Creation of New Standard NSC 373

Tracking number 373i1r1.1

Creation of new Standard – NSC 373

Sustainability Assessment for Dimensional Stone

This document is part of the NSF International standard development process. This document is subject to change and may be a draft and/or non-final version. Committee members may reproduce, quote from, and/or circulate this document to persons or entities outside of their organization after first providing NSF International with written notice of to whom and for what purpose this document is to be shared.

Yellow text needs to be developed by the task group

Grey text is ready for JC review and approval (developed by task group)

NSF International and National Stone Council Standard

Sustainability Assessment for Dimensional Stone

1General

1.1Purpose

The purpose of the Sustainability Assessment for Dimensional Stone is to recognize sustainability practices in the natural stone industry. The standard will establish a set of well-defined environmental, ecological, social responsibility and human health metrics through a multi-stakeholder, science based approachrecognized by the green building movement as an indicator of leadership in sustainability performance. The standard will provide an important opportunity to educate key members of the design and building professions, end users,government, and environmental advocacy groups about the production of natural stone products. This rating system will create a mechanism that rewards natural stone companies that demonstrate environmental leadership through commitment to sustainable operations and continued innovation. This Standard willharmonize national and international environmental, ecological, human health, and social responsibility requirements for stone quarrying and production.

This voluntary Standard emphasizes disclosure of information on both impacts and benefits of a dimensional stone product from a sustainability perspective.

1.2Scope

This Standard applies tonatural stone quarried internationally or domestically, and the primary processing (defined in section 3.x) for that stone block or slab type claiming conformance to the Standard. This standard covers criteria fromquarry operation through primary processing.

1.3Principles

This standard practice was developed based on the following important principles.

1.3.1 Life Cycle consideration

A life cycle approach was used to ensure that all aspects of quarry operations and primary processing associated with a dimensional stone product are considered when developing the criteria for this Standard.

1.3.2 Relationship with legislation

A prerequisite for claiming conformance with this Standard shall be in compliance withhealth and safety, environmental, and other relevant regulations that are applicable to the quarry operations and primary processing facility claiming conformance.

1.3.3 International trade aspects

With respect to International trade aspects, the procedures and requirements included within this Standard are designed to enhance trade while maintaining a level of awareness with respect to environmental and social issues.

1.3.4 Scientific basis

The criteria contained in this Standard were developed and selected based on sound scientific and engineering principles intended to achieve credible, accurate, reproducible and measurableresults.

1.3.5 Innovation

Use of this Standard is intended to support, not inhibit, innovation that maintains or has the potential to improve environmentaland social responsibility.

1.3.6Continuous Improvement[mc1]

This Standard will be maintained by the consensus body to promote continuous improvement in the industry.

2Normative references

The following documents contain provisions that, through reference, constitute provisions of this Standard. At the time this Standard was balloted, the editions listed below were valid. All documents are subject to revision, and parties are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the recent editions of the documents indicated below.

3Definitions

3.xquarry operations: removal of material from ground. This includes trimming quarry blocks if occurs at the same location as the removal of the material from the ground.

3.xcradle:For purposes of this standard, extraction of block, quarried and ready to ship or first step processing.

3.xstone slab: A lengthwise-cut piece sawn or split form a quarry block prior to fabrication.

3.xquarry block: Generally, a rectangular piece of rough stone as it comes from a quarry, frequently dressed (scabbed) or wire – sawed for shipment.

Note: Both definitions above are from 2007 Marble Institute of America Glossary

3.xStone Types:Granite, Limestone, Marble, Onyx, Quartzite, Sandstone, Serpentine, Slate, Soapstone, and Travertine. {These are the suggested categories of stone types per the MIA website}

3.xDimensional Stone: define as same as natural stone, and exclusions (engineered stone, aggregates) {Natural Stone Council has a definition to start from}

Life cycle approach:

Note: Tile- Keep in mind standard A138.1 for Tile Sustainability.

3.xProcessing:Quarried blocks that are cut to specific dimensions in preparation for the next process. This can occur at the same location as the quarry operations or be shipped offsite to another location for processing. This includes finishing, coatings, or other treatment to the cut piece of dimensional stone.

Note – processing ends at packaging, ready to ship (dock ready), not including transportation (ex factory).

3.ximpact adjusted water: The volume of water that has been evaluated relative to local stressors using a tool such as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's Global Water Tool[1]. This tool assesses a company's water use with validated water and sanitation availability information on a country and watershed basis.

3.xkey suppliers:companies providing packaging or any component that is used in the process at a minimum of 5% of the process through documentation.

3.xkey supplies: packaging or any component that is used in the process at a minimum of 5% of the process through documentation.

