Sustainability certification scheme for the dimension stone industry in Brazil: A proposal for an initiative based on the northwest region of Espírito Santo State, Brazil

This paper presents an initial assessment of the possibility of structuring a sustainability certification scheme for the dimension stone industry in Brazil. A survey was conducted based on perceptions of key stakeholders with experience in Brazil's dimension stone industry and connected to it through research or institutional affiliations. Twenty-three out of twenty-six stakeholders agreed to be interviewed. Six groups of 40 questions included general and specific topics containing open-ended and multiple-choice questions on three main themes: sustainability, challenges to the sustainability, and deficiencies and omissions of the current regulatory scenario of the dimension stone industry. The findings demonstrated that participants have a positive perception about the feasibility of a sustainability certification scheme for the dimension stone industry in Espírito Santo State. Responses provided by the sample of stakeholders interviewed indicated that such a certification scheme would find support from key stakeholders and also legitimacy. In addition to this broader conclusion, other options were validated, including the agreement in the list of entities that could be part of the group relevant to the dimension stone industry. In this context, participation of public powers is essential, but in indirect participation in the scheme to avoid contamination of the balance of forces. This would support its evolution with promotion and collaboration tools, which would help solve the deficiencies of inadequate performance. More research is needed on the main challenges and impacts of such an initiative for a certification scheme. Recommendations for a preliminary model are given, based on the results of the interviews, and also on economic, social and environmental data about the dimension stone industry in Brazil and on the literature about certification schemes.