This document discusses the challenges of sustainably sourcing materials for renovating a home for a family with children who have health issues sensitive to toxins. The client requested the renovation use only non-toxic, sustainable materials within a tight timeline. This proved very difficult as green materials have longer procurement times, applications, and many trades lacked experience working with them. Over 300 litres of custom-matched paint were ordered from various small producers. Alternative flooring like cork and bamboo were tested. While green suppliers provided good service and knowledge, bulk ordering and last-minute changes from the client increased challenges. Non-standard materials had longer lead times. The renovation pushed the boundaries of meeting health and sustainability needs within

1. Sustainable procurement for residential client When sourcing sustainably is a necessity and not a “nice to have”

3. Not interested in where it comes from : sourcing sustainably – but WE felt it was important

4. As local as possible

5. Does what it says on the tin

6. We were told Autistic child could die if she is not protected from dust, solvents, etc...

7. If we can do this within 2 months we have job-we declined not realistic, job took 7 months!

8. Our purchasing decisions were made on:

9. Speed of delivery/procurement

10. Price

11. Green credentials

12. Localised sourcing

13. Fulfils brief

15. 1 with Asperger’s Syndrome – repetitive patterns, no social skills

16. 1 Autistic child with respiratory problems, Asthma, extra-sensory touch, hearing and smell, heavy metal poisoning (existent)

17. Dust major consideration

18. Noise and existing toxicity in the house

19. Autistic child is home schooled and has special therapy programme with gymnastics etc...

20. Family cannot move out and has already started to unpack

22. New kitchen + new flooring + small extension

23. Servants stairs discard

24. New bathrooms

25. Re-plaster as required

26. New flooring 1st floor (hall +bedrooms)

27. Refurbish staircase (pine)

28. Paint and decorate

29. Retain as many period features as possible

31. VOC free paint

32. Organic paint

33. Dust free

34. No solvents

39. Testing on sample floor in studio = no problem

40. Application on flooring – 5 weeks

41. Staircase: sanded whilst family away 1 week, eco wood stain applied, 3 days to dry, matt finish (Auro)

42. Preparation is everything

43. Need contractor who will go the extra mile

45. Bamboo

46. Tiles

47. Wood

48. Cork

49. Samples ordered, colours, form and function, reliability of delivery, maintenance, application for the trades

51. Reality of time and costs and reliability

52. Fitted John Lewis kitchen look alike when family away for 5 weeks

53. Wants over-ride requirements, usual but shocking for us

54. Cork flooring

55. We found mould under old floor, black mould

56. Toxicity

60. Individual paint companies who manufactured their own had good turn around1-2 days upon receipt of order for delivery

61. Cork company, distributors NOT manufacturers = be careful as they had to go to Portugal manufacturer who imports through one distributor who then distributes further= at least 5 days (no stock)

62. Individual small companies not geared up towards large bulk orders