May 24, 2023 December 18, 2023
Dear Supplier, Product Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and Fellow Construction Trades: As designers, we strive to create beautiful spaces that exceed the needs of our clients; it is imperative that these spaces must also consider the health, safety, and well-being of humans and the environment through the materials and finishes that we specify. Our Beliefs RATIO is firmly devoted to designing with products and materials that prioritize the well-being of both individuals and the natural environment. We uphold responsible and sustainable material management practices, aligning ourselves with the AIA Materials Pledge. This pledge serves as a catalyst for reevaluating and selecting products that promote human health, ecosystem and climate health, as well as social health and equity, all while fostering a shift towards a more circular economy. We actively encourage our designers to specify products that minimize the use of raw materials, exclude toxic or hazardous components, and facilitate reusability, recyclability, and the use of recycled materials. Our ultimate goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of each product's life cycle, from the extraction of materials and industrial processing to its end-of-life management. By doing so, we strive to comprehend the impact of these products on both human health and the environment. Our Action Plan As we move forward, RATIO is introducing a rigorous review protocol for the products and materials specified in our projects. We are committed to limiting our material and product library to suppliers and manufacturers who prioritize transparent and sustainable material management practices. We firmly believe that the present moment calls for a refinement of our approach, focusing on the specification of materials that promote the well-being of both the built and natural environment. Our intention is to lead by example, inspiring the building design and construction industry to embrace healthier and more sustainable materials. Through this collective effort, we aim to drive the evolution of products and processes towards a future that is both environmentally conscious and conducive to human well-being. Our Ask of You To achieve our ambitious goal, RATIO will leverage various material assessment tools, including product life-cycle assessments, ingredient and material sourcing disclosures, and certifications like Cradle-to-Cradle, Declare, as well as published Health Product Declarations and Environmental Product Declarations. We rely on the transparency of our suppliers in utilizing these tools and their commitment to improving human health, minimizing environmental impacts, and reducing overall material consumption. In addition to these tools, we strongly encourage our suppliers to adopt sustainable materials management frameworks that facilitate harmonious relationships between materials, land and air, energy and water usage, waste management, growth, and the environment. We fully comprehend the complexity and challenges that industries face in striving towards these objectives. As your collaborative partner in this endeavor, RATIO pledges to inspire innovation through leadership and collaboration in sustainable design and specification. We extend our sincere gratitude for your unwavering dedication to our shared cause. Sincerely,
Chris Boardman, AIA, LEED AP Principal/President
RATIO Architects, Inc. Indianapolis, IN
Sim Nabors, RID, LEED AP Principal/Director of Interior Design
101 South Pennsylvania Street
Champaign, IL
Raleigh, NC
Indianapolis, Indiana
Chicago, IL
Denver, CO
46204-3684
Milwaukee, WI
317.633.4040 www.RATIOdesign.com