In the 1990s, “design thinking,” a method of using synthesis to analyze complex problems, was used to generate solutions to the growing problems from climate change. Architects like William McDonough began to rephrase the questions surrounding the degradation of natural resources and pollution as a design problem. In his seminal book From Cradle to Cradle, he introduces what has now become a tidal wave of life-cycle analysis (LCA) environmental initiatives that document where and how materials are sourced, produced, transported, and reused. Today, architects, landscape architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, managers, and the public are driving a building revolution that encourages the design and construction of healthy spaces. These projects give to rather than take from the environment from design through construction practices, including the choice of sustainable building materials.

After reading this article, you should be able to:

• List the components of a new sustainable certification standard ANSI/NSC 373, which provides a life-cycle analysis (LCA) for dimensional stone products.
• Define the various components of an LCA.
• Discuss how compliance to ANSI/NSC 373’s national and international requirements for environmental, ecological, human health, and social responsibility in stone quarrying and production satisfies the growing demand for sustainable product declarations.
• Describe how the components of ANSI/ NSC 373 are aligned with green building rating systems, such as LEED and the Living Building Challenge.
• Explain how the Chain of Custody Standard (NSC COC) for natural stone products ensures the traceability of certified stone throughout he supply chain, from quarry to gate.

This course has been approved for CEU credit through the following organizations:

• AIA: NSI14-DL, 1 LU/HSW
• IDCEC: 111366, 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES: NSI14, 1.0 HSW PDH
• GBCI: 0920008691, 1CE Hour

In order to receive credit, you must complete the exam with at least 80% correct answers.