Category: Materials Pledge
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Plastics: Versatile? Yes. Problematic? Also Yes.
By Matt Root We know that plastics can be durable, long lasting, and financially cost effective. We’re also acutely aware that the sheer versatility of plastics used for an overabundance of applications is an issue that has made plastics environmentally problematic. Annually, over 300 million tons of plastics are produced and about 14 million tons… Read more
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The Power of Making Better Choices: Reflections from Greenbuild
By Charley Stevenson The Case for Incremental Wins Attending Greenbuild 2024 left me with excitement and pragmatic optimism for the healthier materials movement. It was invigorating to stand among architects, consultants, engineers, manufacturers, and other industry leaders discussing a sustainable and equitable future through better—not perfect—materials choices now. In today’s market, perfect simply doesn’t exist,… Read more
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How do I Reduce Embodied Carbon in My Building?
By Amy Johns “Embodied carbon” refers to the greenhouse gases released in the manufacturing and transportation of something. As a rule of thumb, if a material requires combustion or melting in its manufacturing (think glass, concrete, steel), it’s high in embodied carbon. Plant-based materials tend to be lower in embodied carbon—or even carbon sequestering, depending… Read more
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A Letter to the Design Community: How Do We Commit to Using Better Materials?
It’s time for new beginnings. Let’s talk about our work — and I mean all of us — in achieving better building products for people and the planet. With the AIA’s recently reiterated Materials Pledge, we have heard the buzz around the design build community. Read more