 8
6.3.3 Declared unit . 8
6.3.4 Reference service life (RSL) . 8
6.3.5 System boundaries . 8
6.3.6 Criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs . 12
6.3.7 Selection of data . 12
6.3.8 Data quality . 13
6.3.9 Developing product level scenarios . 14
6.3.10 Units . 14
6.4 Inventory analysis . 14
6.5 Impact assessment . 14
7 Content of the EPD . 14
7.1 Declaration of general information. 14
7.2 Declaration of environmental parameters derived from LCA . 14
7.2.1 General. 14
7.2.2 Rules for declaring LCA information per module . 14
7.2.3 Indicators describing resource use and environmental information based on Life
Cycle Inventory (LCI) . 15
7.2.4 Information on biogenic carbon content . 15
7.3 Scenarios and additional technical information . 15
7.3.1 General. 15
7.3.2 Construction process stage . 15
7.3.3 1-B7 use stage . 16
7.3.4 End-of-life . 18
7.4 Additional information on release of dangerous substances to indoor air, soil and
water during the use stage . 19
7.4.1 Indoor air . 19
7.4.2 Soil and water . 19
7.5 Aggregation of information modules . 19
8 Project report . 19
9 Verification and validity of an EPD. 19
Annex A (normative) Requirements and guidance on the reference service life . 20
Annex B (informative) Waste . 21
Annex C (normative) Impact categories and related indicators, methodologies and
characterization factors (CF) . 22
Annex D (informative) End of life formulae . 23
Annex E (informative) Schemes to be applied for data quality assessment of generic and
specific data . 24
Bibliography . 25
European foreword
This document (EN 17160:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 67 “Ceramic Tiles”,
the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2026 and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by October 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 17160:2019.
— update in relation to the latest revision of EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document defines Product Category Rules (PCR) providing guidelines and rules for developing a
type III environmental declaration (as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) for ceramic tiles produced by
extrusion and dry-pressing techniques, mainly used for internal and/or external floorings and walls
coverings, facade cladding.
The c-PCR:
— define the indicators to be declared, information to be provided and the way in which they are
collated and reported;
— describe which stages of ceramic tiles’ life cycle are considered in the EPD and which processes are
to be included in the life cycle stages;
— define rules for the development of scenarios;
— include the rules for calculating the Life Cycle Inventory and the Life Cycle Impact Assessment
underlying the EPD, including the specification of the data quality to be applied;
— include the rules for reporting predetermined, environmental and health information, that is not
covered by LCA for a ceramic tile, construction process and construction service where necessary;
— define the conditions under which ceramic tiles can be compared based on the information provided
by EPD;
— include Annex A to Annex E in alignment to EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
This PCR is intended to be used for cradle to grave and module D assessment.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies
EN 14411:2016, Ceramic tiles — Definition, classification, characteristics, assessment and verification of
constancy of performance and marking
EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, Sustainability of construction works — Environmental product declarations —
Core rules for the product category of construction products
EN 15941:2024, Sustainability of construction works — Data quality for environmental assessment of
products and construction work — Selection and use of data
As impacted by EN 15804:2012+A2:2019/AC:2021.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, 3.1. to
3.36, and the following apply.
3.1
ceramic tile
tile made from clays and/or other inorganic raw materials
[SOURCE: EN 14411:2016, 3.1]
3.2
mosaic
any piece that can fit into a square the side of which is up to 7 cm
3.3
tile panel/slab/surface
ceramic tile of size greater than or equal to 1 m
4 Abbreviations
As in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
BREF best available techniques reference document
EPBD Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
5 General aspects
5.1 Objective of the c-PCR for ceramic tiles
The objective is as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 and the Scope of this document.
5.2 Types of EPD with respect to life cycle stages covered
Types of EPD that may be provided are (see Figure 1) cradle to grave and module D (A, B, C and D). This
declaration shall be based on functional unit or declared unit.
For an EPD type “Cradle to grave and Module D” all modules are mandatory as described in Figure 1.
Figure 1 — Types of EPD with respect to life cycle stages covered and life cycle stages and
modules for the building assessment (EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) Mand = Mandatory.
5.3 Comparability of EPD for construction products
As in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
5.4 Additional environmental information
As in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
5.5 Ownership, responsibility and liability for the EPD
A manufacturer or a group of manufacturers are the sole owners and have liability and responsibility for
an EPD.
6 Product Category Rules for LCA
6.1 Product category
The product category referred to in this PCR includes all ceramic tiles coverings for flooring and/or wall,
facade cladding, both indoor and outdoor, including mosaics, slabs, surfaces, panels, special and
decorative pieces.
6.2 Life cycle stages and their information modules to be included
The life cycle stages shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 and 5.2 of this document.
6.3 Calculation rules for the LCA
6.3.1 Functional or declared unit
The functional or declared unit shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
6.3.2 Functional unit
The functional unit shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition: the functional unit is defined as
a 1 m of ceramic tile with various functions, including flooring and/or cladding of walls, terraces and
facades for a period of at least 50 years (in accordance with 6.3.4 of this document).
The functional unit is characterized by performance characteristics under in-use conditions
(EN 14411:2016) and over the defined time period in accordance with 6.3.4 of this document.
2 2
A functional unit shall contain the characteristic weight referred to 1 m (expressed as Kg/m ) to allow
materials characterized by different thicknesses to be compared consistently.
6.3.3 Declared unit
The declared unit shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 and 5.2 of this document.
2 2
A declared unit shall contain the characteristic weight referred to 1 m (expressed as Kg/m ) and
expressed for a specified period of time (of at least 50 years ) under reference in-use conditions,
considering the RSL in accordance with 6.3.4 of this document.
