sustainablyMonmade is our company initiative and core commitment to increasing the sustainable production practices for our network of regional artisan producers to have a positive impact on regional economies, the environment, and social well-being.
sustainablyMonmade nurtures the bigger picture of sustainability by recognizing and encouraging responsible manufacturing practices of Monmade’s artisan producers.
We evaluate the environmental and social impact of our producers’ practices using our sustainablyMonmade dimensional assessment.
Monmade strengthens the value of green products for green development in the region by providing transparency into these practices.
sustainablyMonmade helps Design Professionals —
- Support responsibly made products and the growth of regional economies
- Integrate technical specifications into projects to increase the transparency of responsible and safe materials for clients
- Find innovative products that comply with industry-recognized green building certification programs
Dimensions of Sustainability
Monmade’s holistic approach to sustainability is described by our Dimensions of Sustainability.
Rooted in our team’s knowledge of responsible manufacturing processes for small businesses, our six defined dimensions inform our assessments of producers and their products.
With time, all Monmade artisan producers will be asked to evaluate criteria about their production methods and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability based on these six dimensions.
Our producers achieve a dimension when they meet one or more of that dimension’s defined criteria. Based on our assessments, we share the Dimensions of Sustainability met by the producers and products featured in our catalog. Corresponding icons along with useful specification information appear on our product pages and tear sheets.
Environment
Using sustainable materials including recycled, reclaimed, or bio-based materials, prioritizing sustainable vendors and local sourcing, minimizing environmental impact of facility and/or manufacturing waste, publicizing sustainability practices, planning for responsible growth
Climate
Manufacturing at and/or within 100 miles of primary business location, using renewable energy sources, reducing energy consumption, reducing water consumption, measuring carbon footprint, seeking reduction of use of non-renewable resources
Human Health
Products contributing to safe indoor and/or outdoor air quality, using low-to-zero VOC adhesives/sealants/finishes/paints, products comply with specific industry standards including UL and ADA, providing adequate safety and personal protection equipment for employees, safely using/storing/disposing of materials and/or finishes, using and/or encouraging green cleaning methods for products, recommending responsible installation and/or maintenance of products
Social Equity
Business is women and/or minority owned, workforce is more than 50% women and/or minorities, located in an LMI area, hiring local workforce, contributing portion of profits to charitable organizations, practicing public stewardship, offering employee benefits, providing wage transparency
Circular Economy
Designing products for zero-impact, reuse, and the elimination of waste throughout the entire life-cycle of the product. A circular system often includes (but not limited to) using sustainable materials (e.g. bio-based, reclaimed), safe and efficient manufacturing, durability, using sustainable packaging materials, and a plan for end-of-life
Eco-Labels
Indicates when producers/products/ product components are independently certified/verified for their environmental attribute claims by a third-party organization; certifications/verifications can be for single attribute claims such as FSC or multiple attribute claims such as EPD, HPD, and life-cycle analysis.