Responsible sourcing (RS) provides a means to manage and ensure the attainment of sustainability objectives by procuring materials with a certified provenance. It is demonstrated typically through an organisation?s procurement policy, via its purchasing decisions and practices, and addresses a range of environmental, economic and social considerations. In the UK, the government requires that 25% of construction products shall be from RS schemes by 2012 and major contractors are considering raising this target even further for major commodities like aggregates, metals, steel, concrete, bricks and glass.Results from an industry survey and company case studies show that major materials industries are instrumental to provision of RS goods; architects, clients and major contractors will drive change in the supply-chain; scope for enhanced reputation and market differentiation are encouraging many companies to seek certification. RS has the potential to transform the construction supply-chain into a transparent and sustainable enterprise; market forces and the notion of „doing the right thing? may determine its more widespread adoption ... Read more