Material Health Open Innovation Symposium
Symposium Archive
HPDC’s annual symposium brings together manufacturers, project teams, researchers, and program partners around what is new in materials transparency and material health. Highlights from each year are below, with recordings where available.
Symposium VII — Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Online and free, 12:00–4:00 PM ET. See the program and register.
2025
Symposium VI
Highlights, recordings, and the ecosystem presenters from the sixth symposium.
2024
Symposium V
Industry leaders, manufacturers, and sustainability experts on the future of safer materials.
Looking for presenters from past years? See the ecosystem presenters post.
Earlier symposia
Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V
The fifth annual Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V convened industry leaders, manufacturers, and sustainability experts to explore the future of safer building materials. With the Health Product Declaration (HPD) database now exceeding 13,000 reports, the building industry has reached a turning point in material transparency. The symposium focused on transforming this wealth of chemical data into actionable change, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Joel Tickner of change chemistry. Sessions explored breakthrough solutions in sustainable chemistry, radical collaboration across supply chains, and strategies for scaling safer alternatives in the building industry.
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Dr. Tickner Shares The Key to Scaling Sustainable Chemistry in Building Materials
The journey toward safer building materials has reached a critical juncture. With over 13,000 Health Product Declarations now published, the industry has unprecedented insight into chemical content across building products. But as Dr. Joel Tickner emphasized in his keynote address at the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V, knowing what’s in our materials is just…
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Indrayudh Mondal’s Groundbreaking Research Links Building Materials to Public Health Impacts
At our Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V, Indrayudh Mondal, an environmental engineer specializing in water technology and sustainable design, presented compelling research on formaldehyde in residential buildings and its potential health impacts. Using HPD data from over 6,000 products, Dr. Mondal’s team discovered that a typical US house contains approximately 240 grams of pure…
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Allison Smith from HKS Charts Path Forward at HPDC Symposium
At our Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V, Allison Smith, VP and Sustainable Design Leader at HKS Inc., presented groundbreaking research on chemical concerns in building materials, drawing from her extensive experience managing over $3 billion in sustainability projects. Smith shared insights from a comprehensive study that analyzed 603 building products across four building types,…
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Chris Brown Shares Inclusive Design Insights at HPDC Symposium
At our HPDC’s Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V, Chris Brown of Mahlum Architects presented a compelling case study on how thoughtful material selection created inclusive, healthy spaces at the Washington State School for the Blind’s Life Skills Training Center. The project, which earned LEED Gold certification, demonstrates innovative approaches to material health and sensory…
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Stacy Glass on Moving Toward Safer Chemistry
At HPDC’s Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V, Stacy Glass, co-founder and executive director of Chem Forward, presented groundbreaking insights on measuring and accelerating the transition to safer chemistry. Glass highlighted how chemical pollution rivals carbon emissions as a critical environmental threat, emphasizing the urgent need for better assessment and monitoring. Drawing from a comprehensive…
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Wes Sullens Updates on LEED v5’s New Approach to Materials and Product Assessment
At our recent Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V, Wes Sullins, Director of Codes Technical Development at USGBC, shared exciting updates about LEED v5’s new approach to materials and product assessment. The upcoming version represents a significant evolution in how LEED evaluates building materials, introducing a comprehensive multi-attribute framework that aligns with industry initiatives like…
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Terry Swack from Sustainable Minds on Advances in Material Health Selection Tools
Terry Swack, founder and CEO of Sustainable Minds, showcased significant developments in making low-carbon and healthy material selection accessible to project teams during this years Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V. The Transparency Catalog, launched in 2016 with just 350 manufacturers, now features nearly 2,200 manufacturers across 28 Master Format divisions. Swack demonstrated their new…
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Barbra BatShalom on Accelerating Market Transformation Through Technology and Collective Action
At the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium V, Building Ease Executive Director Barbara Bachom shared her vision for streamlining sustainable construction product procurement. With 25 years of sustainability experience, Bachom emphasized that while individual champions have made progress, reaching market transformation requires new approaches to scale impact. Building Ease offers a free platform that addresses…
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Michael Johnson’s Vision for Holistic Product Transparency and Regenerative Building Solutions
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…
Material Health Open Innovation Symposium IV
Material Health Innovators: Highlights from the Open Innovation Symposium IV
Welcome to the hub of the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium. The fourth annual event was held on November 14, 2023, demonstrating another year of solid progress on the leading edge of material health innovation. We brought together a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners from around the globe to share their insights, research, and breakthroughs in material health.
