Trusted by Architects, Designers, Contractors & Engineers including…


With over a decade of leadership in material health education, Healthy Materials Lab offers expert guidance and practical tools you can apply right away - empowering you to make healthier material choices and advance real change.

Lessons from over 33 Experts.

Leading experts across design, construction, science, medicine, and public policy explore how healthier design strategies can meet the urgent needs of our built environment.

  • Gain a clear understanding of building materials and their impacts on both human health and the environment.

  • Explore how material toxicity and environmental exposures impact human health. Use this knowledge to set health-centered design goals from concept through project completion.

  • Learn to identify and evaluate healthier building products by assessing their impacts across the material life cycle. Compare options, weigh constraints, and make informed, health-focused specifications.

  • Develop strategies to reduce the health impacts of material choices by prioritizing human well-being. Learn to use tools and resources to connect material selection to broader environmental and design issues (or contexts).

  • Recognized Credentials

    Earn a Certificate of Completion plus 8 AIA and 8 IDCEC Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) continuing education credits.

  • Flexible + On-Demand

    Start anytime within 120 days of enrollment and complete the course at your own pace - on your schedule, wherever you are.

  • Professional Network

    Become part of a dynamic network of professionals putting healthy, low-carbon materials, and sustainable design into action.

Where Expertise Meets Action

Learn to navigate complexity, ask the right questions, and lead healthier, more responsible projects.

"This program gives an in-depth assessment of the challenges regarding building materials. I now have a better understanding of who is affected and how, as well as our responsibilities as designers to take action. I will spread this knowledge to our clients and set clear goals for selecting healthier materials with the whole team."

- Katherine, NBBJ

FAQ

  • Who is this program for?

    This program is designed for anyone involved in the design, creation, maintenance, renovation, or deconstruction of the built environment. It is accessible to beginners while offering depth for experienced professionals seeking a stronger understanding of material health and building products.

  • How is the program structured?

    The program consists of two courses, offered only as a bundled program. The courses are cumulative and must be taken in sequence to complete the program.

  • How much time does the program take?

    The program includes approximately 8 hours of video content, plus downloadable resources, discussion prompts, and quizzes. Most students spend 15–20 hours total completing the program.

  • How flexible is the schedule?

    The program is fully self-paced with rolling enrollment. You may begin at any time and move through the content at your own pace.

  • How long do I have access?

    You will have 120 days of unrestricted access from the date of enrollment. You may revisit the materials as often as you like during this period. Extensions are not available.

  • How do quizzes and completion requirements work?

    Short quizzes appear at the end of each module in Courses 1 and 2. You must score 100% on each quiz to move forward. Quizzes may be retaken as many times as needed and are designed to reinforce learning.

  • How do students interact?

    Each module includes a discussion board designed to encourage peer-to-peer learning and professional exchange. There is no instructor moderation.

  • Do I receive continuing education credits?

    Yes. Upon completion of the full program, eligible professionals may earn 8 AIA and IDCEC HSW continuing education credits. Credits are reported on behalf of most participants; some may choose or need to self-report.

  • Will I receive a certificate or academic credit?

    You will receive a certificate of completion after finishing both courses. The program does not offer university academic credit.

 

  Resources to Design a Healthier Future

We are Healthy Materials Lab, a design research lab at Parsons School of Design, dedicated to accelerating the design and construction of healthy homes, communities, and ecologies.