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Blogs

Take an inside look into emerging markets and trends. Gain valuable new perspectives from HBN experts and our partners. Be inspired to know better.

Selecting the Wrong Drywall Could Introduce Mercury into the Environment

HBN | July 2020 | Newsletter

While one drywall board may look very much like another, some are made with naturally occurring gypsum, while others are made from coal-fired power plant waste and can introduce mercury into the environment during manufacturing. This article includes details of HBN’s recently updated analysis of mercury emissions from drywall manufacturing and our current recommendations.


How Do We Know? A Peek Inside HBN’s Research Process

HBN | June 2020 | Newsletter

When we know better we do better. For 20 years, HBN has been a source of the truth in building materials contents and the associated hazards and impacts of those materials. How do we know this information? This article offers insights into the research methodology that help us “know better”.


Materials Transparency: Past, Present and Future

HBN | June 2020 | Newsletter

Our colleagues at the Health Product Declaration Collaborative recently implemented the newest version of the Health Product Declaration Open Standard, v2.2. At HBN, we thought we’d take the opportunity to consider where we currently are with respect to transparency in the built environment, reflect upon how far we have come and look forward to where we are headed.
 


We Stand With Black, Brown, and Indigenous Communities

HBN | June 01, 2020 | Announcements

We stand with people of color and demand justice and equality. We grieve with you. We share your anger and outrage. We pray with you for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless others who have been killed or oppressed through racist systems and acts. We send our love to you.


Investing in a Healthier Future

HBN | May 2020 | Newsletter

The COVID-19 pandemic is revealing what scientists have said for decades: when toxic chemicals undermine the human immune system, people are at grave risk. In this round-up of cutting-edge research and insights from our supporters, we see this truth through new evidence and reaffirm the critical mission of the Healthy Building Network.


Pharos Is Shaping Green Chemistry Education

HBN | May 2020 | Newsletter

By popular demand, we are sharing the April 30 Pharos webinar recording that includes great resources and ideas to help you integrate Pharos into your formal or informal education initiatives. Meg Schwarzman, MD, MPH of University California, Berkeley and Jeremy Faludi, Ph.D., Delft University of Technology shared their success stories of using Pharos to support research and chemical alternatives assessment courses. We also provided example assignments and curriculum from the University of Victoria.