The buildings we create shape our daily lives, including our relationship with the natural world. Construction and renovation consume enormous amounts of natural resources and energy, and the building materials we choose can have long-lasting effects on both human health and the environment.
At Green Hammer, we believe every material choice matters. Each specification and purchase is an opportunity to support local economies, reduce environmental impact, create healthier indoor spaces, and strengthen our connection to the natural world.
Responsible Use and Sourcing
Thoughtful material selection is one of the most powerful tools we have in sustainable construction. That’s why we start with a simple principle: reduce, reuse and repurpose whenever possible.
Incorporating salvaged materials into a project is an effective way to reduce demand for new resources while giving beautiful materials a second life. Reclaimed wood, architectural salvage, and repurposed fixtures can add character to a space while lowering its environmental footprint.
When new materials are required, we prioritize products that are durable, responsibly sourced, and free of harmful chemicals. Our goal is to ensure that the materials surrounding you every day contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
Designing Healthier Spaces
Many common building products, including paints, adhesives, sealants and finishes, release harmful chemicals into the air over time. These substances impact indoor air quality and the health of the people who live and work in these spaces.
To avoid these risks, we carefully research and select materials that meet rigorous health and sustainability standards. We are proud members of the International Living Future Institute and advocates of the Living Building Challenge, one of the most ambitious performance standards for sustainable design.
The Living Building Challenge includes the Materials Red List, a framework that identifies some of the most harmful chemicals commonly found in building products. By avoiding these substances whenever possible, we help ensure the spaces we create are safer for both people and the planet. Living Future also manages Declare, a platform to share healthy building products. We regularly contribute to the database and utilize it when selecting materials for projects.
Learn more about healthy material selection in the case study for the Living Building Challenge-certified Tasting Room at Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden.