Fundraising Initiatives

The annual fundraising goal of $500,000 was surpassed in 2008 and we have collected 92% of the pledges. If you have pledged but not yet contributed, please help us reach 100%. Your help is critical to our three primary initiatives of branding, sustainability and long-term funding. The NSC continues the process of applying for grant funding and continues to seek support.

NSC's Green Effort

Amidst a slowing global economy, the green building movement continues to forge ahead.  As Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and President of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), recently put it, “When people say ‘Is [the green building movement] over’, you tell them there were 29,752 people at GreenBuild.”* In fact, the Natural Stone Council’s venture to understand the industry’s environmental footprint has only gained momentum.  Best practices and case studies continue to be released, a strategic roadmapping process is being planned and opportunities to communicate this journey and its initial findings are being secured.

In the past quarter, the NSC has launched a series of best practices that will guide quarry and processing facility operations toward a sustainable future.  The first of these documents, entitled “Water Consumption, Treatment & Reuse,” is now available on the Genuine Stone® website at www.GenuineStone.org; click on Stone & the Environment.  The second best practice is scheduled for release by early 2009 and centers on site maintenance and quarry closure.  Additional guidance documents are planned for development, the third of which will discuss waste management, including scrap stone utilization.

The first of multiple case studies, which take a look at the environmental advantages of using stone, is also now available for download from the Genuine Stone® website.  This document explores the ways in which stone can garner points for various green building certifications, particularly the USGBC’s LEED program. A second case study will be released before the end of the year and will describe the environmental and financial advantages of stone flooring.  Future case studies, including a third describing potential applications of reclaimed stone, will be made available on the web over the upcoming six months.

The NSC is also generating fact sheets for various stone types.  These one-page, double-sided reports will present concise information regarding natural stone’s environmental and health attributes, potential applications, sourcing, as well as a market overview, to name a few.  Essentially, these documents will serve as a resource for the design and construction communities when looking for quick facts regarding stone’s sustainability profile.

Face-to-face communication is also a pertinent component of the NSC’s efforts.  As such, the group is taking advantage of conferences and trade shows to share their activities with a multitude of audiences.  Most recently, occupying a booth at GreenBuild—the preeminent green building conference in the United States—provided a venue to not only connect with potential customers, but learn about other sustainability endeavors.  StonExpo facilitated interaction with industry members through discussions on the floor as well as a seminar presented by the NSC.  The group will also participate in Coverings and the AIA National Convention this spring to continue spreading information and updates on the NSC’s progress.

As the initial phase of these ventures presses forward, the NSC is looking to the future.  A strategic planning process—referred to as sustainability roadmapping —is scheduled to begin in spring 2009.  Roadmapping is a cyclical process whereby key sustainability issues the industry faces are identified, addressed and reevaluated.  In effect, this course of action will establish a system for continual improvement of industry practices, from reducing environmental impacts to enhancing industry-community relations.  The NSC is calling for the participation of numerous parties in the roadmapping process.  Input and collaboration from quarry operators, fabricators, suppliers, transports and even architects and designers are needed to fully understand the issues and develop feasible solutions.  To become involved, please contact John Mattke via email at JMattke@coldspringgranite.com.

The NSC and the University of Tennessee would like to thank everyone who has participated in this vital effort to position natural stone in the green building industry.  To learn more about the efforts of the NSC Committee on Sustainability, please visit www.GenuineStone.org or contact John Mattke, Chairman of the NSC Committee on Sustainability, at 320.685.3621.

Check-Off Program

The NSC check-off program continues to advance, and 2009 will be a watershed year in this important effort. Our goal is to introduce a bill early in the next Congress as we foster agreement by the stone industry to tax itself, as the dairy and beef industries are already doing. The equitable ½ cent per dollar self-taxation of all imported and domestic stone will enable the industry to grow larger and more powerful through research and self-promotion.

If you have any questions about the check-off program or would like to help, please contact Gary Distelhorst, director of the check-off task force at 440-250-9222 or gdistelhorst@marble-institute.com.

Our Mission

The mission of the Natural Stone Council is to increase the understanding of, preference for, and consumption of stone sold under the Genuine Stone® brand.

The following associations are proud supporters of the Natural Stone Council:

• Allied Stone Industries
• Building Stone Institute
• Elberton Granite Association
• Indiana Limestone Institute
• Marble Institute of America
• National Building Granite Quarries Association
• National Slate Association
• Natural Stone Alliance

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