Creating a Materials Action Plan for Your Firm
AIAU26-MAT04
Included in subscription
2.5
LU|HSW
Course expires on: 04/01/2029
Description
Many firms set goals to reduce holistic material impacts but lack a consistent framework for applying those priorities across projects or tracking progress over time. Without defined roles, evaluation methods, and documentation practices, material commitments can be difficult to implement in daily workflows.
This course prepares you to develop a firm-specific Materials Action Plan aligned with the impact categories referenced in the AIA Materials Pledge. You’ll learn how to translate strategic materials priorities into project- and product-level goals supported by clear metrics, baselines, and evaluation methods. You’ll also explore team roles, governance structures, and reporting practices that strengthen accountability in materials decision-making.
After completing this course, you’ll be able to create a draft Materials Action Plan that supports coordination across teams and guides ongoing evaluation and refinement within your firm.
Learning Objectives
Describe the purpose and structure of a Materials Action Plan.
Articulate a firm-level materials commitment aligned with the impact categories referenced in the AIA Materials Pledge.
Translate strategic materials priorities into project- and product-level goals supported by metrics and baselines.
Define governance structures, roles, and reporting practices for materials decision-making.
Identify strategies for building materials literacy within the firm and sharing priorities with project teams and partners.
Create a draft Materials Action Plan using practice tools or pilot projects.
Acknowledgements
- Charlene Chai, AIA | COOKFOX Architects
- Suzanne Drake, Certified Interior Designer (CA) | Revel Architecture & Design
- Chris Hellstern, AIA, LFA, LEED AP BD+C, CDT | Miller Hull
- Matt Miller, AIA | Prellwitz Chilinski Associates, Inc
- Maria Papiez, AIA | EwingCole
- Charley Stevenson, LFA, LEED AP | Materially Better
- Lona Rerick, AIA, LEED Fellow | Perkins & Will
- Ran Yu, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP