Hard Surfacing (GECA 40-2008)

Good Environmental Choice Australia Ltd
Managers of the Australian Ecolabel Program

Standard No: GECA 40-2008
Issued: 30 April 2008 v1.1
The Australian Ecolabel Program
Good Environmental Choice Australia Standard
Hard Surfacing
ISSUED BY GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICE AUSTRALIA LTD

PO BOX 4140, WESTON CREEK ACT 2611
PHONE: +61 2 6287 3100
FAX: +61 2 6287 3800
E-MAIL: [email protected]
GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing
Use of This Standard

This voluntary environmental labelling standard may be used by competent environmental assessors to
establish product compliance to the Australian Ecolabel Program. Products that are certified with the mark of
conformity, the Good Environmental Choice Label have been independently tested and demonstrate
compliance to the environmental and social performance criteria detailed in this standard. The overall goal of
environmental labels and declarations is the communication of verifiable and accurate information, which is not
misleading, on environmental aspects of products and services. This encourages the demand for, and supply
of, those products and services that cause less stress on the environment, thereby stimulating the potential for
market-driven continuous environmental improvement.
This standard identifies environmental, quality, regulatory and social performance criteria that products sold on
the Australian market can meet in order to be considered as good environment practice. Products that have
been certified as complying to this standard may gain greater market recognition and a marketing advantage in
government and business procurement programs, as well as broad consumer preference.
This standard can be used by Australian producers to guide their designs for environment programs by using
the environmental criteria as key performance benchmarks to reduce the environmental loads of their product.
The standard is necessarily restricted in its identification of environmental loads from the product life-cycle.
Producers should consider other environmental measures along the product cycle, which are not included in
this standard, in their environment program designs for and aim for even higher levels of environmental
performance where technically possible.
For further information please contact:
Standards Review and Development
Ph: +61 (2) 6287 3100
E-mail: [email protected]
Good Environmental Choice Australia
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form or transmitted to any
other person without the prior written permission of Good Environmental Choice Australia except as permitted
under the Copyright Act 1968 (as amended) or unless expressly permitted in writing by Good Environmental
Choice Australia.
PO Box 4140, Weston Creek ACT, 2611, Australia.
Printed in Australia
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CONTENTS
ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................................................................4
1
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................7
1.1
PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................7
1.2
BACKGROUND .........................................................................................................................................7
STANDARD CATEGORY SCOPE ..................................................................................................................8
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ...........................................................................................9

3.1
FITNESS FOR PURPOSE ...........................................................................................................................9
3.2
RAW MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................................................9
3.3
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ........................................................................................................................12
3.4
ENVIRONMENTAL EMISSIONS .................................................................................................................14
3.5
ENERGY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................15
3.6
POST CONSUMPTION RECYCLING AND LABELLING ..................................................................................16
3.7
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS ...........................................................................................................16
COMPLIANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS ..............................................................................18
COMPLIANCE TO LABOUR, ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND SAFETY REGULATIONS..............................18
EVIDENCE OF CONFORMANCE ................................................................................................................19

6.1
AUDIT METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................................................................19
6.2
ASSESSOR COMPETENCY ......................................................................................................................19
6.3
SUITABLE SOURCES ..............................................................................................................................19
6.4
LABORATORY TESTING ..........................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX 1 PRODUCT DATA SHEET .............................................................................................................20

APPENDIX 2 ENERGY USE ...............................................................................................................................24
APPENDIX 3 CALCULATION OF THE VISUAL IMPACT ...................................................................................25
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GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICE AUSTRALIA STANDARD
Hard Surfacing
Current Status:
Final Standard
Date Published: 30 April 2008

