NSC Completes Benchmarking Assessment

Words: Dennis f BuechelThe Natural Stone Council (NSC) conducted a comprehensive study of the natural stone industry. Forty-two North American companies responded to the survey, yielding data for a sum of 64 quarries and 45 processing facilities. Responding to the survey in the greatest numbers were the granite and limestone sectors. Sandstone, marble and, to a small extent, slate and travertine comprised the remainder of stone reported. With regard to quarry operations, adequate information was collected to assemble an initial life-cycle inventory for granite, limestone and sandstone. Data is still being collected to do the same for marble.

The first versions of these data sets are in their final draft stages and will be available on the Genuine Stone Web site this fall, www.GenuineStone.org. Survey responses revealed that water consumption efficiency will be key for the industry's sustainability profile because of increasing global water shortages. Another issue is site maintenance and quarry closures. Regarding processing operations, an important issue for the industry to address is the diversity in the transportation distance of stone. Again, water consumption will be a significant topic in discussions about sustainability. Survey responses indicated that water reclamation is one of the industry's best practices.

With industry data now in-hand, the NSC will continue to work with the Center for Clean Products at The University of Tennessee to perform a life-cycle analysis of the environmental impacts of certain stone products, identify strategic sustainability goals for the industry, and continue outreach efforts to the environmental and green building communities through vehicles such as best practices, case studies and material fact sheets.
Tomorrow: Vote MASONRY STRONG In The Truist Inspire Awards
November 2025

After months of preparation, thousands of registrations, and unprecedented support from across the masonry industry, we're less than 24 hours away from the Truist Inspire Awards live voting event.

Read More
Non-Stop Scaffolding Continues Gold Partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to announce that Non-Stop Scaffolding will continue their Gold partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program.

Industry News
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 32 Recap: Richard O'Connor, President at Taylor Concrete Products
November 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Richard O'Connor sits down with Justin in Indianapolis to talk about new advancements being made in masonry, as well as how he got started in this industry.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
2026 Masonry Alliance Program Spots Now Open To All Suppliers
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has officially opened all remaining spots for its 2026 Masonry Alliance Program (MAP) to the public. Following the renewal period for current partners, a limited number of positions are now available.

Read More