Specifying healthy materials

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Course Curriculum

The challenge

Material databases and libraries

Specification for healthy environments

Communication and shared learning

Regulations and ratings

The business case

Case studies

Resources

Faculty

By the end of this module you will be able to understand:

  • The impact of specifying materials on human health and indoor environmental quality
  • The six classes of harmful chemicals and their potential impacts on human health
  • What the term "healthy" means in relation to materials in the built environment
  • The harmful impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the importance of considering off-gassing in buildings
  • Third-party certifications and labels, such as Cradle 2 Cradle certification, Living Building Challenge, Declare and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and how these can be used to specify healthier materials
  • The AIA Healthy Materials Pledge's five priority sections: human health, social health and equity, ecosystem health, climate health and circular economy
  • How to use existing frameworks such as LEED, WELL and BREEAM to set measurable targets on projects
  • How to develop a Healthy Materials Protocol and library
  • The characteristics of greenwashing and how communication with manufacturers can bring about change
  • The sustainability and wellness benefits of natural materials like hemp, cork, mycelium and Maharam textiles
  • The potential of Materials Passports, Building Donor Schemes, and Take Back Programmes in reducing carbon, encouraging a circular economy and increasing material health
  • Environmental Protection Regulations, Indoor Air Quality Standards and gaps in regulations and rating systems
  • The impact of specifying healthy materials on staff well-being and in meeting environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) targets

About this module

This module explores the impact of material specification on human health and well-being. Participants will gain an understanding of the definition of "healthy" in the context of materials and will learn how to use Health Product Declarations to select safer materials for humans and the environment. The course includes advice on developing a Healthy Materials Protocol, assisting you to design and build with healthier materials.
Available on:
AUTUMN 24 TEAM ACCESS, Full Membership, Full Membership for two, Full Membership for three, Full Membership for four, Full Membership for five, Full membership for six, Full Membership for seven, Full Membership for eight, Specifying healthy materials, Full Membership for nine, Free Trial, AUGUST FREE TRIAL
Oops! It looks like you've reached a restricted area of our website. This content is exclusively available to our valued members. If you're already a member, please log in to access this premium content. Not a member yet? No worries! You can join our community and unlock a world of valuable learning resources. Simply click the 'Join' button to get started.
Get Membership
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