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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.

Embodied Carbon and Climate Justice: Confluence or Conflict?

HBN | December 2019 | Newsletter

Two important initiatives are gaining momentum in the green building movement. One seeks to reduce the embodied carbon of building products. The other seeks to increase inclusion, diversity and equity in the green building industry, addressing, in the words of the LEED “Social Equity” Pilot Credit, “social equity from the perspective of everyone who is touched or impacted by a building.”1 It is critical that these efforts align their goals lest, once again, the latest definition and marketing of “green” building products overlooks and overrides the interests of the front line communities most impacted by both climate change and toxic pollution.


Five Reasons Why Climate Change and Toxic Chemicals are Connected

HBN | December 2019 | Newsletter

If we say climate change, what is the first thing that pops into your head? It’s probably not the impact of toxic chemicals on the environment. Some people can probably name a chemical that contributes to climate change, whether that is carbon dioxide or methane. But what about other chemicals that you are not as familiar with? In the building materials world, these may include fluorinated blowing agents used in some foam insulation. The agents either have high global warming potential (GWP) or use chemicals in their production that have high GWP.[1] Another example is the release of the toxic, global warming, and ozone-depleting chemical carbon tetrachloride in the enormous supply chain of vinyl products, otherwise known as Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC).[2] Purveyors of vinyl products, you may unwittingly be contributing to global warming! 


NRDC Prioritizes Safer Products in Energy Efficiency Programs

HBN | December 2019 | Newsletter

As part of their Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) campaign, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) partners with Healthy Building Network (HBN) and our HomeFree initiative to integrate healthier materials strategies to meet core energy program goals and achieve targeted health equity outcomes. These forward-thinking organizations are on the leading edge of holistic climate strategies that result in stronger outcomes for people and the planet. Through research and community action, they’ve learned that breaking down silos to inclusive policy interventions, is both efficient and effective for creating comprehensive change. 


A Healthy Future.

HBN | November 2019 | Newsletter

The holidays are approaching swiftly. And so is a very special new year’s eve—Healthy Building Network is turning 20 years old in 2020.

I find myself more deeply committed to our vision—where all people and the planet thrive. As I reflect on the loved ones I’ve lost from cancer, and those battling for their lives today, I want to do better for them. I want to do better for the children who carry the permanent effects from toxic exposures to their young and developing bodies. I want to do better for the women struggling with infertility as an outcome of chemical exposures. I envision an alternate, healthier path for everyday employees whose quality of life is impacted right now because of the hazardous chemicals with which they’ve come into contact while simply trying to make a living. 


Engage, Explore, and Act with Free Healthier Materials Workshops and Webinars

HBN | October 2019 | Newsletter

Healthy Building Network (HBN) has free fall workshops in San Francisco and the Twin Cities. Even if you are not in the area, you’re in luck. We are holding online webinars, too! HBN’s HomeFree program is your guide to reducing and eliminating toxics in the materials you choose for your projects, big or small. These courses provide a fundamental understanding of toxics in materials, their impacts on human health, and US toxics regulations.


This Is Who Believes a Planet Free of Toxic Chemicals Is Possible...

HBN | October 2019 | Newsletter

Imagine a More Sustainable World

A world where the spaces in which we live, work, and play help us breathe easy, think clearly and feel more creative. Communities where all children thrive in schools, playgrounds and homes free of chemicals that harm developing bodies and minds. Factories and job sites that prioritize health and safety. An environment where the air is fresh, soil is rich, and oceans are crystal clear. A future when our collective health soars because of safer products. 

It is possible. And it can start with you. 


There's What In My Body? A Look Into the Body Burden of HBN's Chief Research Officer

HBN | September 2019 | Newsletter

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but what about “you are what you’re exposed to”? We come in contact with a variety of chemicals every single day, from the shampoo we use, to the paint on our walls. So how do we describe the load of chemicals in our body? A term called body burden. HBN’s Chief Research Officer explores her body burden and the choices she makes everyday that influences it.