The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has a policy on environmental responsibility for architects.
The AIA recognizes that building materials impact the environment and human health before, during, and after their use. Knowledge of the life-cycle impacts of building materials is integral to improving the craft, science, and art of architecture. The AIA encourages architects to promote transparency in materials’ contents and in their environmental and human health impacts.
Sustainable design relies on minimizing negative environmental and human health impacts in the built environment. Key principles in sustainable design are:
As compared with petroleum-based ingredients, products made using rapidly renewable soy have a better environmental footprint and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The United Soybean Board developed a peer-reviewed life cycle profile that documents the many energy and environmental benefits of U.S. soybean farming and processing. At the same time, soybeans offer an ever-increasing source of renewable plant feedstocks for building materials and other products. The full peer-reviewed life cycle analysis can be found here.
The life cycle study details how U.S. soybean production significantly reduces greenhouse gases at the same time crop yields are increasing. U.S. soybeans can collectively remove from the atmosphere the carbon equivalent of taking 21 million cars off the road in just one year. Each year, U.S. farmers plant, grow, and harvest trillions of soybeans on the rough equivalent of 60 million football fields. These men and women use satellite technology to guide precise applications. They also employ conservation practices that help store carbon in their soils.
The U.S. Soybean Export Council’s U.S. Soybean Sustainability Assurance Protocol documents how U.S. soybean farmers are producing soybeans responsibly and are continuously improving their production methods to protect and enhance the environment.