What We Explored:
- Cutting-edge Innovations: Discover the latest advancements in material health that are shaping the future of green building and design.
- Collaborative Insights: Learn from the combined wisdom of researchers, educators, manufacturers, architects, and designers as they delve into current challenges and future opportunities in material health.
- Practical Applications: Gain insights into real-world applications of these innovations, providing you with actionable knowledge to implement in your own projects.
Why This Matters:
The Symposium isn’t just about sharing knowledge – it’s a catalyst for change in the industry. By bringing together the brightest minds in material health, we aim to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and drive the industry towards more sustainable and healthier practices.
Whether you’re a professional in the field or simply passionate about sustainable building, the sessions from the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium IV offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Symposium Sessions
Session 1 – Welcome & Keynote
Kickstart the symposium with a warm welcome from our esteemed hosts, followed by a stimulating keynote. Wendy and Wes from the USGBC, alongside Laurel Christensen from mindful MATERIALS, will set the stage for a day of insightful exchanges. Then, prepare to dive deep into the world of material health with Dr. Greg Norris, who will offer an illuminating perspective on Net Positive sustainability and its transformative potential in our industries and communities.
Keynote Presentation: “The Net Positive Pathway: Towards a Regenerative Future”
Dr. Norris will explore how businesses can go beyond minimizing harm to actively contributing positive impacts on both the environment and society. Expect a thought-provoking dialogue that challenges conventional approaches and offers a roadmap to a future where every building contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world.
Session 2 – All-Star Case Studies
In this dynamic and insightful session, we spotlight groundbreaking innovations at the forefront of material health. Our presenters, chosen for their pioneering work and impactful contributions, will share their experiences and findings, igniting discussions that promise to reshape the landscape of sustainable building materials.
- Parsons Healthy Materials Lab: HempLime in Affordable Housing: Dive into the world of sustainable construction with Parsons Healthy Materials Lab’s project on HempLime. Discover how this remarkable material is revolutionizing affordable housing, offering eco-friendly and efficient solutions.
- Crypton LLC: Revolutionizing Fabric Coatings: Explore the future of fabric coatings with Crypton LLC’s presentation on PFAS-free solutions. Learn about the challenges, triumphs, and significant impacts of developing environmentally friendly fabric coatings.
- Copper Development Association and WAP Sustainability: A Model for Trade Associations: Join the Copper Development Association and WAP Sustainability as they share their collaborative journey in developing a model for trade associations. Gain insights into their innovative approach to sustainability and material health.
- CaraGreen: The Future of Manufactured Stone: CaraGreen takes the stage to discuss their latest innovation in manufactured stone, focusing on the elimination of crystalline silica. Learn about the challenges, processes, and significant strides made in creating safer, sustainable materials.
In this dynamic and insightful session, we spotlight groundbreaking innovations at the forefront of material health. Our presenters, chosen for their pioneering work and impactful contributions, will share their experiences and findings, igniting discussions that promise to reshape the landscape of sustainable building materials.
Session 3 – Ecosystem Presentations
This segment of the symposium addresses the imperative of social equity and the intricacies of material health methods. Joel Todd brings to the forefront the conversation on the LEED Social Equity Pilot credit, potentially outlining how inclusive sustainability can be operationalized in building projects. Tristan Roberts follows with a forward-thinking discussion on data trusts and public policy, presenting a model for data governance that could revolutionize how we manage and utilize information for the public good.
