2022
This brief introduces our framework for considering chemical and environmental justice impacts in a product’s life cycle, highlights findings from the case studies on fiberglass and spray foam insulation (see links below), and outlines recommended actions for building industry professionals, policymakers, manufacturers, and alternatives assessors.2022
In this case study, we applied our framework for considering life cycle chemical and environmental justice impacts to the primary component of spray polyurethane foam insulation: isocyanates. We explore the chemical hazards associated with the manufacture of isocyanates and the localized impacts that facilities have on communities and workers. We include an example of chemical movements within the supply chain and highlight end of life scenarios for SPF. Our overall findings are coupled with specific recommendations for policymakers and for manufacturers throughout the supply chain. See also our Case Study on Glass Fibers and the Report Brief summarizing the findings of both case studies.2022
In this case study, we applied our framework for considering life cycle chemical and environmental justice impacts to the primary component of fiberglass insulation: glass fibers. We explore the chemical hazards associated with the manufacture of glass fibers and the localized impacts that facilities have on communities and workers. We include an example of chemical movements within the supply chain and highlight end of life scenarios for fiberglass insulation. Our overall findings are coupled with specific recommendations for policymakers and for manufacturers throughout the supply chain. See also our Case Study on Isocyanates and the Report Brief summarizing the findings of both case studies.2022
This 2022 report outlines the current state of insulation and air-sealing measures in low-income multifamily energy efficiency programs. It includes findings on the extent to which insulation and air-sealing measures are currently being performed, some of the challenges to including these important measures in multifamily building retrofits, and opportunities to increase their use while ensuring that safer materials are used.2020
Drop-in specification language for flooring to help project teams incorporate HomeFree's healthier material recommendations into projects. This editable Word document is organized according to MasterFormat standard divisions and includes example products that meet the specifications. It also includes educational context to provide both the “what” and “why” of healthier materials.2019
This document provides guidance for evaluating and selecting healthier insulation and air-sealing materials and for incorporating these choices into specifications for energy efficiency upgrade projects. Guidance is provided in multiple formats including summary guidance on healthier insulation and air-sealing materials, tiered recommendations by product category, and sample specification language. See the full report, Making Affordable Multifamily Housing More Energy Efficient: A Guide to Healthier Upgrade Materials, below for information about why it is important to be aware of the use of hazardous chemicals in building products, references to the scientific literature on health impacts of building upgrades and materials, the methodology behind our recommendations, and detailed research into the common content of various insulation and air-sealing materials.2018
Insulation and air sealing are two of the most common interventions performed in energy efficiency upgrades, and yet they can introduce many chemicals of concern into buildings. That’s why Healthy Building Network (HBN) teamed up with Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) and other partner organizations to consider healthier insulation and air sealing materials and how to help encourage their use in multifamily energy efficiency upgrades. This report includes details of HBN’s research on the common chemical content of a range of insulation and sealant materials as well as simple, actionable recommendations to make the best material choices possible. Because hazardous content is not the only consideration when making material choices, also included is HBN’s compilation of relative cost information, performance characteristics, and installation and code considerations. Finally, the report introduces a discussion of policies that may impact material decisions and how to encourage the use of healthier materials in multifamily energy efficiency upgrades.2015
This paper was prepared by Perkins+Will, in partnership with Healthy Building Network (HBN), as part of a larger effort to promote health in the built environment. Indoor environments commonly have higher levels of pollutants, and architects and designers may frequently have the opportunity to help reduce or mitigate exposures. The purpose of this report is to present information on the environmental and health hazards of PVC, with an emphasis on information found in government sources. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of the PVC lifecycle, or a comprehensive comparative analysis of polymer lifecycles. Rather, in light of recent claims that PVC formulas have been improved by reducing certain toxic additives, this paper reviews contemporary research and data to determine if hazards are still associated with the lifecycle of PVC. This research has been surveyed from a perspective consistent with the precautionary principle, which, as applied, means that where there is some evidence of environmental or human health impact of PVC that reasonable alternatives should be used where possible. Furthermore, and more generally, this paper is intended to build greater awareness of this common building material.2015
Global industry has made progress toward a world in which more efficient use of resources, including recycling, helps to reduce impacts on the natural systems that support life. However, contamination of recycled-content raw material with potentially toxic substances reduces feedstock value, impedes growth of recycling rates, and can endanger human and environmental health. This paper provides findings and recommendations about how progress in resource use efficiency and recycling can occur along with the production of healthier building products. This paper is based on the review of eleven common recycled-content feedstocks used to manufacture building materials that are sold in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. It provides manufacturers and purchasers of building products, government agencies, and the recycling industry with recommendations for optimizing recycled-content feedstocks in building products to increase their value, marketability and safety.