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.
Getting the Finish Right on Burnished CMU
July 2026

The wall is complete. The lines are crisp. The coursing is tight, and the burnished CMU delivers exactly the refined appearance the design team envisioned. After weeks of coordination and careful installation, the project is final

Technical Talks
Read More
Argo Community High School Performing Arts Center
July 2026

Argo Community High School is located in Summit, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago’s Midway Airport. In 2016, the Argo Community High School Board of Education and the school’s administration undertook the construction of a new performing

John Cicciarelli
Case Study
Read More
Masonry as the Standard: Delivering Strength, Durability, and Permanence at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs
July 2026

The replacement of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs serves as a clear example of masonry’s ability to deliver long-term durability, structural integrity, and architectural permanence in worship facility construction. Following the tragic events

Anton Shadrock
Case Study
Read More
Designing Masonry Openings Without Compromising Aesthetics
July 2026

One of masonry's greatest strengths is its ability to create visually striking architecture. From arches and deep reveals to decorative brick detailing, masonry provides texture, depth, and character that continue to inspire architects today. As buildin

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More