Presentations:
Gioia Montana Connell – “Social Equity within the Supply Chain LEED credit”
Gioia will provide insights and innovative approaches to integrating social equity into supply chain practices
Tristan Roberts – “Data Trusts: A New Paradigm for Public Policy and Personal Data”
Roberts will argue for a transformative approach to personal data, suggesting how data trusts could benefit sectors like automotive and health, while positioning Vermont as a leader in this innovative field.
Ecosystem Presentations – Part 2: Material Health Methods
Sustainability pioneers, Stacy Glass and Terry Swack, will discuss the latest advancements in material health methods. Learn how ChemForward is creating access to critical chemical hazard data and how Sustainable Minds is transforming product selection with transparent, reliable reporting.
Presentations:
Stacy Glass – “The Path to Safer Alternatives: ChemForward’s Role in Material Health”
Glass’s presentation is anticipated to provide a roadmap for the built environment, using data sharing as a catalyst for optimization and safer material selection.
Terry Swack – “Operationalizing Transparency: Sustainable Minds’ Revolution in Product Selection”
Swack is set to discuss how Sustainable Minds’ digital tools and services are closing gaps in the product selection workflow, enabling a new era of transparency and sustainability in the building industry.
Session 4 – Ecosystem Programs
The focus shifts to the programs making strides in material health. Laurel Christensen, Rodolfo Perez, and Wes Sullens will share their insights on the latest initiatives from Mindful Materials, WELL, and USGBC, respectively. This session will highlight the interconnectedness of sustainability, wellness, and green building standards, and the role these programs play in shaping the future of the industry.
Presentations:
Laurel Christensen – “mindful MATERIALS: Driving the Change Through Collaboration”
Christensen will elaborate on how mindful MATERIALS leverages global collaboration to promote sustainable product choices in the industry.
Rodolfo Perez – “The state of Materials Health in WELL: Highlights and lessons for the future”
Perez will update us on WELL’s latest endeavors to advance materials health, emphasizing the importance of equity and alignment in their approach.
Wes Sullens – “Materials Strategy in LEED v5: Pioneering Sustainable Building for the Next Decade”
Sullens will provide insight into USGBC’s upcoming strategies embedded within LEED v5, focusing on construction waste, material transparency, and the circular economy.
Ecosystem Panel Discussion
Concluding the ecosystem discussions, a panel of experts will come together to reflect on the day’s presentations and discuss the way forward. This interactive session will facilitate a rich exchange of ideas, exploring synergies between the various programs and envisioning the collaborative efforts needed to elevate material health in the built environment.
Material Health Open Innovation Symposium III
The Material Health Open Innovation Symposium: The Art & Science of Material Health Innovation.
On November 15, 2022, HPDC hosted the third Material Health Open Innovation Symposium. During this free Virtual Zoom event, attendees learned about the latest innovations taking place in the field of Material Health from researchers, educators, manufacturers, architects, designers and ecosystem partners. U.S. Green Building Council and mindful MATERIALS joined the Symposium as a co-sponsors. Wendy Vittori, Executive Director of HPDC, moderated the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium.
