The summit also highlighted exciting progress toward shared data pathways that will allow manufacturers and ecolabels, including the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard, to seamlessly share sustainability data with material libraries and design platforms. These advancements will make it easier for architects and designers to access verified environmental information and confidently specify sustainable products.

NSI remains actively engaged in these conversations to ensure natural stone continues to be represented as a leading sustainable building material while advancing resources that support members and the design community.

“The summit organizers do a fantastic job of attracting stakeholders across the entire building industry – manufacturers, ecolabels, technology partners, specifiers, retailers, contractors and policy makers,” said Sarah Gregg, NSI marketing director. “The format includes guided discussions that inspire product collaboration. I especially enjoyed the concept of an architect/designer panel sharing their perspectives, followed by a panel of manufacturers reacting and responding. There are shared challenges regarding data collection and reporting, and a shared desire for improvement in data accessibility. I’m optimistic about the continued progress towards a comprehensive and representative ‘common materials language’ and data ecosystem to move us all in the right direction.”