For easy offline reading, you can also download our Guide to Sustainable Materials as a PDF file.
Download PDF guideMaterial Selection
To better understand the impact and performance of building materials, the questions below help examine the basis on which material choices are made.
Why
Intent
Question why the material is required. Seek to reduce superfluous material consumption through rigorously efficient planning systems and material choices. As a designer, ask yourself the question: ‘Is a material required here at all?’ If you don’t need it, take it out.
Key selection criteria
- Why are you using the material?
- What does the material need to do?
- What are the minimum performance requirements of the material?
- Is there a feasible way to design out the need for a material at all?
- If the material is superficial, could it be left to the end user/after market?
- Can the material achieve more than one purpose? (i.e. structural and thermal mass, tactility and robustness, bracing and cladding etc.)
What
Intent
Examine what raw properties the material consumes from cradle to grave. Target carbon neutrality and prioritise materials that have a minimal environmental impact, maximise reuse, recycling and renewables, exceed standards in a life-cycle analysis, and nurture the wellbeing of their users.
Key selection criteria
- Do the raw materials consumed by the product, including the manufacturing process, installation and ongoing maintenance, come from renewable sources?
- Is the manufacturing process of the material energy efficient and/or from renewable sources?
- Does the manufacturing processes of the material use high volumes of water?
- Is the material and any by-products of its manufacturing process reusable, biodegradable or recyclable?
- Can the material be installed for future disassembly and reuse?
- Does the material nurture the health and wellbeing of the environment through, for example, the reduction or elimination of carcinogens, minimal chemical emissions, low VOC-producing compounds, and resistance to moisture where applicable? Does it require simple non-toxic maintenance methods and promote healthy indoor air quality (IEQ)?
- Does the material have a colour or texture that can impede or enhance lighting, energy or thermal comfort conditions?
- Is the material suitable for its selected purpose and has low ongoing maintenance requirements?
- Will the material exceed trends, be appreciated and retained by its users to the end of its practical life?
- Does the material’s manufacturing, handling and installation involve any unsafe work practices?
Exposed cabling at Breathe’s office
Where
Intent
Assess where the material is sourced, manufactured and designed. Aim to always make environmentally and socially sustainable choices by prioritising locally sourced materials from sustainable and ethical manufacturers that are genuinely committed to sustainability. Seek to collaborate with like-minded suppliers who are willing to engage with the project and deliver high-quality outcomes.
Key selection criteria
- Is the material selected from the most sustainable and ethical source possible, closest to the project site?
- Do the companies involved in the raw material extraction, design, manufacturing, delivery and installation of the material foster an ethical working environment and comply with national or local industry standards?
- Do their operations and the materials they supply have any written environmental policies in place?
- Does the use of the material support the local economy?
- Does the material have a safety data sheet?
- Does the material have any credible third party certifications to determine if it complies with specific standards for authenticity, safety, quality or performance?
- Does the material have any warranties which assure quality and durability?
- Does the supplier or manufacturer provide support services for the ongoing maintenance of the material which will prolong the life of the material?
- Does the supplier or manufacturer actively strive to exceed the environmental standards and norms of the industry in which they operate?
- Is the packaging of the material recyclable and is the material’s transportation from origin to site energy efficient?
Value
Intent
Assess if the material adds appropriate value to the project. Every material cost should be evaluated first for its necessity and value increase to the ultimate purchase price.
Key selection criteria
- Is the cost of the material suited to the financial goal of the project?
- Is the material a practical choice for the ‘buildability’ and longevity of the project?
- Has the material been applied to the design in a way that best utilises its natural capabilities?
- Does the material respond appropriately to the site and bring delight to its users and the surrounding community?
- Does the material represent long-term value to occupants?
Reflect
Intent
Reflect on past projects and share your experiences with your colleagues and community. Through collective growth of knowledge, strive to constantly challenge the norms of the built environment.
Key selection criteria
- Did the material present any unexpected problems in its procurement, installation and execution?
- Was the supplier honest and cooperative through the supply, installation and post occupancy?
- Did the builders enjoy working with the material or try to substitute the material for an alternative solution? If an alternative solution was suggested, is there something to be gained from the reason? (Cost, quality, buildability, commercial relationships, etc.)
- How has the material performed post occupancy?
- Has the material been difficult or costly to maintain?
- How have the occupants and public responded to the look and performance of the material?
- Was the material recycled at the end of its life?
- Are there any detail changes that may improve the success of this material?
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