Slow Space: Impact Sourcing
Sourcing is the procurement of raw materials and fabricated goods for a project. These materials and goods can represent companies and industries across a global scale, therefore the purchasing power inherent in a construction project places responsibility on the purchaser to support companies operating ethically.
Movements like Slow Food and Slow Fashion are supporting ethical and sustainable business practices around the world and many industries have fair trade certifications. Fair trade is defined as paying local producers fair prices for their goods, as well as supporting improved social and environmental standards.
There are many third party certifiers for fair trade including Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA that certify handicrafts and agricultural products, but there is currently no fair trade certification for building materials.
We are developing our own standards under the broader heading of ‘impact sourcing,’ sourcing from companies who strive to reduce their impact on the environment, uphold ethical labor practices, and support the communities in which these products are produced.
Material Vetting Process
We are in the process of vetting the materials, products, manufacturers, and vendors that we work with to source good, clean, and fair materials and goods from companies and manufacturers that operate ethically and sustainably.
While we cannot independently verify that all companies meet all our standards, we look for companies that share our values, rely on third-party certifications and affiliations, and ask the suppliers to self-certify if possible.
Material Vetting Grading System. Drawings by Sarah Lueck.
As the marketplace for good, clean, and fair building products grows, this process will become easier and we hope to collaborate and share information with others doing this work.
Are you a building professional or manufacturer that is interested in working with us? Get in touch!
Read the other articles in our SLOW SPACE Series:
SLOW SPACE: FAIR LABOR IN ARCHITECTURE
SLOW SPACE: FAIR LABOR IN CONSTRUCTION
SLOW SPACE: DEFINING FAIR BUILDING PRACTICES
SLOW SPACE: CLEAN BUILDING MATERIAL SELECTION
SLOW SPACE: CLEAN BUILDINGS FOR BETTER HEALTH AND WELLBEING
SLOW SPACE: GOOD DESIGN PRINCIPLES
SLOW SPACE: WHAT MAKES A GOOD BUILDING?
SLOW SPACE: GOOD, CLEAN AND FAIR ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION