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The ANSI/373 Standard: An Examination of a Voluntary Sustainability Initiative for Processing and Distributing Dimension Stone

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28 August 2024

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29 August 2024

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Abstract
This study explores the implementation of the ANSI/373: Sustainable Production of Natural Dimension Stone standard within the North American dimension stone industry to identify driving forces behind the initiative and consider potential outcomes as it advances. The method involves a thorough review of ANSI/373, comparing it with voluntary sustainability initiatives (VSIs) in the forest industry to assess its effectiveness and challenges, and semi-structured interviews with contacts in the dimension stone field. Key drivers such as corporate social responsibility and market pressures influence the adoption of sustainability standards. The results highlight the embedded environmental considerations within the emerging dimension stone standards and their implications for sustainable practices in the industry. While the ANSI/373 standard promotes sustainable awareness and practices, it faces challenges in certification credibility and industry acceptance, particularly due to inconsistency among firms in their response, rigorous certification demands, and skepticism about certification credibility. The research advocates for enhanced collaborative frameworks to increase the standard’s adoption and impact, suggesting that industry stakeholders prioritize showcasing dimension stone as a practical, environmentally considerate material.
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Subject: Environmental and Earth Sciences  -   Other

1. Introduction

The dimension stone industry, pivotal in providing materials for architecture, interior design, construction, monuments, sculpture, and landscape purposes, faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Amid increasing environmental concerns and regulatory demands, sustainability initiatives such as the ANSI/373: Sustainable Production of Natural Dimension Stone standard have emerged as critical tools to promote environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility within the industry [1]. This study focuses on the ANSI/373 standard, which aims to improve the environmental, social, and economic standards of stone quarrying and processing. Similar to well-established forest certification programs, forestry certifications, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), ANSI/373 seeks to offer a framework that can significantly mitigate the ecological impact of quarry operations and ensure sustainable growth of the sector.
Dimension stone is a natural, excavated block of stone that has been selected, quarried, cut, and finished to be used for architecture, interior design, construction, monuments, sculpture, and landscape purposes [2,3]. Dimension stone, such as marble, granite, limestone, quartzite, slate, and sandstone, has been quarried for millennia and continues to be a traditional product today in applications such as floors, walls, tiling, paving, countertops, furniture, and stairs [4]. There are also engineering applications for dimension stones such as bridges, walls, blocks, beams, and arches. Structural benefits of dimension stone include reliable support systems and durability while fabrication benefits include manipulation and cutting ability [5]. However, its extraction and production processes pose considerable environmental and social challenges, making sustainability a critical concern in the industry. The dimension stone sector's impact on local ecosystems, water and air quality, energy and water use, and community well-being necessitates the adoption of sustainable practices and policies to mitigate adverse effects [4,6,7].
ANSI/373, and similar certifications, respond to increasing market demands for green building materials, aligning with global sustainability trends in construction [8,9]. By exploring the ANSI/373 standard, this research aims to assess its effectiveness in fostering sustainable practices. Additionally, the study evaluates the industry's reception of the ANSI/373 standard, investigating the barriers to its broader adoption.
In response to growing environmental concerns and the global push for sustainable development, various industries have adopted voluntary sustainability initiatives (VSIs) to enhance their environmental and social practices [9,10]. In North America, the dimension stone industry has embraced the ANSI/373 standard as a VSI to promote sustainable quarrying and processing practices. This standard aims to provide a framework for improving environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability within the industry [1].
This study examines the ANSI/373 standard in the context of the North American dimension stone industry, comparing it with the more established forest certification models to identify potential improvements and challenges. The comparison seeks to draw parallels and derive lessons that could enhance the effectiveness of sustainability certifications in the dimension stone sector. By understanding these dynamics, the study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable practices in natural resource industries and provide actionable insights for stakeholders involved in the production and certification of dimension stone.
Given the importance of sustainability in securing the future of the dimension stone industry and contributing to broader environmental goals, this research provides timely insights into the drivers, challenges, and impacts of implementing the ANSI/373 standard. The findings aim to explore the potential enhancements needed in the certification process to maximize its adoption and effectiveness. This study not only contributes to the academic discussions surrounding sustainable business practices but also provides recommendations regarding the significant environmental and societal benefits in the context of natural stone quarrying and processing.

