Community

American Institute of Architects

Architecture & Design Materials Pledge

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) developed the Architecture & Design Materials Pledge to inspire members to shift the way in which they evaluate the building materials and products that they select as part of building design. The program challenges architecture firms to prioritize five holistic aspects when evaluating products and finishes: human health, social health & equity, ecosystem health, climate health, and a circular economy. By prioritizing these five statements, architects and manufacturers commit to valuing a supply chain free of human rights violation; to safely and responsibly source raw materials and restore the Earth’s ecosystems; to minimize upfront carbon emissions and stem the worst effects of climate change; to support retrofits and materials reuse through secondary market supply chains; and to remove the most harmful substances of concern from our schools, hospitals, workplaces and homes.