Healthy Building Network

The Healthy Building Network is a nonprofit organization in the United States, founded in 2000. It focuses on promoting the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials, with an emphasis on reducing human exposure to hazardous chemicals. The organization's mission is to transform the market for building materials, ensuring best practices for the environment, human health, and social equity[1][4].

Purpose and Activities

The Healthy Building Network carries out its mission through several key activities:

• Research and Policy: It conducts research aimed at uncovering information on healthier building products and their health impacts. This includes assessing the environmental and social impacts of various materials[1][3].
• Data Tools: The organization develops innovative software platforms designed to increase transparency about building materials. These tools help catalog chemical hazards and promote healthier innovations in manufacturing[3].
• Education and Capacity Building: Through educational resources and capacity-building initiatives, the Healthy Building Network empowers others to make informed decisions regarding healthier building practices[3].

Projects and Initiatives

One of the significant projects undertaken by the Healthy Building Network is the Pharos Project, launched in 2006. Pharos is a comprehensive tool for evaluating and comparing the health, environmental, and social impacts of building materials. It received an award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2009 for its revolutionary approach to material evaluation[1].

The organization also conducts research and literature surveys on specific building materials and hazards. For example, in 2013, it released a report on asthmagens commonly found in building materials[1].

Another notable initiative is the HomeFree program, which supports leaders in affordable housing by providing scientific guidance and educational resources to enhance their building practices[3].

Operational Overview

The Healthy Building Network is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and operates as a tax-exempt nonprofit under the federal tax ID number 20-5036229. The organization's revenue and expenses are reported annually through Form 990 filings, reflecting its non-profit status and financial performance[2][4].