2. Materials and Methods

This study adopts a qualitative research approach to explore the implementation and impact of the voluntary sustainability initiative, the ANSI/373 standard, within the North American dimension stone industry. The primary objective is to assess the standard's effectiveness and identify the barriers to its broader adoption. A comparative analysis with established forest certification schemes provides a benchmark to evaluate the potential and limitations of the ANSI/373 standard. This study employs a comparative analysis approach, focusing on the (VSI) ANSI/373 within the North American dimension stone industry. The research methodology was designed to assess the effectiveness of this standard by comparing it with established forest certification schemes. This approach allows for the identification of operational similarities and differences, as well as the challenges and opportunities inherent in the implementation of sustainability standards in natural resource industries.
Two primary data sources were utilized to gather comprehensive insights into the sustainability practices influenced by the ANSI/373 standard:
1. Literature Review: An extensive review of existing literature on voluntary sustainability initiatives (VSIs) was conducted. This included academic articles, industry reports, sustainability standards documentation, and previous studies on similar certifications in other industries, particularly forestry. The literature review helped frame the historical and current context of sustainability certifications and their role in promoting environmental and social responsibilities.
2. Semi-structured Interviews: A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse group of stakeholders within the dimension stone industry, including: quarry operators who have adopted the ANSI/373 standard, non-certified entities, industry experts who are familiar with the certification processes such as regulatory bodies and NGOs, and individuals outside of quarrying and fabricating enterprises, such as distributors, importers, and industry associations.
Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a broad representation of experiences and perspectives regarding the ANSI/373 standard. The criteria included their direct involvement with or knowledge of the ANSI/373 standard and certification process, as well as their role in the dimension stone supply chain. This approach aimed to understand the current recognition of certification in the industry and potential future changes, utilizing a variety of contacts.
Data were collected from a variety of sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the ANSI/373 standard and its application in the dimension stone industry. Primary data collection involved semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from the dimension stone sector, including producers, suppliers, and certification bodies. Additionally, insights were gleaned from research in forest certification to draw parallels and note distinct practices. Secondary data were gathered through an extensive review of literature including academic articles, industry reports, certification documents, and sustainability standards publications. Key sources included publications from the Natural Stone Institute and relevant peer-reviewed articles focusing on both dimension stone and forest certification impacts and methodologies.
The analysis involved a qualitative assessment of the collected data. This included a thematic analysis [11] of interview transcripts to identify recurring themes and patterns related to the adoption and impact of the ANSI/373 standard. Comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the similarities and differences between the ANSI/373 standard and forest certification practices, focusing on criteria such as stakeholder engagement, certification processes, the standard as a marketing tool, and sustainability outcomes.
The process of executing the semi-structured interviews involved: generating a list of companies to contact; contacting the chosen companies to recruit individuals for the conversations; conducting the conversations and gathering responses from the participants; and completing the conversation process. The data collected from interviews were transcribed and analyzed to identify key themes and patterns related to the adoption and impacts of the ANSI/373 standard. This enabled a detailed understanding of the practical applications and challenges of the ANSI/373 sustainability standard, providing a foundation for drawing meaningful conclusions about its efficacy and recommendations for enhancing its impact within the industry.

3. Results

The interviews with the stakeholders and the comparative analysis of the ANSI/373 standard and forest certification schemes yielded several significant findings regarding the adoption, implementation, and outcomes of sustainability initiatives in the dimension stone and forestry sectors. Stakeholder perspectives varied widely depending on their role in the industry. Those from regulatory bodies and environmental NGOs generally advocated for stronger adoption and stricter compliance, while some quarry operators and industry insiders called for simplifications of the certification process to enhance accessibility and adoption.
This array of findings indicates that while the ANSI/373 standard has potential benefits for the dimension stone industry, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed to improve its effectiveness and acceptance. The results highlight the necessity for strategic enhancements to the certification framework, increased industry education, and perhaps most crucially, enhanced market demand and regulatory support to drive broader adoption. The results are divided into themes reflecting the primary concerns and benefits associated with the ANSI/373 standard.

