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Bio-Based Material Solutions
About the Training
Bio-based building materials are derived from renewable biological sources such as plants, fungi, algae, agricultural by-products, minerals, raw earth, and organic waste and provide low-carbon, regenerative alternatives to conventional construction materials. These materials address both embodied carbon and material health while offering co-benefits across five holistic impact categories. As project teams look for strategies to solve multiple different health and ecological problems, bio-based materials are emerging as leading non-toxic, low-carbon, biophilic material solutions. This course will survey the broad landscape of different bio-based building materials, their attributes and benefits, and the varying applications of these materials from structure to finish. Product examples and case studies will ground this review in practical reality, from off-the-shelf material substitution options to leading-edge regenerative material solutions.
This is the sixth session of the Materials Matter: Embodied Carbon & The Path to Healthier Buildings training series. Join the series to explore the connections between climate, human health, and the circular economy—transforming the way we design and build for a better future.
Refund Policy
Full refunds are available only if written notice is provided 7 days prior to course start date. There will be no refund if less than one week’s notice is given. Please note: Full refunds will be issued less the standard processing fee. In general, rescheduling is always preferred over refunds. Registration transfers are only allowed for rescheduling to a future training and cannot be transferred between individuals.
This training is eligible for 2 AIA LU / HSW continuing education credits. AIA membership information will be collected from attendees by BE+ during the training.
This is a live, online training led by Jacob Deva Racusin with New Frameworks.
Jacob Deva Racusin is Co-Founder and Director of Building Science and Sustainability with New Frameworks, Vermont-based worker-owned cooperative. As a consultant, designer, and educator, Jacob merges his passions for ecological stewardship, relationship to place, and social justice. Jacob is Lead Embodied Carbon Researcher and BEAM Trainer and Co-Developer with Builders For Climate Action. Jacob has authored two books and numerous articles, and instructs and consults on topics of building science and climate impact. An active member of the Carbon Leadership Forum Boston Hub and Steering Committee member of the Bio-Based Materials Collective, Jacob is engaged in code and policy development, professional training, and other initiatives supporting the transition to a more just industry.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the benefits of bio-based materials and how they address common building material challenges.
2. Explore the market for bio-based materials and how to evaluate their attributes.
3. Integrate bio-based materials into different project applications.
4. Develop design strategies to optimize for health and ecological benefits through material and product selection.
Funding Grants Available: Submit by October 2nd, 2025
The Express Grant is designed to help businesses respond quickly to emerging needs and keep employees engaged. With bite-size grants for just-in-time training and no waiting periods between grants, the Express program is the Workforce Training Fund’s fastest path to funding.
You could take this training for FREE. Complete an Express Grant Application.
Course ID#: C-13706
Course Provider: Built Environment Plus
Course Cost: $175 per course per trainee
Express Grant Eligibility
Employers with 100 or fewer Massachusetts, W-2 employees are eligible to receive Express Program grants. Express Program grant applications must be submitted no fewer than 21 days before the training date. The following documentation is required to apply:
Signed Form W-9
Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, dated within 6 months from the date of application submission
Certificate of Compliance from the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) that is not expired on the date of application submission
The contracting period of approved Express Grants begins 21 days after the grant application date and ends one year from this date. All training must be completed within the contract period to be eligible for reimbursement.
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