So in 2005, when both were graduating from RISD, [Ecolect co-founder Joe] Gebbia with a double major bachelor’s degree in graphic design and industrial design and Grigsby with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, they began working on an online clearinghouse for sustainable materials.

They decided to make it a free Web site that users, namely anyone in the design community, including designers, architects, developers, contractors and students, could register on and contribute new materials, write reviews and blog.

It is a unique concept, Grigsby said. The only similar option they could find is a company called Material ConneXion, which charges a $200 annual fee to use its online database.

Grigsby and Gebbia have been privately funding the project, but they are looking for sponsors.