Session 1 – Introduction
Welcoming message from Wendy Vittori, HPDC, Wes Sullens, USGBC, Alex Muller, mindful MATERIALS
Keynote Speaker: Rolf Halden, from ASU’s Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering
Session 2 – Leading Edge of Practice Case Studies: Material Health Innovations
Presenters: Mikhail Davis, Interface, presents “From ‘impossible’ to everywhere: Scaling up recycled nylon yarn;” Annmarie Ott, Saint Gobain, and Evelyn Ritter, ToxNot, present “Material Health Screening with “RoboTox Feature within the Toxnot Tool;” Aine Hardaker, Len-Tex Wallcoverings presents “VT-B: Increasing Clean Vinyl Technology’s™ Bio-Based Content;” Arthur Clarke, HMTX, “Social Health & Equity – a Manufacturer’s Journey with Just”
Session 3 – Ecosystem Programs: Social Equity, Tools To Advance Material Health, Progress in Rating & Certification Programs
Presenters: Rebecca Stamm, HBN presents “Embodied Injustices: Chemical and Environmental Justice Impacts Along Product Life Cycles;” Russell Beaumont, CookFox, presents “A Survey of Current Labor Certifications for the Built Environment;” Evelyn Ritter, ToxNot, presents “Incentivize your Suppliers for HPD data using the Toxnot Exchange;” Terry Swack, Sustainable Minds, presents “Sustainable Minds Transparency Report [EPD]™: Integrating EPD and HPD information in one easy-to-understand digital document;” Paul Shahriari, ecomedes and Jack Dinning, Brightworks Sustainability, present “Simplifying Data-Driven Sustainability;” Nina Hwang, Green Seal, presents “Optimizing Material Health and Maximizing LEED Credits;” Gina Ciganik and Anjanette Green, HBN, present “Mission Possible – Healthier Projects using Materials Modeling”
Session 4 – Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion with all ecosystem partners from Session 3 on What Lies Ahead in 2023
Material Health Open Innovation Symposium II
The Material Health Open Innovation Symposium: The Art & Science of Material Health Innovation.
On November 16, 2021, HPDC hosted the second Material Health Open Innovation Symposium. During this free Virtual Zoom event, more than 250 attendees learned about the latest innovations taking place in the field of Material Health from researchers, educators, manufacturers, architects, designers and ecosystem partners. U.S. Green Building Council and mindful MATERIALS joined the Symposium as a co-sponsors. Nadav Malin, President of BuildingGreen, moderated the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium.
“We have again seen significant advances in Material Health practice in the past year,“ said Wendy Vittori, HPDC Executive Director. “The Symposium provides a comprehensive report out on what’s happening right now – and where the innovators see things moving in the coming months. Whether you are an expert or just beginning your Material Health work, the Symposium is a quick and efficient way to learn what you can do to save time, lower costs and increase your performance in this important aspect of green building.”
Session 1 – Introduction
Welcoming message from Wendy Vittori, HPDC, Wes Sullens, USGBC, Alex Muller, mindful MATERIALS and moderator Nadav Malin
Keynote Speaker Robin Guenther, from Perkins+Will
Q&A with Nadav Malin and Robin Guenther
Session 2 – Leading Edge of Practice Case Studies: Project & Product Innovation
Project Presenters: Heather Henriksen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Harvard University, presents “Systems Change to Scale Healthier Materials, ” and Mary Dickinson, Co-Director Material Performance Lab / Associate Principal Perkins&Will and Maria Del Mar Ceballos, Facilities Design & Construction, Georgia Institute of Technology present “Transparency to Optimization – Georgia Tech’s Updated Yellow Book.”
Product Presenters: Carrie Claytor, Copper Development Association, Director, Material Stewardship (US) | Sustainable Development Lead, Material Stewardship (Global) presents “Looking Beyond the CAS Number: Considering Form Specificity in Hazard Assessment of Metals, ” and Adi Alamuru, Technical Project Manager, Rockwool presents “Innovating Stone Wool Insulation.”
