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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.
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 targets
Material 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 all sample orders we ship, as well as all sample packages returned to our hub. Since then, we have purchased verified carbon credits equivalent to offsetting more than 12,500 metric tons of carbon emissions, the same impact as removing over 2,300 gasoline-powered cars from the road for one year. Through continued efforts to reduce packaging, aggregate shipments, and educate our members on sustainable sampling practices through consolidation, we remain committed to being the most sustainable sample marketplace in the world.
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
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.
Emission reduction
- Sample aggregation
- One-box shipments
Carbon offsets
- Equivalent CO2 shipping emissions
- Verified Gold Standard projects
- Local solar projects
Carbon neutral shipments
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
Inspiring low carbon design
Material Bank has played an integral role in the creation of the Climate Toolkit for Interior Design—a resource spearheaded by Metropolis Magazine that seeks to educate interior designers about the issue of embodied carbon.
Material Bank is sponsoring live Climate Toolkit workshops in 2022 and is developing an exclusive Climate Toolkit CEU for interior designers.
Material Bank is sponsoring live Climate Toolkit workshops in 2022 and is developing an exclusive Climate Toolkit CEU for interior designers.
Transformation through collaboration
Learn more about mindful MATERIALS and the Common Materials
Framework.
Since 2020 Material Bank has supported the mindful MATERIALS movement with annual sponsorships spanning in-person events, tech forum participation and Greenbuild activations.
We have deepened our support and collaboration with the integration of the Common Materials Framework (CMF) - organizing searchable, sustainability data directly into the Material Bank design workflow.
This advancement in sustainability search filters supports a more responsible and efficient approach to material selection and specification, empowering firms of all sizes to prioritize sustainability from the early design development phase.
Since 2020 Material Bank has supported the mindful MATERIALS movement with annual sponsorships spanning in-person events, tech forum participation and Greenbuild activations.
We have deepened our support and collaboration with the integration of the Common Materials Framework (CMF) - organizing searchable, sustainability data directly into the Material Bank design workflow.
This advancement in sustainability search filters supports a more responsible and efficient approach to material selection and specification, empowering firms of all sizes to prioritize sustainability from the early design development phase.
Industry CEU Education
Book firm-wide CEUs here.
Material Bank supports industry-wide action toward decarbonizing the built environment through education. Our Design Your Impact: Sustainability Series brings together leaders across architecture and design to explore strategies for reducing embodied carbon, improving material health, and advancing circularity. Access 30+ recorded sessions here.
Through virtual and local market events, we provide accredited CEUs and facilitate peer-to-peer dialogue that seeks to inspire innovation and collective action - empowering designers to make informed, lower-carbon, healthier, and more socially equitable choices in every.
Material Bank supports industry-wide action toward decarbonizing the built environment through education. Our Design Your Impact: Sustainability Series brings together leaders across architecture and design to explore strategies for reducing embodied carbon, improving material health, and advancing circularity. Access 30+ recorded sessions here.
Through virtual and local market events, we provide accredited CEUs and facilitate peer-to-peer dialogue that seeks to inspire innovation and collective action - empowering designers to make informed, lower-carbon, healthier, and more socially equitable choices in every.
Inspiring low carbon design
Material Bank has played an integral role in the creation of the Climate Toolkit for Interior Design—a resource spearheaded by Metropolis Magazine that seeks to educate interior designers about the issue of embodied carbon.Material Bank is sponsoring live Climate Toolkit workshops in 2022 and is developing an exclusive Climate Toolkit CEU for interior designers.
Transformation through collaboration
Learn more about the Material Bank and mindful MATERIALS collaboration.Our collaboration helps to facilitate the search for sustainable sample selections by showcasing brands listed on mindful MATERIALS.
The path of prioritizing and implementing sustainability strategies will be unique to every brand and firm, but we support the idea that the knowledge that underpins that path should be consistent across the industry. In 2022, as an extension to our comprehensive environmental and health certification product search filters, we will be further collaborating with mM to leverage a common materials framework for product certifications and filters.
Industry CEU Education
Material Bank supports industry action towards decarbonizing the built environment by sponsoring the work of the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF).The CLF’s goal is to eliminate embodied carbon in buildings and infrastructure by inspiring innovation and spurring change through collective action.
In 2021, we also sponsored Carbon180—supporting their vision to design and champion equitable, science-based policies that bring carbon removal solutions to gigaton scale.
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.
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.
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.
Unlock access to tools and reduce the impact of your project sampling.
Join our FREE Carbon Impact ProgramProgram 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.
We're commited!
Zero landfill sample returns
Material Bank is committed to eliminating sampling waste and keeping materials in use. Our zero-landfill goal drives everything we do - from designing reusable trays to building efficient logistics and responsible partnerships. Every part of our operation is built to close the loop - extending the life of materials and reducing their environmental footprint. Through continued investment in reuse systems and reclamation infrastructure, we’re redefining how the design industry manages samples.
Circular Sample
Returns
Material Bank sample trays are engineered for reuse - recyclable, durable, and easy to return. Since 2019, nearly 2 million individual returned samples have been recirculated through our system. Through our University Program and partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, we donate materials for continued use. We also collaborate with a women’s sewing collective for textile reuse and local construction and demolition recyclers. Over 1.2 million pounds of samples have been responsibly managed and kept out of sanitary landfills
1.7 million+
- samples reused
1.2 Million+
- pounds of returned samples diverted from landfill
100+
- schools returned samples used for palette workshops and design libraries
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: DesignVox