Smarter Material Selection in Design
AIAU26-MAT01
Included in subscription
1.5
LU|HSW
Course expires on: 04/01/2029
Description
Material choices made during design can affect occupant exposure, emissions, supply chains, and ecosystem conditions throughout a product’s lifecycle. Architects are often expected to consider these impacts without a consistent process for identifying potential risks in commonly specified materials.
This foundational course introduces a practical approach for identifying potential human and environmental risks using the AIA Materials Pledge impact categories. You will learn how to use ingredient transparency, disclosure about material contents, and product documentation to compare products, consider lifecycle impacts, and inform specification decisions.
After completing this course, you will be able to screen materials for potential lifecycle impacts and support specification decisions that align with project goals for improved human and environmental outcomes.
Learning Objectives
Identify potential risks associated with commonly specified building materials.
Apply the impact categories referenced in the AIA Materials Pledge in early material evaluation.
Use ingredient transparency and material disclosures to compare products.
Assess lifecycle impacts that may influence occupant or environmental outcomes.
Select materials that reduce identified human or environmental health risks.
Acknowledgements
- Lindsay Bach, CID, NCIDQ, LEED ID+C, IIDA | Prellwitz Chilinski Associates, Inc.
- Arlene Blum, PhD | Green Science Policy Institute
- Erin Heidelberger, AIA | KPF
- Chris Hellstern, AIA, LFA, LEED AP BD+C, CDT | Miller Hull
- Shiuh-Jyh Sean Lin, AIA | SJ Lin Architect
- Teresa McGrath, Chief Research Officer | Habitable
- Ashley Mulhall, AIA | Grace Design
- Heather Park, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C | Boulder Associates
- Amy Running, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C | Bora Architects
- Christine Vohringer, LEED AP BD+C | Perkins Eastman