mindful MATERIALS: Climate Health

mindful MATERIALS, Inc

Embodied carbon is an increasingly urgent consideration: massive emissions from manufacturing concrete, steel, foam, gypsum board, and other building products are happening right now. Some products save energy and carbon during building operation. Our resources help you minimize the use of the worst offenders and support climate health by preferring products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester more carbon than emitted.

mindful MATERIALS: Climate Health

Deep Dives

Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.

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  • Can Commercial Kitchens Go Electric?

    Feature Article

    An all-electric commercial kitchen offers potential energy and carbon savings over using natural gas, but making the switch can be complicated—and even controversial.

  • Wood: What’s Good?

    Feature Article

    Mass timber seems alluring because of its low carbon footprint, but not all wood is equally sustainable. We dig deep into the controversy over which types of timber are “climate smart.

  • LEED and WELL Product Labels: A Guide and Analysis

    Feature Article

    LEED and WELL encourage a lot of different programs for green products. Learn the essentials—plus what’s behind the labels.

  • The Urgency of Embodied Carbon and What You Can Do about It

    Feature Article

    Building materials emit massive amounts of carbon long before the lights go on. Here’s how thoughtful design can reduce global warming impact.

Quick Takes

Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.

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Product Guidance

Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.

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  • Engineered Wood

    Product Guide

    These sustainably sourced structural timbers offer low indoor emissions and other environmental benefits.

  • Tile

    Product Guide

    Porcelain tiles that meet third-party environmental standards, and BPA-free adhesives

  • Blanket and Batt Insulation

    Product Guide

    Batts and aerogel blankets with high recycled content, reduced air-quality concerns, or superior performance

  • Blown Insulation

    Product Guide

    Blown-in products with high recycled content, superior energy performance, and low-toxicity ingredients

In The News

We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.

Perspective

Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.

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Learning Resources

Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.

Just For Fun

Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...

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