First Published: 21 January 2008
Abstract
This Standard specifies environmental performance requirements of hard surfacing products for the Australian
Ecolabel Program. The Australian Ecolabel Program complies with ISO 14024: "Environmental labels and
declarations - Guiding principles" which requires environmental labelling specifications to include criteria that are
objective, reasonable and verifiable.
Definitions
Processed Products: Products that are either fired products (e.g. ceramic tiles, clay tiles, glass tiles) or
hardened products (e.g. concrete pavers and flags, agglomerated stone tiles, terrazzo tiles).
Natural Stones: Pieces of naturally occurring rock, including marble, granite and other naturally occurring stones.
Granite: A common mineral assembly classified as a natural stone for the purposes of this standard. Granite is
a plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture of medium to coarse graining; generally composed of
feldspar and mica and quartz crystals (see natural stone definition).
Marble: A hard crystalline metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone that takes a high
polish. For the purposes of this standard Marble is classified as natural stone (see natural stone definition)
Sandstone: A clastic sedimentary rock composed of sand sized grains set in a matrix of silt or clay, and firmly
united by a cementing agent (silica, iron oxide, or calcium carbonate). For the purpose of this standard,
Sandstone is classified as a natural stone (see natural stone definition).
Limestone: A sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate: CaCO 3) that is the
deposited remains of marine animals. For the purpose of this standard Limestone is classified as natural stone
(see natural stone definition)
Slate: A fine-grained, metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay
or volcanic ash through low grade regional metamorphism. For the purposes of this standard slate is classified as
natural stone (see natural stone definition)
Pegmatites: Very coarse-grained granite that has a grain size of 20 mm or more. Pegmatites crystals are
composed mainly of quartz, feldspar and mica.
Gypsum: A very soft mineral composed of calcium sulphate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO42H2O
Glass: An amorphous, highly silicious material which can incorporate various impurities or additives. Examples
include soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass.
Cement: For the purpose of this standard, cement refers to any binder substance used to bind and harden a
product. This includes both non-hydraulic and hydraulic cements (including Portland cement and its various
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blends).
Concrete: A material obtained by mixing sands, gravel, cement, inorganic pigments and additives, to form a manmade rock.
Agglomerated stones: Industrial products manufactured from a mixture of aggregates (typically natural stone
grid of various size and type, sometimes mixed with other compatible material), additions and binder. The binder
can be resin, hydraulic cement or a mixture of both in various percentages. The products are realised in form of
blocks or slabs, which can be transformed in finished slabs, tiles, vanity tops or similar elements complementary
to products for flooring and wall finishes, obtained by moulding technique which can or cannot be subsequently
cut to size. Products realised with the technology of the agglomerated stones could be impregnated by suitable
chemicals in order to impermeabilize the open pores.
The agglomerated stone products are classified according to the manufacturing technology, the type of binder
and the type of stone elements.
Classification according to the type of binder:
Agglomerated stone products can be bound by unsaturated polyester resin or other cross-linking resin
Agglomerated stone products can be bound by cement (white or grey).
Agglomerated stone products can be bound by mixture of resin and cement.
Classification according to the mineral composition of the stone elements:
Agglomerated stone products can be constituted of stone elements of carbonate minerals
Agglomerated stone products can be constituted of stone elements of silica minerals.
Agglomerated stone products can be constituted of stone elements both of carbonate and silica minerals.
Terrazzo Tiles: A suitably compacted element of uniform shape and thickness which meets specific geometric
requirements. For the purpose of this standard Terrazzo Tiles are classified as a sub category of Agglomerated
stones. The product usually is comprised of irregular, often coloured fragments of marble or stone, set in a matrix
of white or coloured cement.
Ceramic Tiles: Thin slabs made from clays or other inorganic raw materials extruded or pressed at ambient
temperature, followed by firing at temperatures sufficient to develop the required properties.
Clay Tiles: Thin slabs used for the surface course of pavements and is manufactured predominantly from clay
minerals. The areal density of such tiles shall not exceed 40 kg / m2. This restriction does not apply for fired clay
pavers.
Dimensional stones: Stone materials that are sawn to particular dimensions and finished to particular textures.
Primary material: The main economic product made in the operation.
Recycled Content includes both pre- and post-consumer recycled content. Post-Consumer content is as material
generated by households, or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the
product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of material from the
distribution chain. Pre-Consumer content is material diverted from the waste stream during a manufacturing
process. Excluded is re-utilisation of materials such as rework, regrind or scrap generated in a process and
capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it.
Clinker: A general name given to waste from industrial processes - particularly processes that involve smelting
metals, burning fossil fuels and using a blacksmith's forge. Clinker often forms a loose, black deposit that can
consist of coke, coal, slag, charcoal, grit, and other waste materials. Clinker may be reused to make hard paths. It
is laid and rolled, and forms a hard path with a rough surface.
Slag: A by-product, containing inert materials, produced during the blast furnace smelting process and other
metallurgic operations
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Ramsar Wetland is an area of wet habitat composed of vegetation identified under the Ramsar treaty. It provides
the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation of wetlands and their
resources. See http://www.ramsar.org for more information.
Confined Aquifer: An aquifer (composed of porous rock) that is bound above and below by dense layers of non
porous rock. The aquifer contains water under pressure which is significantly greater than atmospheric pressure.
Suspended Solids: Organic or inorganic particles that are suspended in and carried by water. The term includes
sand, mud, and clay particles as well as solids in wastewater.
R - Phrases: Abbreviation for Risk Phrases. These phrases are defined in Annex III of European Union Directive
67/548/EEC: Nature of special risks attributed to dangerous substances and preparations.
ICP-AAS: Means Inductively-Coupled Plasma Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
ISO: Is the Acronym for the International Organisation for Standardisation.
GECA-Label: Means the Good Environmental Choice Australia Label.
IARC: Is the Acronym for the International Agency for Research on Cancer
EPBC: Is the acronym for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth).
NATA: Is the acronym for the National Association of Testing Authorities (see: http://www.nata.asn.au/)
Populated Area: For the purpose of this standard, Populated Area is defined as any area with a habitant density
of more than 50 habitants per square kilometre (> 50 hab/km2)
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INTRODUCTION
1.1
Purpose
This Standard sets an environmental performance benchmark for hard surfacing products. The voluntary
environmental labelling standard implemented by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) as part of the
Australian Ecolabel Program specifies environmental performance criteria for hard surfacing and flooring
including a wide range of stone, tile and concrete products. This standard stipulates limits for the environmental
load of such products throughout the major phases of their life cycle.
While Standards set by Standards Australia define fit-for-purpose criteria, they do not provide assurance of
environmental preferability. This standard is a voluntary environmental labelling standard that sets an
environmental performance benchmark above and beyond the Australian product standards.
All GECA voluntary ecolabelling standards require that products satisfy the relevant Australian or International
Standard as a prerequisite for GECA certification.
1.2
Background
Naturally occurring substances (e.g. clay, sand and rocks) have been quarried and used for construction work for
as long as history can recall. Nowadays, manufacture of hard surfacing products is an established industry and a
major part of the multi-billion dollar building industry.
Ranging from the energy spent in sourcing the raw materials and the adverse effects of quarries, to air and water
pollutants emitted during the finishing operations, Hard Surfacing products have the potential to create significant
burdens on the environment. Considering the size of this particular industry and thus the amount of sourced,
finished and installed hard surfacing products, it is important that the key environmental impacts of this group of
products are identified and minimised.
Quarrying, fabrication and testing of stone products is more sophisticated than ever before. Technical
improvements have been made over the millennia, but nowadays accelerate even more. These circumstances
give the clear potential to establish best practice methods to lower the environmental footprint of the stone
industry sector.
This Standard identifies the key environmental loads of Hard Surfacing products and specifies requirements to
lower the impact of certified products. Specifically, this Standard stipulates criteria for quarrying and mining raw
materials, emissions to waterways and air, as well as the responsible use of energy resources. Hard Surfacing
products which comply with this Standard will have considerably lower adverse environmental impacts compared
its competitors.
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STANDARD CATEGORY SCOPE
This standard is applicable to the following categories of hard surfacing products for interior or exterior use,
without any structural function, and suitable for use as horizontal or vertical surfacing:
Natural stone
Agglomerated stones
Concrete paving units
Terrazzo tiles
Ceramic tiles
Clay tiles
Glass tiles
Other environmentally innovative hard surfaces that do not directly fit the above categories may be considered for
certification provided the product fulfils the requirements of relevant sections of this Standard. This standard is
regularly reviewed so other categories may be added at a later date.
This Standard excludes roof tiles and exterior building cladding.
This Standard excludes hybrid and composite products and those containing materials not directly specified in the
scope of this standard.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
3.1
Fitness for Purpose
To become certified, a product must perform well when used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Conformance with existing standards of quality and durability are pre-requisite for the Good Environmental
Choice Australia Label. The manufacturer must ensure that the product is fit for its advertised purpose and:
3.1.1
Product Data Sheet
The product must be supplied to each customer with a data sheet compliant with the requirements of Appendix 1,
such that a qualified person may easily determine fitness for purpose on a project specific basis.
The test methods recommended in Appendix 1 can be used as a guideline to provide minimal information to the
customer. Alternative test methods might be used if they lead to comparable results.
New testing to support such data sheets must be undertaken at least on a 3 yearly basis.
3.1.2
Quality Assurance Program
The manufacturer must have a quality assurance program in place that demonstrates conformance of the certified
products with the specified limits in the data sheet. A record of all non-conformant products must be kept, and a
procedure for dealing with non-conformance must be in place. Evidence of corrective action must be provided
where non-conformant products have been reported in the last two years.
3.2
Raw Material Requirements
3.2.1 Quarried or Mined Materials

