In the Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building specialization, you learn about healthier building materials, exploring subjects ranging from classification of toxic chemicals to new green innovations. You start by investigating the intersection of building materials and human health. Then, you learn how chemistry and toxicology affect the built world. Next, you examine design specifications from a healthier materials perspective. Finally, you employ cutting-edge practices to execute a healthier materials project, from design to construction to the use phase. This specialization was developed by the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design, a leading voice in the national and international dialogue about sustainability in the built environment.
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Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization
Develop Material Health Awareness and Strategies. Examine the role of designers and the intersection of human, environmental, and material health in the built world.
Instructors: Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
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What you'll learn
Examine the human health, environmental, and social impacts of design materials
Create healthier alternative approaches to traditional material selection processes and project execution
Evaluate design project communication to promote transparency, healthier materials, and buy-in
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Health Assessment
- Construction
- Systems Thinking
- Construction Management
- Health Disparities
- Environment Health And Safety
- Building Codes
- Building Design
- Chemistry
- Materials Management
- Pollution Prevention
- Public Health and Disease Prevention
- Environmental Engineering
- Architecture and Construction
- Civil Engineering
- Public Health
- Architectural Design
- Procurement
- Architectural Engineering
- Hazard Communication (HazCom)
What’s included
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from Parsons School of Design, The New School
Specialization - 4 course series
What you'll learn
Assess the human health impact of toxic chemicals in building materials
Evaluate the health impact of building materials using current methods and resources
Apply strategies for reducing the health and environmental impacts of building materials throughout their life cycles
Skills you'll gain
What you'll learn
Develop a scientific understanding of toxic chemicals in building materials and their impact on human health
Explore chemical innovations in healthier and more sustainable building materials
Apply strategies for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in the built environment
Skills you'll gain
What you'll learn
Shift from traditional design to a healthier materials design approach
Evaluate tools and resources for protecting human health
Apply strategies for choosing healthier materials
Skills you'll gain
What you'll learn
Analyze the role of contractors, subcontractors, and material procurement in the execution of a healthier project
Discuss the relationship between circular design and design innovation
Examine the capacity of material systems to contribute to a circular, low-carbon, regenerative, and equitable world
Skills you'll gain
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Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
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Frequently asked questions
Time to completion will vary based on your schedule and individual pace. Most learners are able to complete the Specialization in 3-6 months.
In order to successfully complete the Specialization, it is recommended to have advanced or leadership level experience as a designer, contractor, or in a similar field.
If you are enrolled in the Specialization, we strongly recommend you follow the sequence of courses suggested to build upon your understanding of topics -- 1) Building Materials and Human Health, 2) Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building, 3) Sustainable Building: Design and Specification, and 4) Sustainable Construction in a Circular Economy.
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Financial aid available,