Stone Sustainability Standard Updated
OBERLIN, Ohio — The new version of the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard (ANSI/NSI 373 Sustainable Production of Natural Dimension Stone) is now available.
The new version reflects the standard’s name change and makes the requirement for community approval of quarry reclamation plans optional.
Updates are required at least every five years for the standard to maintain relevance in an everchanging sustainability market. Initially published in 2014, with updates in 2017 and 2019, the new version represents a commitment to staying up to date with the latest needs of design teams with green building goals.
All the updates are coordinated with NSF International, is an independent,global organization that facilitates the development of standards, and tests and certifies products for the food, water, health sciences and consumer goods.
“Our team at NSF International looks forward to the growth and continued partnership with the Natural Stone Institute in support of the implementation of the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard,” said Suzan Somo, NSF Environmental Products Business Lead. “As the building industry continues to value sustainable products and practices, this standard provides essential opportunities to quarry operators and stone fabricators to assess their internal practices, drive efficiencies and attain preferred status in their markets.
Brittany Storm (MAPEI Corporation), chair of the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard joint committee, commented: “Working closely with the ANSI/NSI 373 Natural Dimension Stone Joint Committee, we are navigating a path through the everchanging tides of sustainability using the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard as our guide,” said Brittany Storm, chair of the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard joint committee. “More than just a way to comply with requirements, we hope updates to the sStandard continue to give quarriers, producers, and distributors a roadmap to have greener processes/procedures.”
Companies ready to certify to the standard and design teams interested in learning more about the metrics of the standard and how to source sustainably produced natural stone for their projects are encouraged to visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/sustainability.
