Materials Matter: Embodied Carbon & The Path to Healthier Buildings

Materials Matter Training Series

Photo credit: designLAB architects

About the Series

Built Environment Plus (BE+) presents a collaborative education series designed to equip building industry professionals with the knowledge and tools to reduce embodied carbon, specify healthier materials, and drive sustainability through informed material choices. Covering topics including carbon accounting, material transparency, and life cycle assessments, these courses bridge the gap between sustainability goals and real-world implementation. Join us to explore the connections between climate, human health, and the circular economy—transforming the way we design and build for a better future.

The series will kick off with a 2-hour Introduction to Healthy Materials course.

Earn AIA LU / HSW continuing education credits by attending one or more courses.

mindful MATERIALS Framework

This series aligns with the mindful MATERIALS framework and the 5 impact categories first identified in AIA A&D Materials Pledge.

Photo credit: mindful MATERIALS

mindful MATERIALS

Upcoming Sessions

More Sessions To Be Added – Get Updates Here
The remaining courses in the series will be offered in Fall 2025:

  • Buildings and Carbon
      • Date: September 11, 2025, 12-2pm
      • Learning Level: Introductory / Intermediate
      • Instructor: New Frameworks
  • Life Cycle Assessment & Environmental Product Declarations
      • Date: September 18, 2025, 12-2pm
      • Learning Level: Introductory / Intermediate
      • Instructor: Linnean Solutions
  • Embodied Carbon in Concrete, Wood, and Steel
      • Date: October 9, 2025, 12-2pm
      • Learning Level: Intermediate
      • Instructor: Brent Ehrlich, P.J. Melton
  • Bio-Based Material Solutions
      • Date: October 23, 2025, 12-2pm
      • Learning Level: Intermediate
      • Instructor: New Frameworks
  • Specifying Healthier Materials Beyond Checking Boxes
      • Date: November 13, 2025, 12-2pm
      • Learning Level: Intermediate / Advanced
      • Instructor: Green Engineer, Kalin Associates
  • Applied Strategies for Carbon Emission Reduction
      • Date: November 20, 2025, 12-2pm
      • Learning Level: Intermediate / Advanced
      • Instructor: New Frameworks
WTFP Express Grant Funding Available

Express Funding Announcement

Funding for training grants from the Workforce Training Fund Program has been exhausted for State Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024 – June 2025). Applications for the Express Program grants have been paused until funds for State Fiscal Year 2026 (July 2025 – June 2026) are available. While specific dates are not yet available, we hope applications can be submitted again in July 2025. Refer to the Program website for updates.

In recent years the Workforce Training Fund Program has experienced unprecedented levels of participation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, until funds are exhausted.

The Express Program is designed to help businesses with 100 or fewer Massachusetts employees 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.

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 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.

*Review the BE+ Workforce Training Grant webpage for additional eligibility requirements and other updates made by the Commonwealth Corporation.

Questions?
Reach out to the Built Environment Plus education team with questions about taking the series (with or without Express Grant funding) at education@builtenvironmentplus.org.