5 Questions We’ll Be Asking About the ROI of Sustainable Materials

Exploring the shifts that are redefining value across the materials ecosystem.

Specs are shifting. ROI is proving sustainability’s staying power. And the future of the materials ecosystem depends on how well we connect design, manufacturing, and digital strategy.

That’s the focus of our next Conversations with Friends session: The ROI of Sustainable Materials: Where A+D, Manufacturing, and Digital Strategy Meet.

Rather than approaching this as a lecture or a download, we’re bringing real friends from across the industry to the table for an honest conversation. Together, we’ll unpack what ROI really means, how specs are changing, and why collaboration is the lever that makes it all work.

Here are five questions we’re bringing to the table:

1. How are specs evolving from compliance checklists into strategic levers?

For decades, specifications were about meeting minimums—checking boxes to satisfy compliance. Today, leading A+D firms are using specs as a tool to drive impact. They’re shaping expectations for sustainability, health, and transparency—and influencing what gets built at scale. What does that evolution look like in practice?

2. What does it take to “win the spec” in a world driven by sustainability data?

Manufacturers know the spec is everything. But winning it isn’t just about performance anymore—it’s about the data behind the product. From the alphabet soup of ecolabels and certifications (EPD, HPD, Declare, etc.) to digital disclosures, sustainability data is now a critical factor in whether a product is selected for a project. How are firms like HOK and technology organizations like BuildingEase redefining that path to specification?

3. How can manufacturers turn sustainability into a competitive edge instead of just a cost?

Too often, sustainability is framed as an expense. But forward-thinking manufacturers are proving it’s a differentiator—a way to stand out in a crowded market, win loyalty with A+D, and position themselves for long-term success. How are organizations like Rockfon North America taking this into consideration, and what does it take to flip that mindset and make the business case stick?

4. What role will digital platforms play in closing the gap between intent and action?We’ve all seen the gap: sustainability commitments are made, but implementation lags. Digital solutions are bridging that divide, making data accessible, comparable, and actionable. Platforms like BuildingEase are rewriting the rules of engagement between manufacturers and specifiers. What does that mean for the future of collaboration?

5. How do we define ROI in a way that resonates across A+D, manufacturing, and owners?

ROI isn’t just about dollars. It’s risk reduction. It’s resilience. It’s brand value and future-proofing. But how do we define it in a way that speaks to everyone at the table—from architects to contractors to owners to manufacturers? And how do we make sure ROI keeps sustainability at the center?

Join the Conversation

These are just the starting points. The real insights will come from the people who are pushing this work forward every day.

Register now for The ROI of Sustainable Materials—September 16 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Featuring: Candon Murphy (HOK), Rachel Berkin (Rockfon North America), Barbra BatShalom (BuildingEase), moderated by Annie Bevan (Parallel Sustainability).