The AIA Healthier Materials Protocol was created to provide clear, practical methods to healthy material advocacy and implementation. The document provides a stepwise method for setting healthier materials goal and criteria definitions, product selection, tracking, and specification, no matter the size and scope of the project. It also suggests tools and provides examples from case studies to assist with each step.
The user-friendly guide is written to meet you where you are as an architect or a firm and help you:
select safer materials for humans and the environment
design and build with healthier materials
understand the differences between material transparency and chemical avoidance
address barriers in obtaining buy-in from peers, clients, and the market
collectively strengthen the market signal for safer alternative products
WHEN TO USE THIS:
Use this protocol to set up an approach to client conversations and project goals. This document is really helpful in breaking down the questions you should be asking and the issues you should be addressing. It also provides options for projects with challenging budget constraints.