Carbon + Health

Understand how the built environment drives emissions and impacts human health through material choices.

Petrochemicals + Climate

Explore how petroleum-based products increase toxicity and carbon footprints - and how to avoid them.

Tools for Smart Selection

Learn how to analyze EPDs, compare material impacts, and apply global strategies for healthier, low-carbon design.

"This course deepened my understanding of healthier, low-carbon materials and their impact on human and environmental health. I’m now prioritizing bio-based, circular solutions and advocating for healthier, more accountable design across the industry"

- Anne, Interior Designer

WHO SHOULD ENROLL

Architects, Interior Designers, and Product Designers

Gain strategies for selecting materials and designing spaces that prioritize human well-being and environmental health.

Manufacturers and Material Researchers

Learn how to develop toxic-free materials and products that align with the Global Sustainability Goals.

Policy Makers, Sustainability Advocates, and Anyone Interested in a Sustainable Future

Understand the latest research and solutions to influence policies and drive meaningful change.

CURRICULUM

8 Chapters · 16 Lessons

  1. 1

    REDUCING EMBODIED CARBON & CHEMICAL FOOTPRINTS IN DESIGN

    1. Introduction Free preview
    2. Learning Objectives Free preview
  2. 2

    TOXIC CHEMICALS & CARBON

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Rising Buildings, Rising Emissions

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Embodied Carbon: The Cost of Progress

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Buildings, Plastics & the Planet

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Beyond Carbon: Human Health Costs

  3. 3

    TOOLS, BENCHMARKS & LEGISLATION

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Decoding Material Impacts with EPDs

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      From Data to Decisions

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Carbon Without an LCA

  4. 4

    CARBON INTENSIVE MATERIALS

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Concrete: Innovation or Emissions?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Insulation: More Than R-Values

  5. 5

    LOW CARBON ALTERNATIVES

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Buildings as Carbon Sinks

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Pioneering Projects

  6. 6

    HOW WE SUPPORT YOU!

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Resources to Shape Your Future

  7. 7

    DESIGNER'S DILEMMA

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Post Presentation Conversation w/ Industry Experts

  8. 8

    WHAT'S NEXT?

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Exit Survey (+CEU Application)

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Our instructors are a diverse group of practicing interior designers, architects, and material experts who bring years of experience and innovative building knowledge to Masterclass. 

Jonsara Ruth

As Executive Director and co-founder of Healthy Materials Lab, Jonsara leads research and design focused on circular, low-carbon materials and healthier interiors. She is a Founding Director of the MFA Interior Design program at Parsons School of Design. She is ASID- and IIDA-accredited.

Leila Behjat

As Director of Material Ecology at Healthy Materials Lab, Leila advances circular renovation strategies and healthier material practices across architecture and interiors. She holds a Diplom-Ingenieur (M.Arch) in Architecture and is training with the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

Catherine Murphy

As Director of Education at Healthy Materials Lab, Catherine leads curriculum development and teaches strategies for healthier, regenerative design. Her design practice focuses on renovation, reuse, and human & environmental health. She holds an MFA in Interior Design and an Hons. degree in Fine Craft Design.

The future is built on the actions we take today.

Ready to take action? Enroll now to learn how to reduce carbon in your projects and lead the shift toward climate-smart design.

$75.00

Enroll now Free preview

"This has given me the knowledge and facts I need to support my work as a sustainability engineer. It’s strengthened my ability to set project goals, evaluate materials for architects, and consider construction and maintenance practices that impact building health. The insights are directly applicable to real-world projects."

- Pauline, Sustainability Engineer

Resources to Design a Healthier Future

We are Healthy Materials Lab, a design research lab at Parsons School of Design. We’re here to help you design and build healthier homes, communities and environments.