how we classify materials
with each material, we ask ourselves;
how healthy, conscious, and durable is it?
From these factors, we assign each material a zone; those with high scores in all categories fall into the blue zone; materials we actively promote. Low scores or materials with serious drawbacks in any category we assign to the red zone; materials we advocate against.
Our goal is to provide a starting point for approaching building materials in the Pacific Northwest. This resource serves to push the industry away from the worst offenders, towards a material pallet that considers the ethics and externalities of building while having them excel in their intended function.
Use this framework as you explore each building material class. For a deeper dive into our approach, see the breakdowns below.
H = healthy
Is the material safe?
C = conscious
Is the material sustainable?
D = durable
Will the material last?
Materials we actively promote.
Materials we like to use.
Materials we use.
Materials we try to avoid.
Materials we advocate against.
zones
materials we actively promote.
H — Promote a healthy space and have no significant negative health impacts at any point during their life cycle.
C — Can be produced in a regenerative and ethical manner, respecting natural ecosystems and human communities alike.
D — Are durable and resilient to ecological and human stressors and require minimal maintenance or upkeep.
materials we like to use.
H — Have few health-related side effects, and require minimal protective equipment during install.
C — Exhibit mostly positive ecological and ethical impacts but may have specific concerns to be raised.
D — Work well with some known limitations in longevity or performance.
materials we use.
H — Do not have considerable health implications but also do not actively promote a heathy spaces and construction principles.
C — May have higher embodied carbon or GHG emissions during production but avoid other serious ethical drawbacks.
D — Conventional and commonly-used materials that are proven both in terms of their performance and limitations.
materials we try to avoid.
H — Have considerable health implications for the final occupant or others and should be avoided in a healthy home.
C — Do not promote environmental and ethical consciousness, are not produced locally, or rely heavily on petrochemicals.
D — Have major durability or performance concerns either individually or as part of a building assembly.
materials we advocate against.
H — Known to be toxic, carcinogenic, or have known health risks associated with their production, use, or disposal.
C — Are antithetical to the creation of sustainable buildings, reducing our reliance on carbon, or a circular economy.
D — Are not high-performing or actively degrade the longevity and durability of the entire building assembly.
values
healthy.
is the material safe for occupants, fabricators, installers, harvesters, and anyone else who might come into contact with its contents or byproducts?
Is the material natural & non-toxic? Does it contain chemical additives, known carcinogens, bioaccumulating pollutants, or Red Zone ingredients?
Is the material hypoallergenic? Does it reduce allergens, resist mold, or promote a comfortable environment for those with allergies?
Does the material positively impact indoor air quality (IAQ)? Does it off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trap dust, or release other harmful airborne pollutants?
Does the material positively impact relative humidity (RH)? Does it buffer humidity levels, resist mold & mildew, facilitate drying, or have antifungal properties?
Does the material positively impact the electrostatic environment? Does it promote ion-rich air, prevent the buildup of negative ions on surfaces, or reduce static electricity?
conscious.
can the material be sustainably and ethically extracted, manufactured, transported, installed, and maintained throughout its entire life, and positively repurposed when its useful life is through?
Is the material made from sustainable & renewable resources? Is it produced locally, in a regenerative manner, without fossil fuel-derived components?
Is the material carbon sequestering? Does it help provide a safe storing of carbon dioxide while serving another useful purpose such as insulation or structure?
Does the material have a low embodied carbon coefficient (ECC)? What are it's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from extraction through disposal or recycling?
Does the material have a low ecological impact? Does it require large amounts of water, land, energy or other natural resources from extraction through disposal or recycling?
Does the material have a positive end of life plan? Can it be disassembled in parts, incorporated into future construction, composted, recycled, or otherwise prevented from entering a landfill?
durable.
will the material maintain its function, properties, and appearance under real-world conditions over a long period of time?
Is the material resistant to moisture? Does it maintain its integrity when wet, survive freeze-thaw cycles, resist rot, or facilitate drying?
Is the material resistant to pests? Is it naturally impervious or easily protected from rodents, insects, microorganisms or other uninvited guests?
Is the material resistant to fire? Does it easily burn, prevent the spread of flame, or release toxic chemicals when burning?
Is the material resistant to other stresses? Does it resist heat, staining, tearing, discoloring, delamination, or abrasion depending on its specific use in the building?
Is the material low maintenance? Does it require significant or excessive upkeep, refinishing, cleaning, or care in order to maintain its performance over its lifespan?
