sustainablyMonmade

sustainablyMonmade is our core initiative, which fosters sustainable production practices among regional artisan producers. By supporting environmentally conscious manufacturing practices, we positively impact local economies, the environment, and social well-being.

Our approach goes beyond responsible production. We assess each artisan’s environmental and social impact through our Dimensions of Sustainability, ensuring transparency and accountability. This commitment strengthens the value of sustainable products, enabling design professionals to integrate ethically made products into their projects while meeting industry-recognized green building standards.

Dimensions of Sustainability

Monmade evaluates artisan producers across six key dimensions, guiding them toward more sustainable practices:

  • Environment: Using eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste, and planning for responsible growth.
  • Climate: Prioritizing local manufacturing, renewable energy, and resource conservation.
  • Human Health: Creating products that contribute to safe air quality and comply with industry standards.
  • Social Equity: Supporting women and minority-owned businesses, local hiring, and community engagement.
  • Circular Economy: Designing for durability, reuse, and end-of-life solutions.
  • Eco-Labels: Utilizing third-party certification for environmental claims.

We showcase producers’ achievements through icons and detailed product specifications, helping design professionals make informed, sustainable choices.

Explore Our Glossary of Terms

Environment

Use of sustainable materials, including recycled, reclaimed, or bio- based options; prioritizing sustainable vendors and local sourcing; minimizing environmental impact through waste reduction; publicizing sustainability practices; and planning for responsible growth.

Climate

Manufacturing within 100 miles of the primary business location; utilizing renewable energy sources; reducing energy and water consumption; measuring and reducing carbon footprint; and
minimizing reliance on non-renewable resources.

Human Health

Creating products that support safe indoor and outdoor air quality; using low-to-zero VOC adhesives, sealants, finishes, or paints; complying with industry standards like UL and ADA; providing safety and personal protection for employees; safe handling, storage, and disposal of materials; promoting green cleaning methods; and recommending responsible installation and maintenance of products.

Social Equity

Being a women- or minority-owned business; having a workforce with more than 50% women or minorities; operating in a low-to-moderate income (LMI) area; hiring locally; contributing profits to charitable causes; practicing public stewardship; offering employee benefits and wage transparency.

Circular Economy

Designing products for zero impact, reuse, and eliminating waste throughout the product life cycle. This includes using sustainable materials, ensuring manufacturing efficiency, promoting product durability, incorporating sustainable packaging, and planning for product end-of-life.

Eco-Labels

Products or components independently certified or verified by a third- party organization for their environmental attributes. Certifications may include single attribute labels like FSC or multi-attribute certifications such as EPD, HPD, or life-cycle analysis.

See our Eco-Label Reference List