Sustainability is not just a design decision but a lifestyle that requires disciplined practice for the sake of future design. The ways in which SAS practices sustainability begin in philosophy, extend all the way through manufacturing and management of waste, and rely on experimentation and creative thinking.

Material sourcing:

Determined on a project by project basis and always sourced from local distributors

LUMBER

We reduce negative impacts on forests by reclaiming post-consumer lumber. Recycled wood lends itself to a certain aesthetic and is not always appropriate for every project. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) guidelines are the only regulations accepted in LEED construction, and working with the lumber yards that follow these rules is the best way to ensure socially and environmentally responsible methods of sourcing lumber in the United States.

LEATHER

The industry for sustainable leather sourcing is small, but quickly growing. We are currently researching and experimenting with leather alternatives made from pineapple leaves, recycled fabric, and "accidental leather". Accidental fur and leather from Peace Fur are salvaged from animals hit by cars in the northeastern United States. These innovations are steps in the right direction for creating leathers and fabrics that leave a lower carbon footprint and give each piece a unique story.

FABRICS

We use plant-derived fabrics and upholstery materials in an effort to remove livestock agriculture from our supply chain. For cushions, we use materials like natural latex, wood wool, and burlap to achieve different profiles and support, instead of synthetic foams and plastics which require an unsustainable carbon footprint to produce and dispose of.

FINISHING:

A key leverage point in the furniture manufacturing industry is the process of finishing furniture. We use readily biodegradable materials like naturally occurring and sustainable resins, oils and waxes. Currently, the most durable clear finishes involve the use of acrylics or polyurethanes. When necessary, we apply these finishes in water-based formulas by brushing instead of spraying. Brushing drastically reduces the waste of these low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finishes, and eliminates the atomization of the particles in the air, ensuring a safe work environment for employees.

WASTE:

We recycle 100% of our post-consumer paper, plastic and metal products.