Part 45: Sustainable Design for Longevity: Balancing Local Production and Global Sourcing in the Era of Climate Change

In the world of design and architecture, the choices we make regarding production and material sourcing have profound implications for the environment. As someone who has witnessed a transformative shift in consumer habits over the years, I've come to appreciate the complexities of this dilemma. I've been a consumer of inexpensive goods from countries like Japan, China, Mexico, and others, benefitting from the global transfer of development that propelled these nations to the forefront of cheap production. However, this quest for ever-cheaper production has led us to a saturation point where we find ourselves inundated with low-quality, mass-produced items.? Gone are the days when products were synonymous with quality, and locally sourced goods were highly valued. This transition has made me reflect on the trajectory of consumerism and its far-reaching environmental and societal consequences. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

Today, I believe there are immense opportunities to reverse this trend and prioritize quality local production once more. However, a significant gap must be addressed: the absence of technologies for industrial-scale production in developed countries. It is heartening to witness a resurgence of interest in locally made, sustainable products, but for this movement to take firm root, we must have government incentives and support for small businesses willing to invest in the technologies necessary to bridge this gap.

As we gaze into the future, I am optimistic that we can strike a balance between quality and sustainability in our consumer choices. By championing local businesses, fostering technological innovation, and implementing thoughtful government policies, we can usher in a new era where "Made Locally" and "High Quality" once again define the products we hold dear. Here I provide two theoretical examples of the problem.

?1.?????? Salty Creek Granite: A Global Sourcing Conundrum:

Salty Creek Granite, a breathtaking natural resource, is extracted in the United States but often transported overseas for production into architectural elements. While economically advantageous, this practice raises concerns due to the carbon footprint associated with international transportation.

?Evidence: The carbon footprint of transporting materials and products across international borders is substantial. According to the International Transport Forum ITF, global freight emissions are projected to increase by 22% by 2050 if current trends continue Worldwide transport activity to double, emissions to rise further | ITF (itf-oecd.org)].

?2.?????? Beauty Town Preservation Alliance: Local Production Challenges:

The Town Preservation Alliance endeavors to create top-quality furniture from local wood. However, they face a predicament. To achieve industrial-grade production quality, they must employ machinery in Italy, as comparable machines are scarce in the USA. This situation raises questions about sustainability and local economic development.

?Statistics: In the United States two million jobs were lost between 1980 and 2000 and 5.5 million jobs were lost between 2000 and 2017. See The fall of employment in the manufacturing sector: Monthly Labor Review: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov). Balancing local production with global sourcing is crucial for preserving jobs and supporting local economies.

?Policy Problems Linked to Climate Change:

·?????? Carbon Footprint: Transporting materials and products globally contributes significantly to carbon emissions, intensifying climate change.

·?????? Evidence: Transportation accounted for the largest portion (29%) of total U.S. GHG emissions in 2021. Cars, trucks, commercial aircraft, and railroads, among other sources, all contribute to transportation end-use sector emissions. Fast Facts on Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions | US EPA.

·?????? Local Economic Impact: Sourcing decisions can impact local economies, potentially hindering job creation and economic growth.

·?????? Statistics: Every job in manufacturing creates 2.2 jobs in other sectors. One new manufacturing job = 2.2 more | UIC today

·?????? Resource Depletion: Unsustainable sourcing practices can deplete natural resources and harm ecosystems.

·?????? Evidence: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlights that unsustainable sourcing of timber, minerals, and other resources contributes to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss [WWF, "Living Planet Report," 2020].lpr_2020_full_report.pdf (panda.org)

·?????? Energy Consumption: The choice of machinery and production processes can significantly affect energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

·?????? Statistics: The industry sector in 2022 was directly responsible for emitting 9.0?Gt of CO2, accounting for a quarter of global energy system CO2 emissions according to the IEA in 2022 report.Industry - Energy System - IEA

?

Best Policy and Practices for Addressing the Dilemma:

·?????? Local Sourcing: Encourage the use of local materials to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation.

·?????? Invest in Technology: Promote local research and development to create high-quality, sustainable production machinery, reducing the need for overseas manufacturing. environmentally responsible building practices.

?

·?????? Evidence: Green buildings help reduce carbon, water, energy and waste. The Department of Energy reviewed 22 LEED-certified buildings managed by the General Services Administration and saw CO2 emissions were 34 percent lower, they consumed 25 percent less energy and 11 percent less water, and diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills. See Press: Benefits of green building | U.S. Green Building Council (usgbc.org)

?

·?????? Government Incentives: Provide incentives and tax breaks for companies prioritizing sustainable and local sourcing.

?·?????? Consumer Awareness: Educate consumers about the environmental impact of design choices, encouraging support for sustainable practices.

?·?????? Collaborative Initiatives: Foster collaboration among industry professionals to innovate eco-friendly production methods while maintaining quality.

??Conclusion:

??The design and architecture industries play a pivotal role in addressing climate change and reshaping the trajectory of consumerism. Striking a balance between quality products and sustainable, local production poses a complex challenge. However, with the right policies and practices in place, we can envision a future where beautiful and environmentally responsible designs coexist, mitigating our impact on the planet while strengthening local communities and economies. This approach ensures the longevity of both quality products and our commitment to a sustainable future.