In her latest column, Emily Wright highlights the growing "healthy buildings" movement as one of the most impactful ways to improve health and well-being—not just for ourselves, but for future generations. While January often sparks temporary wellness resolutions, this initiative focuses on the lasting benefits of addressing toxic materials in the spaces we inhabit daily. Experts like Gina Ciganik of Habitable and Carrie Denning Jackson of Jamestown emphasize that 72% of chemical exposure happens indoors, and the materials we use—such as plastics in carpets or latex paints—are major contributors.
The good news? Industry leaders and organizations are taking action, experimenting with sustainable materials like cork flooring and mineral paints, despite challenges with durability and cost. The push for healthier buildings is gaining momentum as awareness grows, with corporations like Google joining the effort. Collaboration and bulk purchasing could help overcome cost barriers, ensuring progress is both scalable and accessible. Unlike fleeting resolutions, the healthy buildings movement is here to stay, offering tangible benefits for our health and the environment.
Click through to watch a fireside chat from CREtech New York featuring Ciganik and Denning Jackson on promoting healthier building practices.
