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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 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
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 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.
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 Climate Action
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.
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.
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 Climate Action
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
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.
1 million+
- samples reused
700k+
- 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