I realize that the term “Green Building” is more than a bit overused these days — to the point that it is almost a cliché, in my opinion. But the fact of the matter is that consumers are demanding it more and more. They don’t want to just show off their new kitchen to their neighbors; they also want to show them just how ecologically friendly they are.
So how does this trend affect members of the stone industry? In terms of large-scale stone production, the Natural Stone Council is working on an ANSI Dimensional Stone Standard for Sustainability. While this initiative focuses primarily on quarrying activities and larger processing plants, it is important that all members of the stone industry know that a sustainability standard for stone is in the works. That way, you have an educated reply ready when a homeowner asks, “Don’t they blow up mountains to make stone?” To read more about the sustainability standard and the Natural Stone Council, visit naturalstonecouncil.org and click the “Stone and Sustainability” link — or better yet, send your customers there.