Parsons School of Design, The New School
Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization
2,452 enrolled
Parsons School of Design, The New School

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.

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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

(55 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
3 months at 10 hours a week
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Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

(55 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
3 months at 10 hours a week
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers

Overview

  • 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

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English
12 practice exercises

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

Category: Environment Health And Safety
Category: Pollution Prevention
Category: Environmental Engineering
Category: Health Disparities
Category: Health Assessment
Category: Waste Minimization
Category: Chemical Engineering
Category: Public Health
Category: Social Justice
Category: Environmental Science
Category: Product Lifecycle Management
Category: Building Design
Category: Architecture and Construction

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

Category: Chemistry
Category: Environment Health And Safety
Category: Environmental Science
Category: Hazard Communication (HazCom)
Category: Risk Analysis
Category: Laboratory Testing
Category: Biology
Category: Pollution Prevention
Category: Environmental Engineering
Category: Waste Minimization
Category: Building Design

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

Category: Building Design
Category: Environmental Engineering
Category: Public Health
Category: Architectural Design
Category: Environmental Issue
Category: Research
Category: Health And Safety Standards
Category: Product Lifecycle Management
Category: Design
Category: Innovation
Category: Design Specifications
Category: Chemistry

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

Category: Corporate Sustainability
Category: Systems Thinking
Category: Environmental Issue
Category: Policy Analysis
Category: Digital Transformation
Category: Procurement
Category: Waste Minimization
Category: Civil Engineering
Category: Environment and Resource Management
Category: Materials Management
Category: Environmental Policy
Category: Technology Strategies
Category: Construction
Category: Architectural Design
Category: Market Analysis

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
Parsons School of Design, The New School
4 Courses5,184 learners
Catherine Murphy
Parsons School of Design, The New School
4 Courses5,184 learners

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