Category: Resources
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How do I Reduce Embodied Carbon in My Building?
By Amy Johns “Embodied carbon” refers to the greenhouse gases released in the manufacturing and transportation of something. As a rule of thumb, if a material requires combustion or melting in its manufacturing (think glass, concrete, steel), it’s high in embodied carbon. Plant-based materials tend to be lower in embodied carbon—or even carbon sequestering, depending… Read more
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Why Are We So Sick—and What Can We Do?
As many of us age, some start to wonder why we don’t feel so good anymore. Millions experience chronically occurring diseases and conditions that have developed in us over our lifetimes. Health care costs alone, according to PLANSPONSOR magazine, are estimated at $285,000 for a retired couple! Read more
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Reducing Embodied Carbon in New Construction or Renovation
Planning new construction or renovation? Renovations vary tremendously in scope. The closer a renovation gets to a “full gut”, the closer the embodied carbon emissions become when comparing renovation with comparable new construction. Read more
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Flame Retardants: A Cautionary Tale
We all have moments when our personal and professional lives intersect. For me a particularly poignant moment involved a couch and my first Living Building Challenge project. I was just starting research on products, learning about chemicals of concern and, more important, exactly where they are used in building products. Including furniture. Read more