Transporting building materials long distances releases significant CO2; local sourcing can reduce emissions by up to 50%.
Examples (for Seattle)
1Wood Products
Seattle has abundant sustainable timber, with companies offering locally-sourced and milled lumber for framing, decking, and finishing.
2Recycled Concrete
Local companies recycle concrete debris into aggregate for new construction projects, reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions.
3Clay Bricks
Using Washington’s rich clay deposits, companies produce bricks with low energy input and minimal transportation emissions.
4Salvaged Materials
Numerous local businesses salvage and resell materials like doors, windows, and fixtures from deconstructed buildings.
5Stone
Local quarries extract and process basalt and granite for decorative and structural purposes, minimizing transport-related emissions.
6Strawbale
Locally sourced straw is used for constructing sustainable, energy-efficient walls.
Pros
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Locally sourced materials significantly lower CO2 emissions due to reduced transport distances, compared to importing from remote locations. Plus, using sustainable, renewable resources like wood helps sequester carbon.
- Economic and Social Benefits: Purchasing locally boosts the local economy by supporting local businesses and creating jobs. It also often involves more ethical supply chains, ensuring fair wages and working conditions compared to overseas alternatives.
- Enhanced Building Resilience: Local materials often perform better in local climates and conditions, enhancing the durability and longevity of your home. For example, local wood species are naturally adapted to local pest and climate conditions.
Cons
- Limited Variety: Local sourcing may limit the variety of materials available, especially in regions with fewer natural resources, unlike global markets that offer diverse choices.
- Potential Higher Cost: Some locally sourced materials can be more expensive due to smaller economies of scale and higher labor costs compared to mass-produced imported goods.
- Availability and Supply Chain Issues: Locally sourced materials may face issues of inconsistent availability and quality due to factors like weather, seasonality, and smaller production volumes.
Costs (for Seattle)
1Wood Products
$2 – $4 per board foot for locally sourced lumber, versus $1 – $3 for conventionally sourced lumber.
2Recycled Concrete
Approximately $10 – $15 per ton, compared to $15 – $20 for new concrete.
3Clay Bricks
Hiring Pros
- Research Professionals: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Look for certifications or affiliations with green building councils or sustainability alliances. Experts with these credentials understand the importance of local sourcing and can guide you better.
- Seek recommendations from local suppliers of sustainable materials. They often have a network of trusted professionals who specialize in green building.
- Review the expert’s portfolio. Look for previous projects that used local materials, showing practical experience and understanding.
- Set up an interview to ensure the expert aligns with your goals and values. They should demonstrate a clear understanding of sustainable building practices and local sourcing benefits.
Do It Yourself
- Educate Yourself: Start your search with trusted books & websites such as those found in our resources.
- Research local suppliers of materials you need: Suppliers often offer advice on how to use their products and may even provide workshops or training sessions.
- Connect with local DIY and sustainability groups online: They often share resources and tips, and you may find experienced members willing to offer advice.
- Prioritize safety: Working with unfamiliar materials can present unexpected hazards. Always follow safety guidelines and use appropriate protective equipment.
- Start small and scale up: Begin with a smaller project to familiarize yourself with the materials and processes before embarking on larger, more complex tasks.
Convincing Your Landlord:
1Explain the benefits
Reducing environmental impact, supporting the local economy, potentially improving durability and property value.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Incorporate local material availability and properties into your design ethos
From the earliest design stages, consider the local resources available. This will help the team create designs that are practical, sustainable, and cost-effective, and will resonate with local culture and environment.
2Build relationships with local suppliers
Understanding their processes, timelines, and capabilities can guide design decisions. Regular communication ensures the availability and timely delivery of materials, avoiding project delays.
3Stay educated about local materials
Continually learning about locally available resources, their properties, and their applications will allow for innovative use in designs and enhance overall project sustainability.
For the Builder:
1Connect with skilled local artisans
They have a deep understanding of local materials and their best use. Collaborating with them can add unique elements to the project and ensures the most effective use of materials.
2Plan for lead times
Local materials may have different procurement timelines than conventional materials. Early and careful planning can help ensure materials are available when needed.
3Understand material characteristics
Local materials may behave differently than standard materials, requiring different handling, storage, and installation processes. Training the team in these differences ensures high-quality results and avoids waste or damage.
1Incorporate local material availability and properties into your design ethos
From the earliest design stages, consider the local resources available. This will help the team create designs that are practical, sustainable, and cost-effective, and will resonate with local culture and environment.
1Connect with skilled local artisans
They have a deep understanding of local materials and their best use. Collaborating with them can add unique elements to the project and ensures the most effective use of materials.
2Build relationships with local suppliers
Understanding their processes, timelines, and capabilities can guide design decisions. Regular communication ensures the availability and timely delivery of materials, avoiding project delays.
2Plan for lead times
Local materials may have different procurement timelines than conventional materials. Early and careful planning can help ensure materials are available when needed.
3Stay educated about local materials
Continually learning about locally available resources, their properties, and their applications will allow for innovative use in designs and enhance overall project sustainability.
3Understand material characteristics
Local materials may behave differently than standard materials, requiring different handling, storage, and installation processes. Training the team in these differences ensures high-quality results and avoids waste or damage.
Resources
Books:
“The Natural Building Companion: A Comprehensive Guide to Integrative Design and Construction” by Jacob Deva Racusin and Ace McArleton.
Websites:
BuildingGreen (https://www.buildinggreen.com)
- Green Building Advisor (https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com)