The geographical origin of pre-consumer recycled and virgin quarried or mined material must be documented, to
enable confirmation of the origin throughout the supply chain.
Quarried or mined mineral for use as raw materials in hard surfacing products must be sourced from a production
facility that complies with Section 4 of this Standard.
The requirements of the following sub-sections (3.2.1.1 to 3.2.1.8) apply only to the quarry or mine which is the
major supplier of quarried or mined raw materials for the certified product.
3.2.1.1 Water Resource Use
The quarry or mine pit must not interfere with a confined aquifer. Water may be drawn from confined aquifers
provided that the bore is sealed and the flow rate is measured. Bore use must not be continued if the flow rate
decreases by greater than 20 % of the initial rate, averaged over a five year period.
Surface water must not be used if the water body is located within, or is directly connected to a:
National Park,
Drinking water catchment area,
Ramsar Wetland
Area identified by the EPBC Act as containing threatened species or ecological communities.
For areas outside Australia, reference to national classification frameworks comparable to the EPBC Act must be
provided.
Quarrying and mining operations must be able to demonstrate procedures or measures to minimise the impact of
water use. This may include, but is not limited to, water recycling, rainwater collection and settling ponds.
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Water released off-site directly from quarrying and mining operations must not exceed 5 L/m3 of extracted
material. This limit does not include natural runoff from the site during rain events or water consumed in closed
loop recycling systems. Suppliers are requested to obtain and provide data on water release from the main
quarrying operation for the purpose of refining this criterion in future versions of the standard.
3.2.1.2 Site Rehabilitation
The main quarry or mine must lodge a rehabilitation guarantee with the relevant state or federal government
agency. Where there is no relevant agency, the quarry or mine must have a published and publicly available
environmental remediation plan acceptable to GECA, underwritten by a trust fund established for the purpose.
The main quarrying and mining operations must be able to demonstrate site-specific weed control measures in
relevant areas where existing vegetation is disturbed by the operation.
3.2.1.3 Usable Material Ratio
The extraction efficiency of the main mining or quarrying operation must meet the requirements listed in Table 1.
This requirement only applies to primary materials but not to by-products of mining operations or recycled waste
materials.
Primary Material
Marble
Granite
Sandstone
Limestone
Slate
Other natural stones
Sand and aggregate
Extraction Ratio
0.30
0.60
Table 1: Extraction efficiency requirements for mining and quarrying operations.

Figures are given in m3 of usable material per m3 of total extracted material.
3.2.1.4 Operating Equipment

All mechanical operating equipment must be regularly maintained at the intervals recommended by the
manufacturer of the equipment.
Used motor oil must be recycled or disposed of by a licensed waste contractor.
A procurement policy must be in place that gives preference to operating equipment on the basis of fuel economy
and energy efficiency.
3.2.1.5 Dust Emissions
The PM10 dust emissions to air must be less than 100 g/Nm3 where the main mine or quarry is located within
5 km of a:
Populated area
National Park
Drinking water catchment area
Ramsar Wetland
Area identified by the EPBC Act as containing threatened species or ecological communities.
The test method must be in line with EN 12341 or equivalent.
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3.2.1.6 Water Emissions

