Embodied Justice: Healthier Materials to Foster Social Justice and Wellness

For too long, making buildings healthier has focused on occupant health, a narrow view neglecting manufacturing workers and communities around the factories. Truly healthier materials must be free from chemicals of concern throughout the supply chain. Outrage over the injustice embodied in unhealthy products is valuable only if it spurs action, and action means designing out bad product types and pushing manufacturers for safer materials. You can contribute to the movement by lending your voice and your project’s buying power. This session features insights from an environmental justice advocate working to address repercussions from the built environment, as well as proven strategies to increase the use of healthier materials at a pace appropriate for any project.

Session Speaker(s): 

Session Chair(s): 

Event Time: 

Thursday, September 30, 2021 - 12:15pm to 1:15pm

Room / Location: 

The Hub

CEU Credits: 

AIA: 1 LU|HSW
BPI: 1 Credit Hour
GBCI: 1 Credit Hour (ID+C, BD+C, WELL)
PHIUS: 1 Credit Hour
RESNET: 5.5 Credit Hours for full conference attendance

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the environmental justice impacts of building products and our built environment
  • Explain the strategy of advocating for a better future with a unified, consistent message
  • Outline action steps to begin measurable progress toward healthier materials goals
  • Identify opportunities to avoid product types with known chemicals of concern

Session ID: 

NYC21-209