We spend 90% of our time indoors surrounded by materials that often contribute much more to the spaces we design than we realize. At this current moment, in prioritizing human health and our carbon footprint we need to look beyond aesthetics and performance in the materials we specify. Toxic chemicals in building materials are well documented, the correlation between carbon and chemicals is less so. As designers we can address two of the major issues of current design and construction practice in the materials we specify.

In this presentation we will look at materials throughout their life cycle to identify risk and opportunities for healthier, low-carbon alternatives and learn how to evaluate different materials and products. We will also discuss vulnerabilities in different communities and how not everyone is impacted in the same way. The presentation will culminate with a series of healthy design strategies we have developed that can be implemented immediately into your practice.