The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released a white paper on materials transparency and risk. Titled Materials transparency & risk for architects: An introduction to advancing professional ethics while managing professional liability risks, this white paper is an effort to equip the architectural profession with guidance on an issue of critical importance to the profession, its suppliers and clients. The white paper provides guidance for an architect when selecting products based on environmental or health impact disclosure, which includes:

• The need for sharing the potential health and environmental impacts relating to materials products with all stakeholders in the design, construction and occupancy process;

• Materials transparency presents opportunities for architects through competitive advantage, thought leadership, design innovation, and environmental and human health leadership; and

• The need for effectively evaluating and mitigating risk when advocating for materials transparency and sharing composition information.

NRMCA has delivered great insight into transparency market trends and useful tools for its members. Whether through its successful Environmental Product Declaration program or the recently released Material Ingredient Reporting Guidance, NRMCA is continuously identifying ways to provide value and prepare its members.