3.1. Adoption and Awareness

While those within the industry respect the standard, one of the key findings was, as yet, the relatively low level of adoption of the ANSI/373 standard among North American dimension stone producers, particularly compared to the more established forest certifications. Interviews revealed that many stakeholders are not fully aware of the benefits associated with achieving certification, which is a significant barrier to its wider acceptance [12,13,14,15]. Builders and architects are crucial stakeholders in promoting certified products [16,17,18], yet there is a notable gap in understanding and demand for sustainable dimension stone products [8,18,19]. This lack of awareness extends to the consumer level, where there is minimal recognition of the value of certified dimension stone, contrasting sharply with the established consumer demand for certified wood products in the forestry sector.
Forest certifications are widely recognized and valued which has been crucial in driving their adoption [9,10,12,15]. Forestry certifications have achieved significant market recognition, which has been driven by consumer demand for sustainably sourced products [10,20]. This demand has been bolstered by the visibility of certification labels on consumer products, which communicate the sustainability credentials of the wood directly to consumers [12,14,15,21,22]. This situation with regard to the stone industry limits the incentive for firms to pursue ANSI/373 certification, as the market does not yet differentiate significantly between certified and non-certified stone products in terms of pricing or preference [18], which is not the case in the forestry sector where certification is a key market influencer [12,15,21,23]. Enhancing consumer awareness and understanding could provide a stronger incentive for producers to obtain certification.
Regulatory support for sustainability practices in the dimension stone industry is perceived as inadequate. Forestry certifications are often supported by national and international regulations that encourage or mandate the use of certified wood in public construction projects [12,15,20,24]. This regulatory support has been crucial in establishing forestry certifications as standard practice in many regions [9,25]. The ANSI/373 standard currently lacks similar regulatory support, which limits its effectiveness and adoption. Advocacy for integrating sustainability standards into local and national building regulations could provide a significant boost to the standard’s adoption. This could involve promoting the ANSI/373 standard as a criterion for public procurement policies or integrating it into environmental regulation frameworks.
Unlike the forestry sector, where certification is often supported or mandated by government policies, the dimension stone industry lacks similar regulatory incentives. Representatives from environmental NGOs and regulatory bodies advocated for integrating ANSI/373 standards into broader legal frameworks to ensure more comprehensive adoption and enforcement. They suggest that government incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies for certified operations, could significantly increase adoption rates.

3.2. Certification Process and Costs

Survey data indicates that approximately 30% of quarried dimension stone operators have either fully implemented or are in the process of implementing the ANSI/373 standard. This adoption rate varies significantly by region, with higher rates in areas closer to major urban centers where demand for sustainable building materials is more pronounced.
While some operators have adopted the standard, the depth of implementation varies. For many, particularly smaller operations, implementation is limited to easily achievable benchmarks rather than comprehensive adherence. Commonly implemented practices in quarry operations include water recycling and dust control measures, while more resource-intensive practices like comprehensive land reclamation are less frequently adopted.
The most cited barrier to adoption of the ANSI/373 standard was economic. Many interviewees pointed out that the initial and ongoing costs and complexity of certification could be prohibitive, especially for smaller quarries with limited financial resources. The certification requires rigorous documentation, regular audits, and significant changes to operational practices, which many firms find daunting. Additionally, the financial investment into achieving and maintaining certification is not seen as justifiable due to the absence of immediate and tangible market benefits—unlike in the forestry sector, where certified products often fetch premium prices and have access to broader markets [10,13,15,21].

3.3. Environmental and Social Impacts

Despite the challenges in adoption, companies that have achieved ANSI/373 certification report substantial benefits. Adopters report using enhanced waste management techniques that have led to significant reductions in material waste, more efficient water use, and improved relations with local communities due to increased transparency and engagement efforts. These benefits are consistent with those observed in the forest certification context, where environmental and social improvements are well-documented and have contributed to the broader acceptance and value of the certifications [9,26]. However, when compared to established forestry certifications, the ANSI/373 standard is seen as less comprehensive. The ANSI/373 standard includes guidelines for community engagement and biodiversity, but these are less stringent compared to forestry certifications. For instance, forestry certifications typically require ongoing biodiversity assessments, which are not mandated by the ANSI/373 standard.
Some ANSI/373 adopters reported improved job opportunities and community projects funded by quarry operators as part of their certification commitments. However, these benefits are not uniformly reported.

3.4. Economic Viability

The economic impact of adopting the ANSI/373 standard was mixed. The interviews revealed a mixed reception to the ANSI/373 standard across the dimension stone industry. While some quarry operators have fully embraced the standard, citing improved marketability and enhanced environmental consciousness as key benefits, others have been hesitant due to the perceived complexity and cost of certification. This burden includes both direct costs such as certification fees and indirect costs such as training and process modifications. Particularly, small to medium-sized enterprises expressed concerns over the resource requirements needed to comply with the standard.
While some stakeholders noted initial cost savings from reduced waste and lower water usage, these savings were often offset by the high costs of certification and maintenance, coupled with the lack of premium pricing for certified stone products. The lack of premium pricing for certified stone products limited the economic benefits. In contrast, certified forest products often command a premium in the market, enhancing the economic viability of adopting certification standards in the forestry sector [12,15,27].
Some industry stakeholders expressed resistance to the perceived bureaucratic burden of certification. They recommend streamlining the process and increasing government and industry support programs to assist with implementation, especially for small and medium enterprises.

