12 Responsibly Sourced Design Products

Amid the urgency of climate change, material transparency has morphed into a human right, not just a marketing tool. It’s 97th on a long, stringent list of standards administered by the International Well Building Institute (IWBI), which has declared: “As consumers have a right to know the contents of food…they should also have a right to know what is in products and materials that make up buildings they occupy.” To that end, more manufacturers wanting to be seen as future-proof are touting clean processes and brief, simple ingredient lists. 

KITE BREEZE

Formed from clay instead of the more common mixture of ash and concrete, this breeze block, designed by Adam Goodrum, contributes to better air quality if used indoors, and more versatile applications outside, compared with the Modernist cinder block that inspired it.

GLEN-GERY | glengery.com

PRO-FIT LEDGESTONE

Ease of installation distinguishes this manufactured stone veneer by Cultured Stone. 

CULTURED STONE | culturedstone.com

MODITIONAL COLLECTION

A cabinet door collection from manufacturer Wood-Mode is distinguished by an inset profile flush-mounted within its frame, which looks modern and protects corners for longer life.

WOOD-MODE | wood-mode.com

HARDIE ARCHITECTURAL COLLECTION

Fire-, water-, and impact-resistant-, these fiber cement exterior panels are engineered for extreme weather and low maintenance, with textures that mimic natural materials.

JAMES HARDIE | jameshardie.com

M-PWR

What appears to be just a door is actually a system that integrates a Yale smart lock, a Ring doorbell camera, motion sensors, and a backup battery if power fails.

MASONITE | masonite.com

CROSSLAM CLT

In addition to being sourced from sustainably harvested North American softwoods, Structurlam’s mass timber columns, beams, and panels can be prefabricated for easier on-site assembly. 

STRUCTURLAM | structurlam.com

GRANITE MOUNTAIN

Like all Interface flooring options, this collection of carpet tiles is carbon neutral. Its biophilic design is a collaboration with David Oakey.

INTERFACE | interface.com

BEACH HOUSE SHAKE

What appears to be wood siding is actually a hurricane-resistant composite designed to mimic cedar’s wood grain and edges, a look guaranteed by manufacturer Beach House Shake to last for decades.

DERBY BUILDING PRODUCTS | beachhouseshake.com

LYNX 18 SEER

Powered by algorithms instead of thermostats and preprogrammed with five operating modes, this inverter heat pump increases energy savings by up to 22 percent compared with earlier models.

ALLIED AIR | alliedair.com

BIRD1ST UV

To reduce bird collisions with buildings, glass manufacturer Guardian has developed UV coatings that, in most conditions, only birds can see. The coating patterns give the company’s glass an acceptable Threat Factor score of < 30 from the American Bird Conservancy.

GUARDIAN GLASS | guardianglass.com

IMPERVIA

Tested to withstand extreme heat and subzero temperatures, these energy-efficient fiberglass windows are engineered for commercial as well as residential applications.

PELLA | pella.com

RAKED RANDOM

Engineered from Forest Stewardship Council–certified Baltic birch, this formaldehyde-free indoor paneling is CARB2-compliant, a designation similar to GREENGUARD that’s administered by the California Air Resources Board and indicates that the product meets rigorous air quality standards. 

PIONEER MILLWORKS | pioneermillworks.com