4Conformance Requirements

4.1Purpose or Elements

This sustainability assessment standard is divided into six basic categories consisting of credits that are potentially available to organizations seeking compliance with the standard. The two main categories are quarry operations and processing. Each section has several focus areas including water, energy, reclamation (waste), corporate governance and others.

The criteria are aligned with a stone’s life cycle, from extraction to processing where the product is ready to ship. Additionally, criteria related to corporate governance are included to address issues of social responsibility.

4.2Intended Users of this Standard

Specifiers, architects, governmental agencies

Quarry operators and processors will claim conformance.

4.3Prerequisites

4.4Product Identification

The dimensional stone shall have a unique identifier to track quarry operations and processing that claim conformance to this Standard.

We could define here the levels:

Level 1 = quarry operations only

Level 2 = processing only (may be several processors or only one)

Level 3 = both quarry operations and one or more but not all processing

Level 4 = both quarry operations and processing (all steps up to the point of “dock ready”)

We could also define achievement levels or prerequisites for each section?

XX minimum of points for quarry to achieve bronze
XX minimum of points for quarry to achieve silver
XX minimum of points from quarry to achieve gold

XX points from processing for bronze
XX points from processing for silver
XX points from processing for gold

XX points from quarry operations and processing for platinum (specific credits shall designated herein shall be earned in both sections). This can be for one or more processing; however all processors shall meet the requirements for platinum.

4.5Boundaries – {graphic detailed requirements?}

If primary processing occurs offsite, there is transportation. What is your recommendation regarding if this is included as part of the quarry operations portion or primary processing step or transparently included in the overall reported transportation?

4.6Public reporting

Users making a declaration of conformance should report this in a publicly available document.

4.7Monitoring and reevaluation

Documented procedures shall exist that demonstrate measurement of, and the regular monitoring of continued conformance to this Standard.

4.4.5 Non-conformance and corrective and preventative action

Authority shall be assigned and supported by corporate management for identifying and investigating nonconformance, and taking the appropriate action. In establishing and maintaining procedures for investigating and correcting non-conformance, the manufacturer shall include these basic elements:

a)Identify the cause of the non-conformance;

b)Identify and implement the necessary corrective action;

c)Implement or modify controls necessary to avoid repetition of the non-conformance; and

d)Record any changes in written procedures resulting from the corrective action.

4.4.6 Certification

Information on suggested parameters for certification is provided in Annex B.

5Water

5.1Scope

The intent of this section is to minimize or manage consumption and reuse of this valuable resource and protect water quality. Methods for increased efficiency, recirculation, and reuse not only lessen the environmental impacts of stone production, they may also lead to cost savings.

Process water includes water used in the cutting and finishing of dimensional stone products, often in continuous streams, and is also applied to control particulates (e.g., dust and potentially silica). In the finishing processes, water is used for cooling purposes when certain tools are implemented, such as a CNC drill. Rinsing of a final product may also be necessary to remove particulates.{add where water is used in quarry operations}

In order to qualify for water management credits, the processor or quarry operatorshall prove that water was used in the quarry or processing of the dimensional stone to be assessed.

5.2Prerequisite

The quarry operator or processor shall receive X points for completing an inventory of water use including identification of quantity of water used, quantity consumed (e.g., loss through evaporation), and sources (e.g., municipal potable, direct capture, on-site wells, or reclaimed wastewater).

5.3RecycledWater

For quarry operations, captured water in a settling basin that is replenished by rainwater is covered under this criterion[mc2].

A quarry operator or processor can earn the points as detailed below:

–Prerequisite: X? points if you capture and recycle 50% of the water used in processing or quarry operations.

–X? points if you capture and recycle 75% of the water used in processing or quarry operations.

–X? points if you capture and recycle 100% of the water used in processing or quarry operations.

5.4Water Use Program

A quarry operator or processor can earn X points by participating in a water reduction program (e.g., minimize one pass water use, water footprinting, WRI).

We should probably give credit or have incorporated the type of water treatment (i.e., solids separation) and reuse options at the processing facility—filter presses, cyclone separators, sedimentation systems, retention basins, or a combination of these systems.

Sludge management—proper disposal and possible uses for sludge (build light-duty roads, vegetation to established ditches or berms to collect and direct runoff, laid as a liner in the construction of new settlement ponds).

5.4.1Impact Adjusted Water Usage

The quarry operator and processor shall report impact adjusted water use per quantity of production. Impact adjusted water use shall be calculated using the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's Global Water Tool, or equivalent. The approach or methodology shall be specified in a narrative report or table.

5.5Water quality discharge

The quarry operators and processor shall document that processed water and wastewater released either to a publicly owned treatment works (POTW), or directly to the environment, is of a quality equal to or better than the quality of the supplied water according to established applicable permits or regulations standards. A quarry operators and processor can earn either X or X points, as detailed below: OR if no permits or regulations are applicable, the quarry operator and processor shall implement policy or proceduresstandards to protect water quality in processing facility or the quarry to ensure that high quality water is returned to the environment.