6.3.4 Reference service life (RSL)
The RSL shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 (see Annex A), in addition: practical experience shows
that the RSL is at least 50 years and generally aligns with the estimated service life of the building, in
accordance with applicable building regulations. This applies when the ceramic tiles: meet the relevant
technical requirement (EN 14411:2016 or ISO 13006), are correctly installed according to relevant
standards, and used as specified by the manufacturer.
For outdoor applications, environmental factors such as frost, thermal variation, and weathering may
affect the RSL. Nevertheless, when installation and product requirements — including frost resistance —
are met, the RSL remains comparable to indoor applications.
6.3.5 System boundaries
6.3.5.1 General
System boundaries shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
Figure 2 illustrates a detailed example of a cradle-to-gate and module D ceramic tile process flow
diagram.
EN 14411:2016 - Table ZA.1.1.
EN 14411:2016 - Table ZA.1.1.
Figure 2 — Illustrate a detailed example for manufacturing section (A3) of ceramic tile Cradle-
to-Grave + module D process flow diagram
6.3.5.2 Product stage
The product stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
6.3.5.3 Construction stage
The construction stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
6.3.5.4 Use stage
6.3.5.4.1 General
The use stage includes the information modules covering the period from the handover of the building or
construction works to when it is deconstructed or demolished. The duration of the use stage of ceramic
tiles should coincide with the estimated service life of a building when the ceramic tiles: meet the relevant
technical requirement (EN 14411:2016 or ISO 13006), are correctly installed according to relevant
standards, and used as specified by the manufacturer.
The use stage includes the use of ceramic tiles, equipment and services in their proper function. It also
includes their use for protecting, conserving, moderating or controlling a building, e.g. modules
describing the building operation through building related services such as heating, cooling and lighting.
It also includes maintenance (including cleaning), repair, replacement and refurbishment.
It is recognized that it may be difficult to separate all use stage processes and the connected aspects and
impacts into these separate modules.
6.3.5.4.2 B1 - B5 Use stage information modules related to the building fabric
6.3.5.4.2.1 B1 — Use of the installed ceramic tile in terms of any emissions to the
environment (not covered by B2 to B7)
B1 stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
Ceramic tiles are intrinsically inert and therefore do not have environmental impacts during their use to
be addressed in B1 module. Impacts may be declared as “zero” in module B1.
6.3.5.4.2.2 B2 — Maintenance
B2 stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
Throughout their service life, ceramic coverings shall be cleaned regularly, with the frequency and
intensity varying according to the type of building and application. When surfaces become dirty or greasy,
cleaning agents such as detergents or bleach may be used. Consequently, water and disinfectant
consumption should be taken into account.
Maintenance scenarios:
• Ceramic floor tiles (residential use):
Weekly cleaning of 1 m requires approximately 0,134 ml of detergent and 0,1 l of water.
• Ceramic wall tiles (residential use):
Cleaning is performed every three months, using 0,134 ml of detergent and 0,1 l of water per 1 m .
• Ceramic floor tiles (commercial use):
Twice a week cleaning of 1 m requires approximately 0,134 ml of detergent and 0,1 l of water.
• Ceramic wall tiles (commercial use):
Once a month cleaning is performed using 0,134 ml of detergent and 0,1 l of water per 1 m .
6.3.5.4.2.3 B3 — Repair
B3 stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
Ceramic tiles are a long-lasting product, and repair is not expected if the product is installed and handled
in the correct manner and satisfy the requirement specified in EN 14411:2016, therefore impacts may be
declared as “zero” in module B3.
6.3.5.4.2.4 B4 — Replacement
B4 stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
Ceramic tiles are a long-lasting product and under normal use conditions do not require replacement
during the use phase, as the Reference Service Life (see 6.3.4) coincides with the Estimated Service Life
of the building. In case the ceramic tile breaks during the use phase it can be replaced, this occurrence is
rare therefore impacts due to replacement are negligible and therefore impacts may be declared as “zero”
in module B4 (see EN 14411:2016).
6.3.5.4.2.5 B5 — Refurbishment
B5 stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
Ceramic tiles require no refurbishment during the use phase as the Reference Service Life (see 6.3.4)
coincides with the Estimated Service Life of the building; therefore, impacts may be declared as “zero” in
module B5 (see EN 14411:2016).
6.3.5.4.3 B6-B7 Use stage information modules related to the operation of the building
6.3.5.4.3.1 B6 Energy use to operate building integrated technical systems
B6 stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
When the ceramic tile is integrated in a building, no energy use is expected for its normal operation,
therefore impacts may be declared as “zero” in module B6.
6.3.5.4.3.2 B7 Operational water use by building integrated technical systems
B7 stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
When the ceramic tile is integrated in a building, no water use is expected for its normal operation,
therefore impacts may be declared as “zero” in module B7.
6.3.5.5 End-of-life stage
The end of life stage shall be as in EN 15804:2012+A2:2019.
6.3.5.6 Benefits and loads beyond the product system boundary in module D
The benefits and loads beyond the product system boundary in module D shall be as in
EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, in addition:
Recycling of ceramic tiles
After the demolition/deconstruction stage, ceramic tiles can be crushed and then used in a range of
different applications:
— road construction in filled embankment;
— concrete aggregates;
— when a ceramic tile is crushed, it forms recycled ceramic aggregates which can be integrated as a
partial substitute of natural aggregate in hot-mix asphalt;
— recycled ceramic aggregates can be used in the construction of landfills;
— recycled ceramic aggregates can be utilized in the construction of sub-based courses on secondary
roads.
Reuse of ceramic
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