The project will foster the implementation of a sustainable system for the production and use of natural stone, by means of the use of best available techniques and products. The project is emphasized in 3 main aspects:

• Optimization of the use of natural resources and raw materials.
• Optimization of energy consumption in the natural stone production chain.
• Use of new multifunctional materials based on natural stone, energy efficiency and environment for its use in construction.

Automatized systems for consolidation and reinforcement of natural stone will be also implemented. Organic consolidation environmental friendly agents will be used. With these measures, the number of breakages during processing and therefore, the amount of subproducts will be reduced. Water based epoxy resin formulations will be used as consolidants to avoid organic volatile component emissions. Optimization of the productiveness will be achieved by means of fast cutting systems with low dust emissions, therefore, the amount of wastes generated during the natural stone production will be reduced. Energy consumption during the cutting process will be reduced and the yield of natural stone production will be increased.

The introduction of new technologies and processes will allow new multifunctional natural stone products, with high added value: thermal energy storage capacity, self-cleaning properties and durability. The self-cleaning natural stone will have higher resistance to graffitis, dust, atmospheric pollution and bacteria. Natural stone with thermal energy storage capacity will reduce energy demands in habitats, and therefore, the use of heating and cooling systems in buildings.