A certificate for sustainably produced stone
The working group is developing together with other European initiatives an European certification scheme for sustainably produced natural. Stone Companies, producers and civil society organizations are closely involved in the development of the label. The certificate is expected to be available by the end of 2011 for companies that successfully implementing the conduct
First implementing the code of conduct
From our experience in India and China it became clear that companies first need to make a substantial start with implementing the code of conduct before they can be certified. Even though we are working with a ´process approach" in which continuous improvement must be demonstrated, a prerequisite for companies is that the code of conduct is being integrated in their own management system.
Support for businesses
WGDN supports stone producing companies in India and China to implement the code of conduct. This is called the 'Code of Conduct Implementation program'.
The working group has developed a standard approach that participating companies follow. This includes informing and motivating suppliers, implementing and monitoring compliance with standards, implementing improvements, and systematic reporting.
The company appoints a staff member which will be responsible for the implementation process. He or she is also called a "social compliance officer". In India the first social compliance officers (SCO) of participating companies have been trained in applying the code within their own organisation. In addition, the sco's also exchange experience with fellow sco´s. In China similar training courses will be organised soon.
Companies that participate in the can apply for certification at a given moment. But that is not mandatory.