The evolution of mindful MATERIALS
Past Informs Present
In the 10 years since its launch, mindful MATERIALS has undergone transformational changes — evolving from its origins as a unifying label for transparent and healthy materials to a global non-profit driving industry alignment.
mindful MATERIALS began at the firm HKS and was quickly adopted by design firms across the building industry looking for a simple, effective way to identify what could come into their materials libraries. A collective of firms was quickly established to ensure consistency wherever the mindful MATERIALS label was used to avoid confusion. Eventually, a database was also established to make it easier to find certifications from different organizations. This foundation of sharing, clarity and an aligned ask was transformative to the industry, and these principles hold true at the organization today.
An Aligned Approach
Today, mindful MATERIALS is an industry convener and unifier, seeking to establish a common language for sustainability, a clear market signal, and the connection of trusted data everywhere. As with the original label, which was freely shared across the industry for a greater purpose, mindful MATERIALS today seeks to create more change by creating systems and signals that function across the entire industry and its databases.
By establishing a common language and clear market signal, mindful MATERIALS is leading the charge for a unified, holistic approach to sustainability in the building industry. This change will streamline communication and ensure that everyone, from manufacturers to designers to builders, is aligned on what sustainability means, how to achieve it, and how to identify it.
With this foundation of clarity, we will be able to connect necessary sustainability data across all relevant platforms — a game-changer. With holistic, transparent, and accessible information, we can make informed decisions prioritizing the health of both people and the planet. This shift will help ensure that healthy, sustainable materials become the norm rather than the exception.
Thank you to the mindful MATERIALS community for leading the way and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Your efforts are paving the path for a more sustainable future, and we are thrilled to be a part of this transformative journey.
“mindful MATERIALS may no be longer a label in your firm’s materials library,” says Laurel (Christensen) Chądzyński, mindful MATERIALS’ VP of Engagement. “But our work now still exists to help every firm make clearer and goal-aligned decisions. A common language, clear market signal, and connected data are the modern foundations of a materials' easy button.’”
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