By Tristan Roberts, HPDC, Director of Technical and Education Programs
The Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPDC), through our member-led governance process, has stewarded development of the HPD Open Standard from HPD v1 in 2012 to the current HPD v2.2, released in May 2019. As HPDC develops HPD version 3, we are excited to invite your input with an Open Call for Ideas!
It’s been a productive journey: over 5,000 HPDs have been published by over 600 manufacturers, documenting tens of thousands of products, used to attain greater health outcomes on hundreds of design and construction projects. For making this possible, we have our 250+ member organizations to thank, and especially the hundreds of individuals who have contributed their ideas and expertise to making the HPD a better and better tool for supporting material transparency and health.
Success in in our objectives for HPD version 2
Version 1 of the HPD Open Standard tested some of the basic concepts of content inventory and health information reporting. With Version 2, many improvements were made to make these basics work better, and to focus on harmonizing reporting specifications across the key programs where material health information plays a significant role. HPDC is currently developing HPD v2.3 for release in 2020. HPD v2.3 will largely refine concepts developed in the “Version 2” development cycle, such as Special Conditions and the Supplier HPD. We have accomplished the significant goals that we established in 2015, for the Version 2 release to achieve.
What’s next? We are already developing concepts for HPD version 3, with a planned release date in 2021 and an expected lifespan of 5–6 years. Our main theme for Version 3 will be to transition from a print+PDF to a digital focus, recognizing that the growth in the use of data reported in HPDs will increasingly be in digital formats and data exchanges. This will enable the HPD Open Standard to be even more responsive to new ideas and new uses of this important product information. It will also enable more open and fluid connectivity among the growing number of automated applications that use information reported in HPDs.
Announcing a Call for Ideas for HPD v3
HPDC is pleased to announce an “Open Call for Ideas” for HPD v3, and would like to hear from all our stakeholders from the entire building products industry, including the entire supply chain, and all members and stakeholders in the design and construction industry.
All ideas are welcome—especially specific suggestions and proposed solutions. But we also interested in any frustrations you have with the HPD or material health reporting and analysis in general. Our Technical Committee and Technical Subgroups have an excellent track record at tackling tough problems and coming out with solutions that advance practice.
We are specifically asking for ideas (here’s the link) in the following categories:
- Technical and data ideas – how can we report and better share data?
- Visual ideas – mock something up!
- Stories – tell us a story of how the HPD played a positive role in shaping a healthier supply chain and built environment. (Hint: it might end with “Everyone lived happily ever after.”)
A broad scope for product contents and health information
As written in the HPD Open Standard, the HPD “provides a framework for product manufacturers and their ingredient suppliers to report and disclose information about product contents and associated health information.”
Keep in mind the possibility that the HPD could and will do more than it does now! Dream big!
Ideas could include feedback on:
- The HPD format—including what different audiences of the format need and want to see
- HPD data flows—where it comes from, and where it goes
- HPD reporting options such as inventory thresholds and data fields
- How hazards are reported, including any issues with specific chemicals or materials
- Practical issues on reporting data from the supply chain
- Consistency, rigor, and verifiability of HPD data
- Health-related information not currently reported on the HPD, such as embodied carbon
- The HPD Builder and the HPD Public Repository
- Other standards, certifications and information tools where you would like to see the HPD Open Standard be more connected.
The HPD v3 Call for Ideas is open from August 9, 2019 through November 30, 2019. We look forward to he
Tristan Roberts is Director of Technical and Education Programs for HPDC. You can reach him with comments and feedback at troberts@hpd-collaborative.org.