b'The Chemistry of Positive SpacesMaterial Health, Transparency & Third Party Testing Eco-friendly, Sustainable The New Currency in Mindful Architecture or Green without any evidence or testing can only be misleading, WHILE DISCUSSING INTANGIBLE ASPECTS ANDor simply just greenwashing WHOLESOME DESIGN,we should not lose sight of the importance of a healthy indoor environment. The built environment must accommodate the health and well- Are dangerous chemicalsSelecting a material type is the beginning of a process that being of inhabitants, both physically and emotionally.introduced by a specificincludes mitigating exposure to VOCs and minimizing the impact Physical wellness requires a clean, orderly, andof any cleaning and maintenance. When making decisions for healthy indoor environment.product? Are there VOCsthe health of a building and its occupants, designers look for released during the productsproducts that are transparent and supported with third-party This can be achieved by correct selection and instal- lifecycle? Does the materialcredentials, while ensuring the environmental health of our lation of cutting-edge materials and products with therequire ongoing maintenanceplanet is safeguarded during the process.right chemistry. A sustainable chain of evidence is often needed in modern buildings, documenting theinvolving chemicals that affectThe disclosure of product informationfully and freely available sustainability credentials, along with 3rd party teststhe Indoor Environmentalto the publiccombined with accountability secured by 3rd party and disclosures of every component.Quality (IEQ)? Its vital to knowtesting and product transparency help designers, specifiers, and whats in each product whenend-users make informed decisions about which materials should Garden on the Wallhelps designersaddressing the environmentalbe introduced to the designed space.create healthy environments with itshealth of an indoor space. According to the American Council of Independent Laboratories preserved plant art offerings supported byin their report on The Value of Third-Party Certification,Of all an unsurpassed number of 3rd party safety,conformity assessment procedures that give assurance that health, and well-being credentials. a product, process, or service conforms to specified require-ments (safety, health, and the environment), third-party certi-fication provides the greatest value *Connie Zhou Photography* The Value of Third-Party Certification American Council of Independent Labo-ratories. April 11, 2002. Web. May 26, 2022. Courtesy of HOK14 15'