To avoid unnecessary materials use arising from over specification without compromising structural stability, durability or the service life of the building.

• Reduce cost as a result of a reduction of material use in building design.
• Encourage the reuse of existing materials.
• Encourage the use of materials with higher levels of recycled content.
• Improve understanding of, and the performance of, alternative design and construction methods that result in lower material usage and waste levels.

The construction industry accounts for approximately 55% of the total annual material use and buildings contribute 50% of total emissions of CO₂-eq. They are also responsible for 30% of total UK water use and 35% of arising waste. The breakdown of global industrial carbon emissions shows that 55% comes from the manufacturing and processing of five stock materials: steel (25%), cement (19%), paper (4%), plastic and aluminium (3%).

Building standards and institutional requirements are often based on standardised, tried and tested design solutions which can result in significant over specification of elements and hence material use. Some of this is to allow for future flexibility in use that will never in reality be used and more is the result of conservative evaluation of risk.

Therefore, optimising material use in the context of a specific project is one of the key resource efficiency goals for any sustainability strategy. This can be achieved through careful consideration of current and future project demands to maximise the efficient use of materials, waste prevention and reduction, minimal damage to the environment and reduced depletion of natural resources.