The Materials Movement: Creating Value with Better Building Materials | Urban Land Institute

The report highlights the importance of integrating healthy, low-carbon materials in real estate.

The Materials Movement from the Urban Land Institute emphasizes the value of integrating healthy and sustainable building materials. With nearly 11% of global carbon emissions attributed to construction materials, the report highlights the importance of choosing low-carbon, non-toxic materials that benefit both the environment and human health. These materials can improve building performance while increasing value and sustainability.

Key drivers include new regulations pushing for low-carbon material use, green building certifications, and the growing demand for sustainable spaces from tenants and investors. Green certifications like LEED and the Living Building Challenge are incentivizing developers to incorporate materials that meet embodied-carbon standards. Additionally, the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing is further motivating the real estate industry to adopt better materials to meet sustainability goals.

The report also addresses the lifecycle impacts of materials on climate, human health, social equity, and ecosystem sustainability. A key recommendation is to integrate low-carbon materials in structural systems and to prioritize reuse and circularity to reduce waste and conserve resources. Real estate professionals are encouraged to adopt best practices to mitigate the environmental impact of building materials.

By making thoughtful material choices, the industry can achieve both financial and environmental benefits, aligning with global sustainability targets and supporting healthier, more resilient communities.

Check the full document here: https://bit.ly/40jFtfA