A Living Building is free from worst-in-class toxic and hazardous substances, addresses the sustainability of materials manufacture, accounts for the construction waste and carbon emissions created by the construction process, and sources from an appropriate materials and services radius. Learn how to address these issues during the design and construction process.

The ideal is a future where all materials in the built environment are safe and replenishable and have no negative impact on human and ecosystem health. The precautionary principle guides our materials decisions.

Sessions:

M01: Introduction to LCA and the Materials Red List    July 30, 2008

M02: Toward Zero Waste    Available Summer 2009

M03: Understanding Carbon Offsets    Available December 15, 2008 

M04: Responsible Industry    Available Autumn 2009

M05: Materials Chemistry    Available Autumn 2009