Suspended solids in effluent water must be less than 30 mg/L, where the operation discharges to surface waters
that interact with a:
National Park
Drinking water catchment area
Ramsar Wetland
Area identified by the EPBC Act as containing threatened species or ecological communities
Suspended solids in effluent water can not exceed 40 mg/L.
The test method must be in line with ISO 5667-17 or equivalent.
3.2.1.7 Noise
Where the main mine or quarry is located within 5 km of a Populated Area, the noise level from the operation
must not exceed 70 dB(A), measured at the perimeter of the mine or quarry.
The test method must be in line with ISO 1996-1 or equivalent.
3.2.1.8 Visual Impact
Where the mine or quarry is located within 5 km of a Populated Area, the visual impact of the operation must not
exceed 30 as defined in Appendix 3 of this standard.
3.2.2
Plastics and Other Synthetic Materials
Petrochemical products for use as raw materials in hard surfacing products must be sourced from a production
facility that complies with Section 4 of this Standard.
Synthetic resins (including polyester) must not comprise more than 10 % of the weight of the certified product.
3.2.3
Adhesives, Coatings, Waterproofing, Sealers, Fillers and Other Treatments
Recommended adhesives must comply with the labelling requirements in Section 3.6.2
All component parts (including adhesives, coatings, waterproofing agents, sealers, fillers, other treatments or
backings) used in the manufacture or in the recommended installation of certified products must be previously
certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia, carry another ISO 14 024 based ecolabel acceptable to GECA,
or comply with the requirements of the relevant GECA standard. If no GECA standard is available for specific
component parts than these products must comply with the material requirements in this standard (in particular,
Section 3.3).
3.2.4
Cement Content of Certified Products
Products that use cement must demonstrate that:
Raw materials for cement production comply with Section 3.2.1.

Direct Energy Consumption (see Section 3.5.1 and Appendix 2) of the cement production process is less
than 3800 MJ/t.
The finished certified product can meet the requirements of Section 3.5. Cement content must be
included in the energy calculation for that section.
Air emissions from cement manufacture must be less than the following limits for the whole process:
Pollutant
Dust
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Emission limit
65 g/t
350 g/t
900 g/t
Table 2: Air emission limits for the cement manufacturing process

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Recommended Test Method

ISO 9096 or equivalent
3.3
Hazardous Materials
3.3.1
Prohibited Substances
The following compounds, their functional derivatives or in-situ precursors must not be added to products, their
component parts, their packaging or be used at any stage of the manufacturing process, including as preparatory
agents, cleaners or degreasers in the production facility:
The heavy metals arsenic, copper, chromium, tin, mercury, lead, cadmium or antimony
Elemental chlorine or other materials that can give rise to dioxins
Halogenated organic flame retardants (e.g., decaBDE, chlorinated paraffins, etc)
Flaming additives for natural products
Halogenated organic solvents
Aniline based amines
Aziridine or polyaziridines
The phthalates DEHP, DBP, DAP, BBP, DMP, DMT, DEP, DMEP and DIBP
Alkylphenolethoxylates (APEO) or their derivatives (APDs)
1,3 butadiene
Substances bearing any of the following risk phrases or classifications must not be used in the manufacture of
the certified product:
Mutagens, carcinogens and teratogens including R45 May cause cancer, R46 May cause heritable genetic
damage, EU C/M/R category 1 or 2 substances, IARC Group 1 or 2A substances
Acutely toxic substances including any R26-28 substances, R50-59 substances and Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) highly hazardous chemicals, toxics and reactives
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10647
Irritants and sensitising agents including R36-38 and R42-43 substances
Carcinogens, teratogens and mutagens including:
o any R45-49 substances,
o IARC group 1 or 2A substances,
o EU consolidated list of C/M/R category 1 or 2 substances
Rotterdam Convention Annex III substances
For IARC listed substances dosage, exposure rates and pathways need to be taken into account. Further
information on these subjects can be found within the IARC-monographs for listed substances. Summaries of the
monographs are available under: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php
Lead, cadmium or antimony can be used in additives for glazing if the total content and release rates of these
heavy metals are less than the limits listed in Table 3. Release rate testing must be undertaken in conformance
with ISO 10545-15, or equivalent.
Parameter
% by weight of glaze
Release Rate (mg/m2)
Lead
Cadmium
0.5
0.1
80
7
Antimony
0.25
na
Table 3: Heavy metal content limits and release rate limits for glazes.
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Certified products using Lead, Cadmium or Antimony must undertake a research program intended to replace
heavy metal glazes with environmentally preferable alternatives. Heavy metal glazes will not be permitted in later
versions of the Standard in accordance with the principle of continual improvement.
3.3.2
Overall Pollutant Loads
In order to reduce pollutant hazards in the disposal, landfill and/or recycling at the end-of-life phase of products,
these substances must not be detectable in certified products:
Tar oils (benzo()pyrene)

Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
Asbestos
2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin)
The heavy metals listed in subsection 3.3.1 may not comprise more than 0.05 % by weight (in total) of the
finished certified product, regardless of origin (whether a natural impurity or additive).
3.3.3
Radioactivity
This criterion applies to products intended for indoor use that contain greater than 75% by mass of:
Granites, pegmatites or gypsum,
Slag, clinker, or other waste from smelting, or
Ash from coal or peat.
Radioactive safety may be demonstrated in either of the following ways:
a. Direct physical measurement
The effective concentrations (C) of the potassium isotope K40 (CK), of the radium isotope Ra226 (CRa) and of the
thorium isotope Th232 (CTh) must not exceed these two limitations:
C
C
CK
Ra Th 1
3000 300 200
and
CRa 1
To test for radioactivity the material has to be crushed during preparation. The effective concentration (C)
must be measured with gamma spectroscopy.
b. Chemical composition
The finished certified product must not contain more uranium, thorium and potassium than specified in
Table 4.
Element
Uranium
Content limits (mg/kg)

8
Thorium
15
Potassium
50000
Table 4: Content limits for some potentially radioactive elements
The content of these elements has to be measured by a strong acid digest ICP-AAS method.
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3.4
Environmental Emissions
3.4.1
Water Emissions
This Section applies to all products (both natural and processed).

