Overcoming Barriers to Adopting Lower-Impact Materials
AIAU26-MAT05
Included in subscription
2
LU|HSW
5.00
Course expires on: 04/01/2029
Included in subscription
2
LU|HSW
5.00
Description
Efforts to advance materials with lower human and environmental impacts often encounter technical, procedural, or organizational barriers during project delivery. Concerns about cost, performance, liability, or documentation can limit consistent adoption across teams and project types.
This course explores practical strategies for overcoming these challenges and supporting the use of lower-impact materials in architectural practice. You’ll learn how to incorporate material impact criteria into project specifications and quality assurance processes, and how to apply verification strategies during construction administration. You’ll also examine the ethical, legal, and insurance considerations related to material selection, along with the role of policy and regulation in shaping building material markets.
After completing this course, you’ll be able to support consistent implementation of lower-impact materials and identify opportunities to engage in policy and advocacy efforts.
Learning Objectives
Identify technical, procedural, and cultural barriers that hinder the adoption of lower-impact materials.
Incorporate material impact criteria into project specifications and quality assurance processes.
Apply verification strategies during construction administration.
Document material selection decisions in ways that support risk management and professional responsibility.
Evaluate how policy and regulation influence building material markets and identify opportunities for engagement.
Acknowledgements
- Erica Godun, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel | Ware Malcomb
- Tanya Eagle, LEED Fellow, AICP, Assoc. AIA, WELL AP | JLL
- Suzanne Drake, Certified Interior Designer (CA) | Revel Architecture & Design
- Gabi Dwyer, MBA, LEED Green Associate, WELL AP | BEYOND at HLW
- Zining Cheng, AIA | NBBJ
- Jill Pedro, AIA | LPA Design Studios
- Amy Running, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C | Bora Architects
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