A key green building principle is the improvement of building quality and durability to eliminate or reduce the frequency of building maintenance, replacement and repair. The greenest buildings are those that do not need to be replaced. Green building products help promote a durable design to result in a building that will last longer, therefore reducing or stopping building waste in the future. Stainless Steel sinks are one of the greenest building components as the Stainless steel is one of the strongest and most durable materials available. Products made from stainless steel have a very long life span due to the chrome oxide layer that protects the steel from corrosion. This chrome oxide layer creates what is known as a self-healing surface if the surface is scratched and exposed to air/oxygen, a new layer is immediately formed to protect the material. This feature is what helps make Stainless steel very durable, much better than normal carbon steel. Stainless steel also resists nicking and denting and withstands shock and abrasions. The material does not require coating, painting, or any maintenance other than simple cleaning.(See <a href=/index.asp?SKSID=840ItemID=2511>Franke Sink Cleaner</a>) It is also one of the safest materials to build with. Stainless steel is considered non-flammable with a melting point of 1500^oC, has a health, fire and hazard classification of zero (0) - no significant risk to health, it will not burn and is a stable material. Stainless Steel is easily recycled, meaning there is no landfill or other waste from stainless steel. Franke sinks have a 50 year warranty and County Sinks a lifetime warranty which means they will easily outlast the original installer.