Effluent waters discharged to the environment from processing or finishing operations must not exceed the
following limits. These limits apply after water treatment either on- or off-site. Municipal sewage treatment plant
emission levels may be used if waste water is discharged directly to the sewer by permit from the relevant local
authority.
Emission
Suspended solids*
Cadmium
Chromium (VI)
Iron
Lead
Recommended Test Method

ISO 5667-17 or equivalent
Limit (mg/L)
40
0.015
0.15
1.5
0.15
Table 5: Water emission limits for all finished products.
* Where finishing operations are conducted on the same site as extraction operations, Section 3.2.1.6 shall be
used as the suspended solids emission limit.
3.4.2
Air Emissions
Air emissions for each material type are to be measured as follows:

Agglomerated Stone, Terrazzo Tile and Concrete Paving Units whole manufacturing process
Clay and Ceramic Tile firing stage (cold emissions are covered below)
Glass Tile whole manufacturing process
Natural Products finishing stage.
If the finishing operation for natural stone products is conducted at a different site from the extraction operation, a
human health risk assessment must be undertaken to identify the nature and possible risks of particulate
emissions associated with finishing operations. Where finishing operations for natural stones are conducted on
the same site as extraction operations, Section 3.2.1.5 shall apply as the air emission requirement.
Emissions to air must not exceed the following limits.
Emission
Dust
SO2
NOx
F
Styrene
Agglomerated
Stones
300
850
1200
na
2000*
Limit Values (mg/m2 of product)

Ceramic or
Terrazzo Tiles or
Glass Tiles
Clay Tiles
Concrete Paving
200
250
300
1500
2000
1500
2500
3000
2000
200
200
na
na
na
na
Natural
Products
300
na
na
na
na
Table 6: Air emission limits for certified products. Recommended test methods are the same as specified in Table 2 and ISO/CD 15713 or
equivalent for Fluorine. The limit values for Styrene include the production of any synthetic resin that may be used.
Total cold emissions (from pressing, glazing and spray drying) during clay and ceramic tile manufacture must not
exceed 5 g/m2 of product.
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3.5
Energy and Waste Management
3.5.1
Direct Energy Consumption
Energy consumption during the production of certified products must not exceed the limits specified in Table 7
when calculated using the method and figures given in Appendix 2. Applicants must undertake an energy audit
including all energy flows in the production process for the purpose of informing future energy efficiency
improvements and refining this criterion in future versions of the standard.
Material Type
Agglomerated Stone
Limit Value (MJ/m2 of product)

100
Terrazzo Tile
60
Ceramic Tile
50
(specific weight >19 kg/m2)
Ceramic Tile
(specific weight <19 kg/m2)
70
Clay Tile
60
Glass Tile
50
Flamed Natural Products
65
Table 7: Energy consumption limits for certified products.
3.5.2
Energy Management
In order to reduce energy consumption during installation, dimensional stone producers must be able to provide
stone to the exact thickness required for each order ( 2 mm).
For processes involving firing, the manufacturer must either:
Be able demonstrate energy recycling and/or heat recovery systems. These may include, but are not
limited to, cogeneration systems and/or the re-use of kiln heat for drying.
Procure at least 10 % of total energy used in firing from a government approved Green Power provider, or
other renewable energy source acceptable to GECA.
3.5.3
Waste Management
Manufacturers must be able to demonstrate the following elements, as minimum, in a waste management
program covering all operational sites:
Functioning procedures for diverting recyclable and reusable materials from the waste stream.
Functioning procedures for the recovery of waste materials for other purposes.
Contracts with registered hazardous waste contractors, where hazardous waste is generated by the
process.
Waste recovery or diversion from landfill, where technically possible.
3.5.4
Recycled Content Requirements
Glass tiles must incorporate at least 50 % by weight recycled content.
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3.6
Post Consumption Recycling and Labelling
3.6.1
Packaging Requirements
Chlorinated or halogenated plastics must not be used in product packaging.

