The Role of Standards in Sustainable Construction: An Architect’s Perspective

Part Two: A Senior-Level Practitioner’s Take

Across projects of various sizes, architects and specifiers are prioritizing strategies to meet specific sustainability goals. A significant aspect of this effort lies in selecting building materials and suppliers that align with their targets for both interior and exterior applications. At the same time, sustainable design can often be subjective. Measuring sustainability against standards reduces complexity and facilitates understanding.

This is the second in a series of articles commissioned by the Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC) that is designed to illuminate the challenges designers, architects, and specifiers face when searching for sustainable choices. The aim is to discern the decision-making process they undertake when specifying products and suppliers and to highlight how certification plays a role in this paradigm.

Stephen Wells, principal at Hendrick Inc. in Atlanta, has extensive experience in project architecture and interior design. VSC posed a series of questions to tap into his mindset on the subject.

How has the role of sustainability standards for building design and product selection evolved in recent years?

Sustainability standards are no longer viewed as mere compliance tools but as frameworks for leadership in environmental stewardship. LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge certifications, for example, are now benchmarks of excellence. Standards are also increasingly emphasizing the entire life cycle of a building or product—from raw material extraction to manufacturing, use, and end-of-life.

There is growing demand for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that quantify the environmental impact of materials and products, making selection processes more data driven. The focus on occupant health has led to greater scrutiny of material ingredients, with Health Product Declarations (HPDs) helping designers assess potential health risks.

Clients, investors, and tenants are increasingly demanding sustainable designs, prompting greater adoption of standards.  Governments and institutions offer incentives or impose requirements for projects adhering to certain sustainability criteria.

How are the reference standards for a project chosen? Who influences this decision?

The reference standards for a project are chosen based on a combination of project-specific goals, regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and market trends. Multiple parties influence this decision, each bringing unique priorities and expertise.

The overarching objectives of the project- such as sustainability, energy efficiency, health and wellness, or innovation – help to guide the selection of standards. For instance, a net-zero energy goal might steer a project toward Passive House or LEED standards.  Local, state, and federal regulations often mandate adherence to specific building codes or environmental standards that influence design and material choices.

Projects in competitive markets or targeting specific tenant types may adopt well recognized certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL, or BREEAM) to increase property value and marketability. Climate, environmental, and local material availability shape the relevance of specific standards. Things like water scarcity in certain areas might highlight the importance of standards addressing water efficiency.

Depending on the intended function of the building, different standards are selected. For example, a healthcare facility might prioritize WELL or Fitwel standards that support occupant health, while an industrial site might focus on ISO 14001 for environmental management.

Cost considerations and available expertise influence the feasibility of pursuing certain standards. While ambitious certifications like the Living Building Challenge may offer significant sustainability outcomes, they require substantial resources and planning.

The early discussions in the decision-making process center around owners, architects, and consultants aligning on project priorities and evaluating cost, resource availability, and project constraints. A roadmap is created to align with the project standards, including timeline and benchmarks. The standards then become integrated into the design and construction process with regular audits to ensure compliance.

What role do the sustainable business operations of the product suppliers and their supply chains play in the specification decisions?

The sustainable business operations of product suppliers and their supply chains play an increasingly significant role in specification decisions, particularly as sustainability has become a critical criterion for project success. This shift reflects growing awareness of the environmental and social impact of supply chains and the demand for transparency and accountability.

Many green building certifications, such as LEED, WELL, and the Living Building Challenge, require or reward the use of sustainably produced materials. Suppliers that demonstrate environmentally responsible operations and supply chains are more likely to meet these criteria. Developers and designers increasingly select suppliers whose practices align with their own ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals and sustainability strategies.

Decision makers prioritize suppliers who provide EPDs, HPDs and Declare labels, as these tools offer insight into the environmental and health impacts of products. Ethical sourcing, reduced carbon footprints, and accountability for labor practices are all essential, and suppliers with those documented, traceable supply chains build trust and credibility.

Selecting responsible suppliers protects the project team and stakeholders from reputational risks associated with unethical practices. Being able to demonstrate community support or minimize negative local environmental impacts contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development.