4. Discussion

The results of this study underscore the complex interplay between economic incentives, regulatory frameworks, and environmental sustainability practices within the dimension stone industry. These findings align with existing literature that emphasizes the critical role of market demand and regulatory support in the successful implementation of voluntary sustainability initiatives (VSIs) [9,10,26]. Unlike the more mature forestry certification models, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), which benefit from robust market and regulatory ecosystems, the ANSI/373 standard in the dimension stone industry appears to be at a nascent stage, where both demand and regulatory incentives are insufficient to drive widespread adoption. This discussion delves deeper into these findings, exploring their implications for stakeholders and suggesting actionable strategies for enhancing the efficacy of sustainability certifications.

4.1. Barriers to Adoption

A significant barrier to the wider adoption of the ANSI/373 standard is the limited awareness among both producers and consumers about the tangible benefits of certification. Unlike in the forestry sector, where the benefits of certification are well-understood and valued by the market [28,30], dimension stone stakeholders have not fully recognized or realized the potential advantages. This disconnect suggests a pressing need for targeted educational and marketing campaigns to raise awareness about how sustainability practices can enhance operational efficiency, market reputation, and compliance with environmental regulations [7,8,10,25,31,32].
The economic barriers identified, particularly for small to medium-sized quarries, highlight a significant challenge in the scalability of the ANSI/373 standard. This issue is not unique to the dimension stone industry; similar challenges are reported in other sectors attempting to implement sustainability standards [10,26]. The cost implications associated with achieving and maintaining certification often require offsetting incentives to make them viable for smaller operations [26,33,34,35,36]. Without financial subsidies, tax incentives, or premium market pricing, the adoption rates are likely to stagnate.
The need for enhanced regulatory support is evident from the study’s findings. Regulatory agencies could play a pivotal role in transforming industry standards by integrating sustainability certifications into building codes and procurement policies [7,37]. Additionally, increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of using certified sustainable products can create a market-driven demand, incentivizing more producers to seek certification [7,8,25].

4.2. Certification Costs vs. Benefits

The cost-benefit imbalance is another substantial hurdle. Many stakeholders perceive the financial and operational burdens of certification under ANSI/373 as outweighing the immediate benefits. This perception is particularly stark compared to the forestry sector, where the market for certified products justifies the investment. For the dimension stone industry, developing mechanisms to link certification more directly to financial incentives, such as access to new markets or premium pricing, could significantly enhance the attractiveness of the ANSI/373 standard [7,32,38].

4.3. Benefits

Despite the challenges, the environmental and social benefits reported by firms that have adopted the ANSI/373 standard are noteworthy and mirror those observed in forest certifications. These benefits include better waste management, reduced resource use, and improved community relations. Such outcomes underscore the potential of VSIs to foster sustainability and justify the effort and expense of certification. They provide a strong argument for the broader adoption of sustainability standards, suggesting that, with increased uptake, the broader environmental and social impacts could align with global sustainability goals [10,26].
The comparative analysis with forestry certifications sheds light on potential areas for improvement within the ANSI/373 standard. Forestry certifications have evolved to include comprehensive biodiversity and community engagement mandates that have proven effective in both ecological and social terms [28,29,39,40]. Incorporating similar stringent requirements into the ANSI/373 standard could enhance its impact and acceptance within the industry. A key strength of forestry certifications is their emphasis on community involvement and social responsibility. These certifications require active engagement with local communities, including consultation processes and conflict resolution mechanisms. They also promote fair labor practices and community development programs, which help to foster local support and ensure that the benefits of sustainable practices are shared with local populations [28,29,40].
The ANSI/373 standard could benefit from integrating similar community engagement requirements. Currently, the standard includes some guidelines for community interaction, but these are not as robust or well-defined as those in forestry certifications. Enhancing this aspect could improve local community relations and support for quarrying operations, thereby facilitating smoother implementation and greater local benefits.
Forestry certifications cover a wide range of environmental, social, and economic issues. These standards are designed to ensure sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of indigenous rights. They require regular assessments of biodiversity, forest health, and regeneration, which are crucial for long-term sustainability [28,29]. In contrast, the ANSI/373 standard primarily focuses on environmental impacts related to quarrying activities, such as water and air quality, land degradation, and waste management (NSI, 2022). While these are important, the standard currently lacks comprehensive mandates for biodiversity conservation and social engagement, which are integral to the forestry certifications. For instance, forestry certifications often include specific requirements for maintaining wildlife habitats and corridors, which are not as explicitly defined in the ANSI/373 standard.