Used packaging shall be able to be recycled by local recycling systems.
3.6.2
Product Information
The manufacturer must provide written information to the consumer clearly stating:
The intended use of the product.
Instructions for correct use and storage so as to maximise the product lifetime (e.g., whether the product
needs coating or sealing, etc).
Installation instructions including recommended techniques and materials. These instructions must not
specify nor require the use of any component that does not comply with the materials requirements of this
Standard.
Maintenance instructions, if required. Maintenance instructions must not specify nor require the use of any
chemical or coating limited by any part of this Standard.
Recycling or environmentally preferable disposal instructions for the product end-of-life.
A clear declaration on the use of fillers, sealers, coatings or any other treatments that may have been
applied to the product during manufacture or processing.
3.6.3
Product Stewardship
The applicant must:
accept their product without additional cost (excluding transportation costs) for further recycling in a
specialist recycling facility; or
have arrangements with a local recycler to accept the product; or
have an established product stewardship program. Products collected under the scheme shall not be
disposed of in landfill or by incineration; or
have contractual arrangements with a third party that is able to recycle or refurbish the item. Contractual
arrangements with the third party should nominate the estimated volume of product to be processed
annually.
Overall, the applicant must demonstrate that the necessary arrangements are in place to deliver the claims of the
product stewardship program. Details relating to the above product stewardship program requirements and
contact details for the program operator(s) must also be made publically available from the official company
website.
3.7
Other Environmental Claims
Any product making environmental claims beyond the scope of this Standard must comply with ISO 14 021 and
be able to verify these claims to GECA, if such claims are to be used in conjunction with the ecolabel.
Any product making greenhouse related claims must comply with ISO 14 064-3 Specification with guidance for
the validation and verification of greenhouse gas assertions and be able to verify these claims to GECA, if such
claims are to be used in conjunction with the ecolabel.
16 of 25
For claims outside the scope of ISO 14 021 or 14 064, clear statement of the test method and the conditions
under which the product was tested is required, along with a clear explanation of the relevance of the test method
to environmental claim.
17 of 25
COMPLIANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
The applicant is required to comply with relevant environmental legislation and government orders at the Local,
State, and Commonwealth levels, if these have been issued. An applicants compliance with these criteria may be
established by undertaking a series of random checks; and/or by gathering samples of applicant operational
procedures and documents from approved assessors as evidence to support compliance during the verification.
Where an applicant is from an overseas jurisdiction, that jurisdictions environmental regulations apply. Where the
applicant is subject to a guilty verdict by a legally constituted court in the last 24 months on the basis of a breach
of any environmental legislation or permits, there must be evidence of corrective action.
COMPLIANCE TO LABOUR, ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND SAFETY REGULATIONS
An applicant shall demonstrate that all employees are covered by a Federal or State award or a certified industrial
agreement or a registered workplace agreement as determined by the Industrial Relations Commission, the
Employment Advocate or a State or Territory Workplace Relations Agency or a workplace agreement in
compliance with Workplace Relations Act 1996 Part 7 The Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard.
An applicant shall demonstrate general compliance to the terms of State or Territory Legislation concerning
Occupational, Health and Safety and/or the Commonwealth Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988,
where applicable. Where the applicant is subject to a breach order by a government agency, or a guilty verdict by
an Australian Court within the last 24 months, on the basis of a breach of State, Territory or Commonwealth
Occupational, Health and Safety Legislation, there must be evidence of corrective action.
The applicant shall demonstrate general compliance to the requirements of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975,
Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace
Act 1999, and complementary State Legislation. Applicants cannot be in the list of 'named' or non-compliant
employers under the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999. Where the applicant is subject to
a breach order by a government agency, or a guilty verdict by an Australian Court in the last 24 months on the
basis of a breach of these Acts, there must be evidence of corrective action.
Where an applicant is from an overseas jurisdiction, the applicant shall demonstrate general compliance to that
jurisdictions anti-discrimination, occupational health and safety, and workers compensations regulations. Where
the applicant is subject to a breach order by a government agency, or a guilty verdict by a legal court in their
respective country within the last 24 months on the basis of a the breach of anti-discrimination, occupational
health and safety, and workers compensation regulations, there must be evidence of corrective action.
An applicants compliance with these criteria may be established by undertaking a series of random checks;
gathering samples of applicant operational procedures and documents from approved assessors; and/or by
providing a self-declaration document signed by an executive officer of the applicant organisation as evidence to
support compliance during verification.
18 of 25
EVIDENCE OF CONFORMANCE
6.1
Audit Methodology
Conformance with this Standard shall be demonstrated by undertaking an assessment under the above criteria by
an approved assessor, following the certification and verification procedures detailed in the Good Environmental
Choice Australia Ltd Documented Quality Management System, which generally follows the environmental
auditing requirements of ISO 19 011.
6.2
Assessor Competency
The Australian Ecolabel Program classifies approved assessors as:

a. Assessors registered by Good Environmental Choice Australia Ltd as environmental professionals that
hold expertise relevant for an assessment, and who have undertaken training in the procedures of the
Australian Ecolabel Program; or
b. Environmental auditors accredited with the RABQSA.
6.3
Suitable Sources
Audit evidence should be of such a quality and quantity that competent environmental auditors, working
independently of each other, will reach similar audit findings from evaluation of the same audit evidence against
the same audit criteria.
Suitable sources of information to establish compliance may be, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
6.4
Technical specification of the product.

Obvious characteristics of the product under examination.
Scientific test results and reports.
Environmental management system and audit reports and results.
Life-cycle assessment of each stage of the product life-cycle via a physical audit and examination.
Life-cycle assessment via scientific testing.
A statement of confirmation by an executive officer.
An assessment of company or government records.
Other material that can be considered objective evidence.
Laboratory Testing
New testing shall be undertaken by a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities
(NATA), or an ISO 17 025 registered laboratory, or a similarly independent accreditation agent who can conduct
the relevant tests and/or provide documentation detailing environmental performance against the criteria of this
standard. The test results should be presented on NATA-endorsed reports or from a laboratory acceptable to
Good Environmental Choice Australia Ltd.
If test results or environmental auditing results are not available, and/or there is insufficient data to establish full
compliance with the criteria required by this standard, then certification cannot be awarded.
19 of 25
APPENDIX 1 PRODUCT DATA SHEET

