Socially and Environmentally Responsible Aggregate (SERA) is developing a certification system that offers the building industry an opportunity to identify and purchase construction materials that meet international best practices.
Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) president, Thomas Mueller, is joining the group’s Founding Board. SERA expects to benefit from his knowledge of the Canadian building industry as it sets, field-tests, and reaches a consensus on standards and auditing processes for aggregate certification.
“This is a big step forward for SERA,” said Michael Fenn, the group’s chair. “Few people are more familiar with the market-based impacts of certification systems based on high standards of practice than Mr. Mueller. The SERA Founding Board is very pleased to have him recognize and participate in the important work we are undertaking.”
The board draws support from industry and community leaders who are interested in developing world-class aggregate certification and advocating for higher social and environmental practices. It has developed an initial work plan that includes field-testing and revision of the draft standards by a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) representing industry, environmental, municipal, community, and Aboriginal interests.
“CaGBC has long been a supporter of product certification systems able to recognize products sourced and manufactured in a manner above and beyond minimum legal requirements,” said Mueller. “Aggregate extraction is a growing environmental issue and I expect Canadians will be very supportive of a move toward standards that address social and environmental impacts appropriately. Similar types of certification have gone a long way in improving the practices of other resource sectors like forestry and fisheries.”
