The CRH Canada’s Dufferin Aggregates Acton Quarry is the world’s first quarry to earn certification as a supplier of responsibly sourced stone, sand and gravel.

“CRH Canada and Dufferin Aggregates are extremely proud that our Acton Quarry has been officially recognized as the world’s first certified aggregate site, and hope that this achievement will be a catalyst for the industry,” said Baudouin Nizet, president and chief executive officer of CRH Canada. “Now any purchaser of aggregates, be it the public or the private sector, will have the confidence in knowing that they are buying responsibly sourced building materials.”

In January 2015, the Cornerstone Standard’s Council (CSC) released its Responsible Aggregates Standard, providing the parameters by which an aggregate quarry could achieve certification in Ontario.

“By following CSC’s Standards and working proactively to address environmental and social impacts the Acton Quarry has been able to incorporate sustainability principles into its ongoing operations and after use,” noted Rick Bonnette, Mayor of Halton Hills. “This has been a key component of the recent approval for expansion of the quarry.”

Tim Gray, executive director of environmental defence, added that CSC certification can improve industry practices, reduce conflict and generate a market for sustainable products.