A1.1
Data Requirements for Dimensional Stone:
Details of the test procedures and results shall be provided together with a declaration that the product is fit for
use based on all other information about the best application by the end-user. Table A1 outlines minimum data
provision requirements for dimensional stone products.
The test methods recommended in this Appendix can be used as a guideline to provide required minimal
information to the customer. Alternative test methods might be use if they lead to comparable results.
Category
Stone Type
Test Method
(or equivalent)
Granite
ASTM C615
Marble
ASTM C503
Limestone
ASTM C568
Sandstone
AS/NZS 4456.10(A)
ASTM C616
Slate
AS/NZS 4456.10(A)
ASTM C629
Other
See Note 3
Property
Absorption
Density
Compressive Strength
Modulus of Rupture
Flexural Strength
Abrasion Resistance
Absorption
Density
Modulus of Rupture
Flexural Strength
Abrasion Resistance
Absorption
Density
Modulus of Rupture
Abrasion Resistance
Resistance to Salt Attack
Absorption
Density
Modulus of Rupture
Abrasion Resistance
Resistance to Salt Attack
Absorption
Modulus of Rupture
Abrasion Resistance
Acid Resistance
Absorption
Density
Modulus of Rupture
Flexural Strength
Abrasion Resistance
Notes
1
2
1
2
1
Table A1: Minimum requirements for data provision for dimensional stone products for the purpose
of fit-for-purpose assessments by engineers and product specifiers.
Notes:
1 This requirement is optional if the material is used solely for vertical surfaces.
2 Only required for low-density limestone.
3 Where the natural stone material cannot be classified within a specific category, the fitness for use will be independently evaluated
based on results of appropriate physical property tests.
20 of 25
A1.2
Data Requirements for Stone Tiles:
provision requirements for stone tiles.
Where already test data for the product exist which were gained in accordance with Appendix A1.1 no double
testing is necessary to provide sufficient information to the customer.
Requirements and Test Method
(or equivalent)
Property
Flexural Strength
Water Absorption
EN 12057
Open Porosity
Frost resistance
Abrasion resistance
Table A2: Minimum requirements for data provision for stone tiles for the purpose of
fit-for-purpose assessments by engineers and product specifiers.
A1.3
Data Requirements for Paving Units and Flags:
provision requirements for Paving Units and Flags as specified in AS/NZS 4455 Masonry units and segmental
pavers.
Where already test data for a natural stone product exist which were gained in accordance with Appendix A1.1 no
double testing is necessary to provide sufficient information to the customer.
Material
Natural Stone
Concrete
Fired Clay
Test Method
(or equivalent)
AS/NZS 4456.3
Property
Dimensional Deviation
AS/NZS 4456.4
Unconfined Compressive Strength
AS/NZS 4456.5
Breaking Load
AS/NZS 4456.9
Abrasion Resistance
AS/NZS 4456.10
Salt Attack Resistance
AS/NZS 4456.11
Moisture Expansion
AS/NZS 4456.14
Water Absorption
AS/NZS 4456.15
Modulus of Rupture
Table A3: Minimum requirements for data provision for Paving Units and Flags for the purpose of fit-for-purpose assessments by
engineers and product specifiers.
21 of 25
A1.4
Data Requirements for Agglomerated Stone Products:
provision requirements for agglomerated stone products.
Test Method
(or equivalent)
EN 14617.1
Property
Density and Water Absorption
EN 14617.2
Flexural Strength
EN 14617.4
Abrasion Resistance
EN 14617.9
Impact Resistance
EN 14617.12
Dimensional Stability
EN 14617.15
EN 14617.16
Geometric Characteristics and Surface Quality
Table A4: Minimum requirements for data provision for agglomerated stone products for the
purpose of fit-for-purpose assessments by engineers and product specifiers.
A1.5
Data Requirements for Terrazzo Tiles:
provision requirements for Terrazzo tiles.
Classification
Requirements and
Test Methods (or equivalent)
Terrazzo tiles for internal use
EN 13748-1
Property
Geometric Characteristics
Surface Characteristic
Mechanical Strength
Geometric Characteristics
Terrazzo tiles for external use
Surface Characteristic
EN 13748-2
Mechanical Strength
Weather Resistance
Table A5: Minimum requirements for data provision for Terrazzo tiles for the purpose of fit-for-purpose assessments by engineers and
product specifiers.
22 of 25
A1.6
Data Requirements for Ceramic Tiles:
provision requirements for ceramic tiles. The properties of the product have to comply with the requirements
outlined in the Australian Standard AS 4662 or equivalent international standards.
Test Method
(or equivalent)
AS 4459.2
Property
Dimensional Characteristics and Surface Quality
AS 4459.3
Water Absorption
AS 4459.4
Module of rupture and Breaking Strength
AS 4459.5
Impact Resistance
AS 4459.7
Surface Abrasion
AS 4459.10
Moisture Expansion
AS 4459.15
Lead and Cadmium Release Rate
Table A6: Minimum requirements for data provision for ceramic tiles for the purpose of fit-for-purpose
assessments by engineers and product specifiers.
Notes:
Surface Abrasion and Lead/ Cadmium Release Rate are only relevant for glazed ceramic tiles.
The tests described in Table A6 may alternatively be performed in compliance with the Standard ISO 10545.
A1.7
Data Requirements for Glass Tiles:
Due to the lack of available product standards for this product group, the characteristics of glass tiles shall be
determined in accordance with the test methods used for ceramic tiles and as outlined in Table A7.
Test Method
(or equivalent)
AS 4459.2
Property
Dimensional Characteristics and Surface Quality
AS 4459.4
Module of rupture and Breaking Strength
AS 4459.5
Impact Resistance
Table A7: Minimum requirements for data provision for glass tiles for the purpose of fit-for-purpose
assessments by engineers and product specifiers.
A1.8
Slip Resistance
Products which are intended to use on floors must also provide on the product data sheet slip resistance data
gained in accordance to AS/NZS 4586 - Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials, or
equivalent international standards or equivalent test methods.
23 of 25
APPENDIX 2 ENERGY USE

