Spec Matters

Circular design, adaptive reuse, and sustainable materials are at the heart of our reconstruction efforts in Ukraine ???? From transforming construction waste into usable resources to revitalizing social housing, architects and designers are shaping a resilient, low-carbon future. Join Victoria Caubet of Neo-Eco Ukraine, leading the rebuilding of a school with regenerative materials, and Alison Mears of Healthy Materials Lab and HML EU gGmbH, sharing insights from a Parsons School of Design - The New School Architectural Design studio focused on adaptive reuse in Kryvyi Rih in collaboration with local partners. ?? March 3rd at 6:30PM ET ??Online & In-Person (NYC) ?? Free & Open to the Public Be part of the conversation on design, sustainability, and community-driven rebuilding - RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/e3wtCF2F #adaptivereuse #architecture #circular #circulardesign #sustainable #sustainablematerials #reconstruction #ukraine #socialhousing #construction #constructionwaste #rebuilding #regenerative #reuse #regenerativematerials #salvage #deconstruction

In our increasingly plasticized world, wildfires, like those in LA County, cause extreme harm to human & environmental health. Join Habitable researcher Cassidy Clarity and Plastic Pollution Coalition next Thursday 03/06 for a special roundtable discussion on these impacts and how to rebuild better.??? ??? Register today!:?https://lnkd.in/dMG9V-Zg

Materials Matter: Understanding Material Impacts and Chemicals to Avoid for Healthier Environments ? March 4, 12:00 – 1:00 PM Webinar |?1 LU|HSW Presenter: Ramune Bartuskaite, AIA, LEED GA, WELL AP with Spec Matters Register here: https://lnkd.in/eX4PcPTP ? Join AIAPV’s Committee on the Environment for a webinar that centers on the profound impact of building material choices, addressing worker well-being, occupant health, social justice, and environmental considerations. Participants will acquire a better understanding of the material lifecycle implications, spanning from manufacturing to installation. This exploration provides valuable insights into how decisions made at each stage can shape workplaces and living spaces that prioritize health, safety, and social responsibility. ? The program will also identify common chemical hazards inherent in building materials, shedding light on their prevalent usage and associated health implications. By dissecting these hazards, participants will be educated on potential risks and alternatives. Empowering attendees, the program will share healthier material options and actionable suggestions, enabling individuals to make informed decisions that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for people and the planet. ? AIA Potomac Valley #AIAPV #materialsmatter #CEU #lunchandlearn #webinar #COTE

The devastating Los Angeles wildfires haven't just destroyed homes – they've exposed a hidden danger: toxic chemicals released when modern building materials burn. Built environment practitioners across the country are now asking critical questions about how to rebuild communities that are safer and healthier. That's why we've developed a new guide for the AEC community to select cladding materials that can contribute to both occupant health and environmental stewardship. Because when we build with health in mind, we build a more resilient future. Get the guidance: https://bit.ly/4aLzWBM #ResilientDesign #HealthyBuildings #ClimateSmartConstruction #LAFires

Toxics in our homes and everyday environments have significant impacts on everyone - but especially women and children. From disrupted hormonal systems to risks of infertility and other reproductive challenges, exposure to chemicals like flame retardants, phthalates, and bisphenols can affect women’s health at every stage of life. During pregnancy, these exposures can contribute to preterm birth, birth anomalies, and neurodevelopmental issues in children. Research even finds unregulated brominated flame retardants in breast milk, emphasizing the urgency to regulate the entire classes of harmful chemicals. These chemical exposures don't just affect current generations - they can have transgenerational effects, underscoring the importance of environmental justice and informed action. ?? Explore ways to reduce exposure ??https://lnkd.in/erAvSydT *Pediatric Research is the official publication of the American Pediatric Society, the European Society for Paediatric Research, and the Society for Pediatric Research. *Toxic-Free Future is a national leader in environmental health research and advocacy. #ReproductiveHealth #EnvironmentalToxics #ToxicFreeLiving #HealthyLiving #WomensHealth #Women