Local Building Materials Initiative
The Local Building Materials Initiative (LBMI) is a new effort sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and the Ithaca Green Building Alliance. The greater Ithaca area has a wealth of resources when it comes to building materials, but they are underutilized. This project is designed to promote the use of local building materials within the greater spectrum of sustainable development.
There are many definitions for what constitutes "local". For the purposes of this project, we will focus on businesses within 100 miles from downtown Ithaca. There are many benefits to the local economy, the local community and the livelihoods of producers when products are manufactured and purchased locally. In addition to reducing environmental and transportation costs, buying local also keeps money circulating locally, which creates jobs both directly and indirectly. Overall, the LBMI aims to enable both consumers and suppliers to be more responsive to their local environment. How are we doing it?
1) Directory of local building material suppliers
2) Collaborations with local organizations and businesses
3) Education- fact sheets, seminars and more!
4) Outreach-attendance at community events, displays
5) Knowledgeable and connected specialists at your disposal!
As this program grows, feedback from consumers and suppliers will be used to fill niches of lacking, yet available resources. The goal of this initiative is to foster a market for local building materials in order to benefit both aspects of the market - supply and demand. By increasing awareness, we hope to increase the already present demand, and eventually encourage sustainable economic development.