When providing a calculation of process energy requirement (PER) or energy requirement for firing (ERF), the
correct energy carriers shall be taken into account (see Table A7). Gross calorific values (high heat value) of fuels
shall be used to convert energy units to MJ (see Table A8). In case of use of other fuels, the calorific value used
for the calculation shall be specified. Electricity means net imported electricity coming from the grid and internal
generation of electricity measured as electric power.
Product Category
Agglomerated stone
Requirement Type
Energy flows to take into consideration
Terrazzo tiles
PER
all energy flows entering the production plant

both as fuels and electricity
ERF
all energy flows entering all the kilns as fuels

for the firing stage
Cement
Ceramic tile
Clay tile
Flamed natural products
Table A7: Energy flows relevant for the calculation of the PER or ERF for each product group
Production Period
Day:
From:
To:
Quantity of product (tonnes or m3):

Equals to surface area of final product (m2):
Fuel
Quantity
Units
Conversion Factor
Natural gas
kg
54.1
Natural gas
Propane
Butane
Kerosene
Gasoline
Diesel
Nm3
kg
kg
kg
kg
kg
38.8
50
49.3
46.5
52.7
44.6
Gas oil
Heavy fuel oil
kg
kg
45.2
42.7
Dry steam coal

Anthracite
kg
kg
30.6
29.7
Charcoal
Industrial coke
Electricity
kg
kg
kWh
33.7
27.9
3.6
Total energy use
Consumption per tonne of product ( MJ/t ):

or, consumption per m3 of product ( MJ/m3):
Consumption per square meter of finished product ( MJ/m2):
Table A8: Energy use calculation table for hard surfacing products.
24 of 25
Energy (MJ)
APPENDIX 3 CALCULATION OF THE VISUAL IMPACT

The calculation of the Visual Impact of Mines and Quarries for the purpose of this standard is based on the
calculation described in the Technical Appendix A1.9 of the EU Commission Decision 2002/272/EC.
The calculation of visual impact lies in tracing cross sections passing through the quarry front and other external
visual points, which are important to determine the visual impact (for example either from nearby towns or from
frequented places or major roads, etc.). The calculation of the final score, measured as a percentage, shall be
taken from the highest value of originally calculated values (worst case situation). A short explanation for the
finally chosen visual point should be submitted to the Competent Body. From each visual point (P), the bottom
radius is traced, tangent to the topographic surface and intercepting the lowest point of the visible quarry area.
The visible quarry area is regarded as the area where the excavation is carried out or where there is an active
dump. Already rehabilitated areas (both in front area and dumps) need not be considered. From the same visual
point a second radius (called top radius) is traced, intercepting the highest point of the quarry front. The top
radius and bottom radius allow the identification on the section of the quarry of the limits of the height of the
visible front (the vertical distance from top to bottom radius matching the front). The calculation could be made on
the basis of the quarry project. These geometric data are put into the following formula and the result is the
quotient of visual impact of the quarry affecting a specific visual point.
x[%]
L tan 302
vertical height of front visible from visual point P

(meters)
Horizontal distance between the worst visual

point P and the front
tan 30
Tangent of the average angle of the human eye

vision cone
x%
Percent of visual impact
100 %
Figure A1: Graphical definition of the visual impact indicator
25 of 25

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Good Environmental Choice Australia Ltd

Managers of the Australian Ecolabel Program

The Australian Ecolabel Program

Good Environmental Choice Australia Standard

ISSUED BY GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICE AUSTRALIA LTD

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

Use of This Standard

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

STANDARD CATEGORY SCOPE ..................................................................................................................8

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ...........................................................................................9

FITNESS FOR PURPOSE ...........................................................................................................................9

RAW MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................................................9

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ........................................................................................................................12

ENVIRONMENTAL EMISSIONS .................................................................................................................14

ENERGY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................15

POST CONSUMPTION RECYCLING AND LABELLING ..................................................................................16

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS ...........................................................................................................16

COMPLIANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS ..............................................................................18

COMPLIANCE TO LABOUR, ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND SAFETY REGULATIONS..............................18

EVIDENCE OF CONFORMANCE ................................................................................................................19

AUDIT METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................................................................19

ASSESSOR COMPETENCY ......................................................................................................................19

SUITABLE SOURCES ..............................................................................................................................19

LABORATORY TESTING ..........................................................................................................................19

APPENDIX 1 PRODUCT DATA SHEET .............................................................................................................20

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICE AUSTRALIA STANDARD

Date Published: 30 April 2008

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

STANDARD CATEGORY SCOPE

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Fitness for Purpose

Product Data Sheet

Quality Assurance Program

Raw Material Requirements

3.2.1 Quarried or Mined Materials

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

Table 1: Extraction efficiency requirements for mining and quarrying operations.

3.2.1.4 Operating Equipment

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

3.2.1.6 Water Emissions

Plastics and Other Synthetic Materials

Adhesives, Coatings, Waterproofing, Sealers, Fillers and Other Treatments

Cement Content of Certified Products

Products that use cement must demonstrate that:

Raw materials for cement production comply with Section 3.2.1.

Table 2: Air emission limits for the cement manufacturing process

Recommended Test Method

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

Release Rate (mg/m2)

GECA 40-2008 v1.1 Hard Surfacing

Overall Pollutant Loads

Tar oils (benzo()pyrene)

Content limits (mg/kg)

Table 4: Content limits for some potentially radioactive elements