–X points if the wastewater’s quality meets local tertiary wastewater treatment standards

–X points if the wastewater’s quality meets State drinking water level standards.

–Perform water audits to measure water usage and quality.

–Also need to address water that has been treated and directed back through the operation (for washing, dust suppression, cutting, finishing and irrigation).

6Transportation

6.1Transportation {notyet written, Bob Buswell, Josh Levinson, and David Castellucci}

This should include quarry operations up to the next step whether it be processing, block storage or other location.

Smartway was brought forward as a way to track this criteria - language shall be developed.

–Chain of custody

–Tracking data

–Packaging contents, recycled, reused, end of life

Greenhouse Gas
Management / Does your organization take steps to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
Has your company completed an inventory of its GHG emissions?
If your company has completed a GHG inventory, has there been third-party verification of the inventory?
Has your company measured GHG impacts associated with actual service provision?
Does your company have a program for reporting GHG emissions from its operations?
Has your company established publicly-available GHG reduction targets?
Does your company consider the climate change impacts associated with the management, use and disposal of the goods used during service provision?
Does our company have a program to inventory and manage Scope 3 GHG emissions (i.e., emissions from your value chain)?
Does your organization provide incentives for managers to manage and reduce GHG emissions?
Does your company have a program to reduce GHG emissions from business travel and employee commuting?

7Site Management (Quarry Operations only)

7.1Environmental impact {not yet written, Todd}

How are these managed at the quarry was the intent.

–Greenhouse gases

–Land, soil

–Air

–Diesel storage

Land Use, Habitat Protection and Biodiversity / Does your company have a program to assess and manage environmental impacts of its construction, maintenance, and land use practices (as applicable)?
If applicable, does your company conduct environmental impact assessments for review and approval as required by Federal, state and local regulations?
Does your company consider potential impacts on biodiversity, endangered species and critical habitats?
Does your company obtain all appropriate permits for land use and construction as required by Federal, state and local regulations?
Does your company comply with all applicable Federal, state local and regulations regarding protected lands?
Have provisions been included in your company’s service design for mitigating or compensating for damage to ecological features, if applicable?

8Land Reclamation

The quarry operation shall document a reclamation plan that should include, where applicable:

–Removal of all garbage and debris

–Removal of buildings and equipment

–Quarry void fill (from stockpiles)

–Slope reconstruction

–Promote bio-diverse ecosystem Site cleaning of noxious weeds and non native plants

–Re-vegetation activities

–Overburden replacement for site grading and re-contouring

–Reclamation of natural drainage (erosion control)

–Reclamation of access roads and blockage of access (where necessary)

–Replacement of Topsoil (originally stockpiled)

–Protective barriers maintained

–Monitoring the site according to post quarrying land use objectives

–Explore adaptive reuse plans and maintaining that plan

–Using quarry for mitigation of wetlands

–Carbon cap and trade (generation of carbon credits – e.g., planting trees)

The plan shall be updated and/or reviewed on an annual basis. The plan shall also be reviewed by the local jurisdiction initially and when updates occur.

9Corporate Governance

9.1Prerequisite - Prohibitions on forced labor

The quarry operator and processor shall document that it does not engage in or permit the use of forced or compulsory labor (per ILO Conventions 29 and 105) at its processing facilities and those ofits key suppliers.

9.2Prerequisite - Prohibitions on child labor

The quarry operator and processor shall document that it does not operate processing facilities or source key suppliesthat do not follow the ILO Convention 182.

9.3Prerequisite - Prevention of discrimination

The quarry operator and processor shall document that it does not engage in or support discrimination in the employment process. Examples include but are not limited to:

–Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin;

–The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA), which protects men and women who perform substantially equal work in the same establishment from sex-based wage discrimination;

–The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), which protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older;

–Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibit employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in the private sector, and in state and local governments;

–Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities who work in the federal government; and

–The Civil Rights Act of 1991, which, among other things, provides monetary damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination.

9.4Employee participation

The quarry operator and processor shall receive one point for documenting company-supported employee activities within the community. Company-supported employee activities consist of community service work performed during paid time off for that purpose, excluding activities deemed political in nature.

9.5Community Outreach

The quarry operator and processor shall receive one point for documenting they demonstrate community outreach. Company supported activities shall occur within the community and may consist of community service work performed, education activities, financial contributions. These activities shall exclude those deemed political in nature.

9.6Social Accountability

The quarry operator and processor shall receive one point for having a social accountability plan for their facility. An additional point shall be earned for documentation for implementation of the social accountability plan at their facility. At a minimum, the social accountability plan shall include: