Health Product Declarations in Modern Buildings

Building Materials, Certification, Sustainability

Health Product Declarations in Modern Buildings

December 9, 2024
8:00 am

Understanding Health Product Declarations (HPDs)

Health Product Declarations (HPDs) provide transparent information about the health impacts of building materials. By detailing the chemical composition and associated health hazards of products, HPDs help architects, builders, and consumers make informed decisions, ensuring safer and healthier building environments. This focus on transparency and health aligns with broader industry trends toward sustainability and occupant well-being¹.

Role of HPDs in Sustainable Building

Promoting Transparency and Safety
HPDs promote transparency by listing all ingredients in a building product, along with their potential health effects. This information helps stakeholders avoid materials that may pose health risks, such as those containing carcinogens or endocrine disruptors². By prioritizing safer materials, HPDs contribute to healthier indoor environments, which is especially important given that people spend a significant amount of time indoors³.

Supporting Green Building Certifications
HPDs are recognized by various green building certification systems, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL. These certifications require detailed product information to ensure that building materials meet specific health and sustainability criteria. By providing the necessary transparency, HPDs help projects earn points toward these certifications, thereby enhancing their marketability and compliance with industry standards⁴.

Enhancing Market Competitiveness
Manufacturers that produce HPD-certified products can differentiate themselves in the market by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and health. This can lead to increased trust and preference among architects, builders, and consumers who prioritize health and sustainability in their projects⁵.

HPDs in Modern Buildings

Commercial Buildings
In commercial construction, HPDs are used to select materials that contribute to healthy work environments. For example, low-emitting materials are chosen to improve indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory issues among employees. This can lead to higher productivity and reduced absenteeism⁶.

Educational Facilities
Schools and universities use HPDs to ensure that building materials do not negatively impact students’ health. By selecting non-toxic materials, educational facilities can create safer learning environments, which is crucial for the well-being and cognitive development of students⁷.

Healthcare Facilities
HPDs are particularly important in healthcare settings, where patients’ health is a top priority. Using HPD-certified materials helps minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, which can be detrimental to patients’ recovery and overall health. This approach supports the creation of healing environments that promote patient comfort and safety⁸.

Residential Buildings
Homeowners and builders use HPDs to choose materials that ensure a healthy living environment. This is especially important in homes with children, elderly residents, or individuals with health sensitivities. HPDs help in selecting products that minimize indoor pollutants and create a safe, healthy home⁹.

Future Trends in HPDs

As the demand for healthier and more sustainable buildings grows, the use of HPDs is expected to become more widespread. Innovations in material science will lead to the development of new products with improved health profiles, further enhancing the role of HPDs in building design. Additionally, advancements in digital tools will make it easier to access and use HPD data, integrating it seamlessly into the design and construction process¹⁰.

References

What is a Health Product Declaration (HPD)?, Health Product Declaration Collaborative, 2021. What is a Health Product Declaration (HPD)?
Transparency in Building Products, U.S. Green Building Council, 2021. Transparency in Building Products
Indoor Air Quality and Health, Environmental Protection Agency, 2020. Indoor Air Quality and Health
LEED and HPD Integration, BuildingGreen, 2022. LEED and HPD Integration
Market Benefits of HPD Certification, World Green Building Council, 2023. Market Benefits of HPD Certification
HPDs in Commercial Buildings, National Institute of Building Sciences, 2020. HPDs in Commercial Buildings
Healthier School Environments with HPDs, U.S. Department of Education, 2021. Healthier School Environments with HPDs
HPDs in Healthcare Facilities, American Hospital Association, 2021. HPDs in Healthcare Facilities
Residential Health and Safety with HPDs, National Association of Home Builders, 2022. Residential Health and Safety with HPDs
Future Trends in HPD, Construction Specifier, 2022. Future Trends in HPD

Published

December 9, 2024
8:00 am