Further to our previous announcement regarding development of a new Hard Flooring Standard for the Australian Eco-labelling Program, we are pleased to announce that Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) is in the process of establishing a technical working group for the development of this standard.

Please study the attached draft timeline ( 523Kb ) for the development of the new Hard Flooring Standard. The standards committee will involve members of the Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) and the Australian Tile Council (ATC), plus representatives appointed by GECA.

Many architects are fully focused on specification of environmentally friendly products. In September 2004, the first building in Australia certified under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star environmental rating system of buildings, was awarded a five star Green Star – Office Design Certified Rating.

In June and July 2005, the South Australian and Victorian governments respectively announced that all new offices built or leased by government will need to achieve appropriate Green Star rating – five star in South Australia and four star in Victoria.

Australian Tile Council (ATC) standards representative Gary Jones will head the ATC element of the committee. Initial funding for the development of this important standard was donated to ASAA and the ATC by the Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo (FFTSE). FFTSE, Australia’s first dedicated tile and stone expo, is focused on the development of sustainable tile and stone industries.

Please note that interested members of the tile and stone industries can attend the initial meeting which will be held at:

The Bourke Room
Rydges Hotel
9 Missenden Road
CAMPERDOWN NSW 2042
Date: Tuesday, 14th August 2007
Time: 5 p.m.

Seating is limited so please confirm your attendance by calling Felicity on (03) 9888 2246.

Please call Felicity on (03) 9888 2246 to reserve a seat.

We welcome new member Mr Robert Frazer from Innvotech Solutions Pty Ltd.

Innvotech has developed and manufactures the innovative and revolutionary BacLoc Flooring System; a simple and easy dry-laying system for floor tiles.

BacLoc comes in a range of sizes and can be used with a wide range of tile types including ceramic, porcelain, granite, marble and engineered stone.

We are delighted to welcome Mr. Reg Pinto (The Stone Doctor), Mr Greg Dupont (Marble Renewal) as our latest new members.

The votes were counted on 28th May at the office of Rennick & Gaynor Solicitors, please see the attached pdf which confirms the results. The new board will be sworn in at the AGM.

The latest edition of (INSIDE) – Australian Design Review, on sale at news agencies cross Australia, features a substantial feature on stone written by ASAA CEO Anthony Stock. The publication also contains a full page ASAA advertisement focusing on local stone. Future advertisements will feature a variety of stones available from members and images of complete projects. Plus information regarding ASAA initiatives.

NEW NOMINEES FOR ASAA DIRECTORSHIP

Rolf Offerhaus
Rolf Offerhaus is the new Technical Services Manager at ARDEX Australia. He started his career with ARDEX Germany in 1995, when he joined the company as a Chemist. During his 12 years at ARDEX Germany, Rolf has progressed extremely well and holds a varied role including being Team Leader of a development group looking at special cement-based tile and stone adhesives for fixing sensitive natural stones without deformation or colour changes, special screeds and terrazzo with reduced tendency for cracking, also other dispersion-based tile adhesives and epoxy-based adhesives and grouts. Rolf was also the Head of Quality Control and Team Leader for chemical analysis.

To support this extensive knowledge and experience, Rolf has a Diploma and PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry obtained from the University of Bochum, Germany. ARDEX Germany were reluctant to let such an integral person as Rolf leave, but were happy to keep him within the Global ARDEX Group, and he will prove to be a great asset for ARDEX Australia and hopefully for the Australian Stone Advisory Association.

Richard Mackenzie
Richard Mackenzie is the managing director of Ocean + Merchant a Sydney-based wholesaler of tile and stone. Richard regularly visits tile and stone shows in a variety of countries. He is a founding member of ASAA, who actually provided the name for the association. Richard’s company sells tile and stone, including local stone quarried by Kanmantoo Bluestone. He is dedicated to representing the broad interests of the industry.

CURRENT DIRECTORS – RENOMINATED

Ian Lamble
Ian Lamble of Melocco Stone has made a significant contribution to the development of ASAA. He is a founding member and key contributor in terms of ideas for future development.

Gary Hargreaves
Gary Hargreaves of Gosford Quarries is committed to the development of industry. A founding member, he takes particular interest in promoting stone to specifiers.

Jim Mann
Jim Mann’s background in geology and testing of stone is invaluable. He frequently provides generic information for specifiers.

David West
David West’s background with Arup Engineering provides valuable information at a time when specifiers are giving greater consideration to using stone externally. David regularly contributes ideas in relation to industry development.