Products that are designed with a long-term sustainability in mind are seen as forward thinking, appealing to clients that are focused on durability and environmental stewardship.

In your everyday work, how important is achieving sustainability on a design project, and how has that mandate evolved in the past several years?

Achieving sustainability on a design project has become increasingly important in everyday work, driven by evolving market expectations, regulatory changes, and a broader understanding of the role the built environment plays in addressing global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social equity. This mandate has evolved significantly over the past several years, reflecting both external pressures and internal commitments within the design and construction industry.

In the past, sustainability was often seen as an optional or value-added feature, considered primarily in projects with larger budgets or forward- thinking clients. It was not universally prioritized and was often implemented as a secondary concern.

Now, there is a baseline expectation for most projects, especially in markets where certifications like LEED, WELL, or Passive House have become standard. Clients, tenants, and regulators increasingly demand sustainable solutions.

Governments at all levels have introduced stricter building codes and incentives aimed at reducing energy consumption, improving water efficiency, and addressing embodied carbon. Designers are now addressing social and economic sustainability, creating spaces that promote equity, health, and wellbeing alongside environmental benefits.

What matters most to your clients when it comes to sustainability? What tops the list?

When it comes to sustainability, clients prioritize tangible benefits that align with their values, goals, and operational needs. While preferences can vary based on sector and project type, the following concerns typically top the list:

• Cost Savings and Return on Investment (ROI): Clients often view sustainability through the lens of long-term financial performance. Energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and durable materials promise lower operating costs and maintenance expenses.

Examples: Solar panels, LED lighting, and HVAC systems with high energy efficiency ratings are popular choices for their proven ROI.

• Regulatory Compliance and Incentives: Clients want to meet or exceed building codes and take advantage of incentives like tax breaks, grants, or certifications. Compliance also minimizes risks related to nonconformance with environmental regulations.

Examples: Meeting LEED requirements, adhering to local energy codes, or qualifying for carbon credits.

• Transparency and Material Integrity: Clients value transparency in materials and supply chains to ensure that products are responsibly sourced and free of harmful chemicals. This also aligns with occupant safety and environmental stewardship goals.

Examples: Choosing products with Environmental EPDs, HPDs, or Declare labels.

How important is independent certification that a product or solution is sustainable? How does it figure into your approval process?

Independent certification of a product’s sustainability is critically important in the approval process. It provides verified, objective evidence that a product meets specific environmental, health, and social responsibility standards, giving stakeholders confidence in their selection. Certifications streamline decision making, ensure compliance with sustainability goals, and mitigate risks of greenwashing (false or exaggerated environmental claims). Independent certifications are issued by third-party organizations with rigorous standards, making them more reliable than manufacturer claims. They build trust among project stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and end users.

Certifications validate that a product meets requirements for green building certifications like LEED, WELL, or Living Building Challenge. They ensure alignment with broader goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, improving indoor air quality, or promoting ethical sourcing.

With increasing scrutiny of sustainability claims, certifications provide assurance that products deliver on their promised environmental and social benefits. This reduces liability and reputational risks for project teams and clients. They provide confidence to all stakeholders that the selected materials deliver tangible sustainability benefits, ensuring a project’s success from both environmental and ethical perspective.

Vantage Vinyl®: The Industry Standard

When it comes to sustainability verification, VSC launched +Vantage Vinyl® to advance the U.S. vinyl industry’s contribution to sustainable development. +Vantage Vinyl serves as independent, third-party verification of a vinyl company’s integrated efforts to achieve sustainability in its operations and practices.

Participating companies must showcase their dedication to sustainable practices and ongoing improvements across environmental, social, and governance dimensions. GreenCircle Certified, LLC conducts the verification process, evaluating compliance with the program’s core sustainability pillars: environmental stewardship, social diligence, economic soundness, collaboration, and open communications.

Verified companies use the +Vantage Vinyl-verified mark as evidence of their compliance with the standard. This gives specifiers the ability to Choose the Mark when specifying building materials for their projects.