Sustainable Synergy: How Larvik Granite and Borsheim Reduce Environmental Impact
The collaboration between Larvik Granite and Borsheim, both based in Hellvik, Norway, sets a new benchmark for sustainable natural stone production. By working together, they provide a low-carbon, locally sourced alternative to imported stone, significantly reducing environmental impact.
Both companies have independent Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that ensure full transparency in their production processes—from raw material extraction to finished stone products. This commitment to sustainability makes them ideal partners for infrastructure and construction projects where reducing CO₂ emissions is a priority.
Independent EPDs, Shared Commitment to Sustainability
Larvik Granite has EPDs for all its quarried materials, including Silver Pearl, Blue Pearl, Emerald Pearl, and Blue Antique. These declarations cover every phase of production, from block extraction to transportation:
A1 – Quarrying of natural stone (raw material supply)
A2 – Transport within the quarry
A3 – Processing of blocks into rough stone products (manufacturing)
A4 – Transport to the nearest port
A key metric is the Global Warming Potential total (GWPtotal), measured in kg CO₂ equivalent (CO₂ eq). The Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of Brachot Family Member Larvik Granite show that GWP for the granites varies between 30 kg CO₂ eq and 70 kg CO₂ eq. These figures apply to stages A1-A3 (ex-quarry), which cover extraction but exclude further transport (A4) for additional processing—all calculated per 1 ton of natural stone.
Once the blocks leave Larvik Granite’s quarries, Borsheim’s EPDs take over. Their declarations cover the transport of blocks from the quarry to their Hellvik production facility, as well as the additional processing into finished products, such as kerbstones and paving stones. Looking at the Blue Antique material, the short transport distance of 1.5 km between the quarry and the Borsheim production facility is key to reducing CO₂ emissions, resulting in a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to for example importing natural stone from abroad.
A Competitive Advantage in Sustainable Infrastructure
The close proximity between quarry and factory has a direct positive impact on Borsheim’s EPD data, allowing them to offer high-quality Norwegian natural stone with a smaller carbon footprint. This gives them an edge in Norway’s infrastructure and construction sector, where sustainability is a key factor in public procurement.
A prime example is the bus road project near Stavanger, where Blue Antique kerbstones were used. Thanks to its low environmental footprint, Borsheim secured this contract—demonstrating how locally sourced stone can be a decisive factor in project selection.
Meeting Norway’s Strict Sustainability Standards
In Norway, sustainability is not just a goal—it is a requirement. Public projects must meet strict environmental standards, with 30% of procurement evaluation points based on environmental impact.
Blue Antique Paving Slabs
Blue Antique Paving Slabs
Blue Antique Paving Slabs
Flamed Blue Antique Small Pavers with Split Sides
Flamed Blue Antique Big Paving Stones with Cleft Sides
Oslo, Norway
Flamed Blue Antique Big Paving Stones with Cleft Sides
Oslo, Norway
Cobble Stones Blue Antique
Sandnes, Norway
Cobble Stones Blue Antique
Sandnes, Norway
Blue Antique Pavers Natural Split
By minimizing transport distances, reducing CO₂ emissions, and providing fully documented EPDs, Larvik Granite and Borsheim are setting a new standard for sustainable natural stone production. Their commitment to reducing environmental impact is not just a competitive advantage—it is an investment in the future of sustainable construction.