4.4. Strategies for Enhanced Adoption

To overcome barriers to adoption, it is crucial to simplify the certification process, reduce costs, and improve the visibility of economic benefits. Industry associations and certification bodies could play a more active role in promoting the benefits of certification, both to industry stakeholders and to the broader market [41]. Creating partnerships with environmental advocacy groups and leveraging social media for educational campaigns could also increase public awareness and demand for certified products [42]. Furthermore, adjustments to the certification process that make compliance less burdensome and more cost-effective could encourage more firms to participate [9,18,27].

4.5. Long-Term Industry Impact

Looking ahead, the long-term impact of the ANSI/373 standard on the dimension stone industry hinges on the ability to effectively communicate and demonstrate the value of certification. Strengthening the business case for sustainability—by linking it to economic benefits such as operational savings, enhanced compliance, and market differentiation—is essential. Moreover, as standards for sustainability continue to evolve, staying ahead of regulatory curves and consumer trends will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness and relevance in the marketplace [7,26,32,43].

5. Conclusions

The study's findings underscore the complexities and challenges associated with implementing voluntary sustainability initiatives such as the ANSI/373 standard in the dimension stone industry. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits—particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and social responsibility—highlight the importance of such initiatives. There are key takeaways from the research and proposed directions for future efforts to enhance the adoption and effectiveness of sustainability certifications. To drive the adoption of the ANSI/373 standard, concerted efforts are required from various stakeholders:
The ANSI/373 sustainability standard and established forestry certifications both aim to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices within their respective industries. The ANSI/373 standard, while beneficial in advancing sustainability, faces substantial adoption challenges. The comparison with forestry certifications highlights several areas where the ANSI/373 standard could be strengthened. By broadening the scope to include more comprehensive environmental and social criteria, enhancing community engagement protocols, increasing market visibility, and advocating for regulatory support, the standard can become more effective and widely accepted within the industry.
The comparative analysis between ANSI/373 and forest certification schemes reveal that while both aim to promote sustainability, the adoption rates and market recognition vastly differ. The comparison underscores the importance of learning from established sustainability models in other industries. It provides a roadmap for enhancing the ANSI/373 standard, which could lead to more sustainable and socially responsible practices in the dimension stone industry, ultimately contributing to broader environmental and social benefits.
The forestry sector benefits from established consumer demand and market structures that reward sustainable practices, unlike the dimension stone industry, where such incentives are less developed. The economic challenges, particularly the lack of immediate financial benefits, pose significant barriers to wider adoption of the ANSI/373 standard in the dimension stone sector [32,44]. Economic barriers, particularly for small to medium-sized quarries, combined with a lack of sufficient market demand and regulatory support, significantly hinder widespread implementation. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that includes financial incentives, enhanced market awareness, and stronger regulatory frameworks [31].
For industry stakeholders there is general agreement on a need to rethink how sustainability certifications are marketed and implemented. Emphasizing the long-term environmental and social benefits, alongside developing clearer economic incentives, could improve the attractiveness of ANSI/373 certification. Increasing awareness about the benefits of sustainability certifications through workshops, seminars, and marketing campaigns can educate both producers and consumers about the value of certified products. Additionally, stakeholders could consider lobbying for regulatory changes that support sustainable practices, mirroring successful strategies in the forestry sector [7,20,26].
Developing financial mechanisms, such as subsidies, tax breaks, or premium pricing models for certified products, can make the economic case for certification more compelling. Advocating for policies that require or favor the use of certified dimension stone in public and private construction projects can create a regulatory environment that encourages sustainability [20]. Policies that integrate sustainability certifications into public procurement processes can incentivize sustainable practices through tax breaks, subsidies, or other financial mechanisms [45]. Simplifying the certification process and reducing associated costs can lower the barriers to entry, making it more accessible for smaller producers [33,34,35,36].
While the ANSI/373 standard represents a significant step towards sustainability in the dimension stone industry, its future success will depend on collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to enhance its scope, effectiveness, and market acceptance. The journey towards widespread adoption of sustainability certifications such as ANSI/373 in the dimension stone industry is fraught with challenges but also laden with substantial opportunities for environmental and social impact. There is a need for continued improvement and advocacy for sustainability within the industry, aiming to not only preserve natural resources but also enhance the social and economic fabric of the communities it touches. Further research is needed to quantitatively measure the long-term impacts of the ANSI/373 standard on environmental sustainability and community welfare. By learning from established models such as those in the forestry sector and adapting these lessons to the unique context of dimension stone, stakeholders can enhance the effectiveness and appeal of these certifications, leading to more sustainable industry practices.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Ethical review and approval were waived for this study. The individuals who provided information in their professional capacity regarding organizational policies, procedures, and practices are not considered participants for the purposes of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2).

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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