Michael Johnson, Senior Director of Materials at the International Living Future Institute, presented a comprehensive overview of material transparency and its far-reaching implications at the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V. Drawing on decades of sustainability experience, Johnson emphasized that transparency extends far beyond simply knowing what materials comprise products, citing John Muir’s philosophy that everything in the universe is interconnected. He outlined five critical areas impacted by transparency: circularity for end-of-life planning, human health considering both occupants and supply chain workers, ecosystem health focusing on biodiversity, social equity addressing forced labor issues, and climate health. Johnson then shared updates about ILFI’s initiatives, including the ongoing revision of their decade-old materials programs (Declare program and Living Product Challenge), upcoming Red List updates in April, and future events such as a Virtual Summit on advocacy in December and the Living Future Conference in Portland (May 6-8) themed “Accelerating Regenerative Buildings.” He concluded by announcing ILFI’s new free industry report, “Regenerative Materials Now,” which offers 40 actionable items for advancing sustainable practices. Despite technical difficulties with his presentation slides, Johnson effectively conveyed the crucial message that transparency is fundamental to making informed decisions about materials throughout their entire lifecycle.
Michael Johnson’s Vision for Holistic Product Transparency and Regenerative Building Solutions
