Standardization News

ASTM International Committee E60 on Sustainability is drafting a guide to help consistently evaluate the resiliency of products and materials, including a consensus-driven definition of resiliency. The guide would apply to all applications and market segments, according to ASTM member Michael Schmeida.

"The topic of resiliency is becoming more discussed both in ASTM and outside by a variety of parties," says Schmeida, director of technical services at the Gypsum Association, based in Ohio. "But there is not a definition of resiliency developed in a consensus manner, nor one that covers the concept at high-level."

The proposed standard (WK54254) will help people determine what materials and products are best suited, in terms of resiliency, for various applications.

According to Schmeida, the primary users of the guide will be other standards developers looking to better define resiliency for their product types. Designers and consumers could also use the guide to make more environmentally-conscious and sustainable purchases.

As chairman of E60, Schmeida notes that the committee is planning an October 2017 symposium on the paradigm among safety, resiliency, and sustainability. He encourages those interested in participating to email the symposium chair and E60 vice chair Emily Lorenz.

Committee E60 welcomes participation in all of its activities. The committee is particularly interested in the continuing to grow Subcommittee E60.07 on Water Use and Conservation.

CONTACT Technical Information: Michael Schmeida, MSc, LEED AP, Gypsum Association • Medina, Ohio • tel +1.301.277.8742 | ASTM Staff: Stephen Mawn • tel +1.610.832.9726 | Upcoming Meeting: Oct. 24-27 • October Committee Week • Orlando, Fla.