A multi-attribute approach to sustainability

Sustainability in the built environment is no longer just about MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) efficiencies and sustainable design. Sustainability in the built environment encompasses every facet of the building, including the materials used in construction. Recognizing this, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) introduced the Materials Pledge in 2019. The pledge encourages architects and construction professionals to select more sustainable building materials that support a healthier, more sustainable and equitable future.

AIA Materials Pledge

The Materials Pledge is a holistic approach to selecting building materials that positively impact a variety of aspects including Human Health, Social Health and Equity, Ecosystem Health, Climate Health, and Circular Economy. The AIA Materials Pledge encourages project teams to consider the entire life cycle of materials to make informed and sustainable materials choices. This means considering the environmental impact of a product, its carbon footprint, and its potential for being reused or recycled. It also means selecting materials that contribute to a healthier indoor environment and reduce exposure to harmful ingredients. Moreover, the pledge emphasizes the impacts of promoting social health and equity by selecting materials that are ethically sourced and manufactured and that support a more equitable society.

Human Health

Human Health emphasizes the selection of materials that support and foster life throughout their life cycles and seeks to eliminate the use of hazardous substances. This includes the evaluation of emissions and harmful substances in materials, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Human Health consideration also examines the material ingredients in manufacturing and then chooses those that do not affect indoor air quality, promote well-being, and prevent health issues related to poor indoor environments.

Social Health and Equity

Social Health and Equity addresses the social implications of material production and use. It advocates for the selection of materials produced, giving preference to materials that secure human rights in their own operations and supply chains, thereby positively impacting their workers and communities where they operate.

Ecosystem Health

Ecosystem Health focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of materials throughout their life cycles. Project teams are encouraged to choose materials that respect and restore the health of the environment in their creation through the use of soil, air, water and other natural resources. This responsibility includes considering impacts throughout the supply chain, including how sourcing and manufacturing materials affect ecosystems and those living in them.

Climate Health

Climate Health addresses the carbon footprint of building materials. It promotes selecting construction materials that reduce carbon emissions. This also involves building less, reusing, and retrofitting more, in addition to choosing materials and products that will store carbon in our buildings for the long term.

Circular Economy

Circular Economy advocates for selecting materials with their entire life cycles in mind. This means reusing and improving buildings and designing for resiliency, adaptability, disassembly and reuse, aspiring to a zero-waste goal for global construction activities.

A multi-attribute approach to sustainability is important, as it pushes project teams to look beyond design and functionality to consider more responsible material choices… and to minimize negative impacts on people and the planet. There are a number of ways to find materials that match up with the Pledge’s goals, including sustainable attributes and certifications. By innovating products with a multi-attribute sustainable approach, MAPEI’s products often contribute to one or more of the AIA Materials Pledge’s impact areas. To discover how these products can help your project, be sure and contact your local technical or sales representative.