Session 3 – Ecosystem Programs
Presenters: Wendy Vittori, Executive Director, HPDC, presents: “Tracking the Field – Introducing Social Equity in Material Health Practice,” Christina Raab, C2C, presents: “Optimizing products for circularity with Cradle to Cradle Certified,” Stacy Glass, ChemFORWARD, presents “ChemFORWARD: Enabling Optimization with Shared Data,” Pete Girard, ToxNot, presents “Supply Chain Connections: How to Increase HPD ROI,” Terry Swack, Sustainable Minds, presents “Product Transparency – Key Performance Criteria in Product Marketing,” Gina Ciganik, Healthy Building Network, presents “Jump start safer product selection,” and Annie Bevan, mindful MATERIALS, presents “A Common Materials Framework highlighting comprehensive collaboration: how we can all enable being ‘mindful’ as the norm”
Material Health Open Innovation Symposium I
The Material Health Open Innovation Symposium: The Art & Science of Material Health Innovation.
On November 17, HPDC hosted the first Material Health Open Innovation Symposium. During this free Virtual Zoom event, more than 250 attendees learned about the latest innovations taking place in the field of Material Health from researchers, educators, manufacturers, architects, designers and ecosystem partners. U.S. Green Building Council joined the Symposium as a co-sponsor and presented on LEED v4.1 during the Roundtable Discussion, unveiling the future of LEED and LEED Positive, a long-term regenerative and restorative design vision for LEED. Nadav Malin, President of BuildingGreen, moderated the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium.
“We’ve come a long way since the initial idea for the HPD report was born and several other important initiatives launched in 2010,” said Wendy Vittori, Executive Director of HPDC. “The Material Health Open Innovation Symposium brings together leaders in Material Health and Transparency in the built environment, and will clearly demonstrate how much has already been accomplished in this rapidly emerging field of practice. Transparent material health reports have now been produced by over 1,000 manufacturers representing over 20,000 building products.”
Session 1 – User-led, Collaborative, Open Innovation Breakthroughs in Material Health Practice
Speakers: Prof. John Friar, Northeastern University; Prof. Rolf Halden, Arizona State University; Rand Ekman, HKS.
Session 2 – Leading Edge of Practice Case Studies: Manufacturer Product Innovation
Speakers: Melea Wade, Shaw Industries Group and Evelyn Ritter, Toxnot PBC; Luke Zhou, Humanscale Corporation; William Paddock, Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and WAP Sustainability.
Session 3 – Leading Edge of Practice Case Studies: Project Design Team Innovation
Speakers: Susan Kaplan, HLW; Lona Rerick, ZGF Architects, Melissa Wackerle, AIA and Annie Bevan, Superior Essex; Jeffery Frost, Brightworks Sustainability.
Session 4 – Making Material Health Practice the Norm by 2025: The View From Material Health Programs & Roundtable Discussion
Speakers: Peter Templeton, Cradle-to-Cradle Product Innovation Institute; Shari Franjevic, Clean Production Action; Teresa McGrath, Healthy Building Network; Tristan Roberts, HPD Collaborative; Shawn Hesse, International Living Future Institute; Wes Sullens, U.S. Green Building Council.
View presentations submitted and presented during the Material Health Open Innovation Symposium I in the flipbook below:
Participants Received Up To 5 GBCI Continuing Education Credit Hours For LEED & WELL At The Symposium.
The Material Health Open Innovation Symposium offered up to 5 GBCI Continuing Education (CE) credit hours for LEED and WELL, based on Sessions attended. Certificates of Completion were provided to registered attendees to self-report hours for each session attended. Participants can obtain CE credit by registering for the webinar and being present online no later than 10 minutes into each session. Find more information on the Symposium CE hours here.
Wes Sullens, LEED Fellow, and Director in the LEED department of USGBC, said, “The Material Health Open Innovation Symposium marks a major milestone for human health. We’ve come so far since the early days of LEED, the leading program for green buildings and communities worldwide, to earn the Material Ingredients credit. Thanks to the collaborative work of ecosystem partners like HPDC, safe, healthy, and innovative building products and materials are quickly becoming commonplace. The LEED Material Ingredients credit has become one of the most substituted credits in LEED v4.1, representing nearly a quarter billion square feet of project space. Truly, the USGBC community of stakeholders desire materials transparency and embrace innovative solutions for healthier materials.”