We’re committed
Net zero by 2040

Material Bank was created to bring efficiency and sustainability into the sampling process. As we innovate and grow, we consider the life cycle of products as well as climate, human, and social health in all platform and corporate advancements. We’re committed to supporting the design industry in reducing the negative effects of climate change, alongside our brand partners and design members who share the this same passion and commitment to sustainability.

Our climate pledge Material Bank is proud to join an exclusive list of 375+ industry leading companies who have signed the Climate Pledge, committing to combatting climate change. We are committed to net-zero carbon emissions across our business by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.
Science-based targetsMaterial Bank has committed to set near term company-wide emission reductions in line with the Science Based Targets initiatives. We have received approval from SBTi on our targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions 38% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline year. Our emission reduction targets are in line with the level of decarbonization required to keep the global temperature increase to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial temperatures.

100% carbon neutral shipping since 2020

In October 2020, Material Bank launched an initiative to offset 100% of emissions from the samples we ship. Within two years, we’ve purchased the equivalent carbon credits to offset over 5000+ metric tons of carbon emissions. That’s equivalent to taking more than 1100+ cars off the road for an entire year. Through ongoing efforts to reduce packaging, aggregate sample orders, and educate our members on how to sample sustainably, we’re committed to making Material Bank the most sustainable sample marketplace in the world.

Why carbon neutral matters

Why carbon neutral matters

The architecture and design industry plays an important role in shaping our world and has a responsibility to address its enormous environmental impact—the industry is responsible for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions. We minimize shipping and packaging waste by using fewer packages and ensuring that all our orders are 100% carbon neutral.

How carbon offsets work

How carbon offsets work

In order to reduce our carbon footprint, we created a system to ship all sample orders in a single, reusable box or envelope. We also track 100% of all outbound shipping carbon emissions and work with offset partners like 3Degrees, ACT Commodities and ClearLoop to purchase the equivalent metric tons of verified and retired carbon credits in carbon projects around the world.

Geraldine Drake

Interiors Practice Lead | Associate Principal AECOM Buildings + Places

"Ordering samples from Material Bank aligns with two important priorities of mine, sustainability and contributing to carbon footprint reduction."

Industry collaboration

Renewable energy credits

Ahead of our commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, Material Bank began purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in 2021 to match our facility and corporate office electricity use. We are consistently exploring new efforts to decrease the environmental impact of our operations.

How carbon offsets work

Empowering A&D to support climate change

We're committed to supporting the architecture and design industry that is focused on 2030 decarbonization goals. That means putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Together, we’re transforming the industry and creating a more resilient planet for everyone.

Material Bank Sustainability collaboration

What is the
Carbon Impact Program?

This is a free, exclusive Material Bank program that supports firms on their sustainable design journey. Program partners gain access to company-specific sampling impact metrics and customized digital tools to support sustainability education and material specification efforts. The program is available for firms with 10+ Material Bank members and requires minimal set-up and execution time.

Carbon Impact Program

Unlock access to tools and reduce the impact of your project sampling.

Join our FREE Carbon Impact Program

Program benefits

Customized filters

A branded sustainability shortcut menu for your firm that supports material searches and specifications.

Firm-wide training

Customized firm-wide training and sustainabilityproject digital support.

Quarterly sustainability impact reports

Track your firm metrics for packages saved, shipping carbon credits, performance by location, and more.

Firm leadership roundtables

Collaborate with sustainability design leaders sharing ideas and challenges around climate action in the built environment.

Education session participation

Share sustainability insights and knowledge leading virtual education sessions for the entire Material Bank community.

UN sustainable development goals

Providing data and sharing knowledge and technology resources to educate and reduce climate impact in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 17.

Join the growing list of companies using Material Bank data and tools to mitigate their carbon impact on the environment.
Recycle

We're commited!
Zero landfill sample returns

Our sample reclamation program supports our goal to increase the circularity of sampling waste in the built environment. Approximately 50% of our returned samples are suitable to be redistributed and, since 2019, 700K+ pounds of returned samples have been diverted from sanitary landfills. We offset the shipping emissions for all sample returns shipped back to our hub in Mississippi.

What is the Sample
Reclamation Program?

To facilitate the sample return process, Material Bank sample trays are recyclable, reusable, and built for ease of returns. Through our University Program and local organizations like Goodwill and the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis ReStore, we’re able to donate gently used material. We also partner with textile waste processors, waste-to-energy operators, and a local non-sanitary landfill to keep 100% of our sample returns out of sanitary landfill.

Inspiring the next generation

Material Bank community engagement efforts are guided by a desire to inspire and provide opportunities for next generation design professionals, primarily from underserved communities. We build partnerships with local and national organizations to create meaningful community impact.

Hip Hop Architecture Camp

In an effort to increase the number of underrepresented communities in the architecture and design fields, Material Bank partnered with the Downtown Memphis Commission to sponsor the first Hip Hop Architecture Camp® in Memphis. The program is a one-week intensive experience, designed to introduce underrepresented youth to architecture, urban planning, creative place making, and economic development through the lens of hip hop culture.

Hip Hop Architecture Camp

Architects Foundation

Material Bank proudly sponsors the Architects Foundation, which brings a cohort of scholars to the AIA Conference on Architecture to expand their exposure to the profession, inspire them through innovative experiences, and connect them to architects who can mentor them in their architectural pursuits.

Architects Foundation

Rebecca Elie Best

Vice President Sustainability

"We consider our impact on people and the planet in everything we do. And we continue to ask ourselves how we can make our work an even greater force for good in the world."

Design Your World

Material Bank sponsors the Design Your World Program, a four-week experience where 15-20 high school students gain insight into design and architecture professions through initiatives such as material selection, color theory, and space plan creation, while also working with various types of design firms and industry sectors.

Design Your World
Photo Credit: DesignVox
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