PFAS and The 2023 Red List: Identifying Essential Uses

How can you identify situations when it’s necessary to use chemicals of concern in a building project? How can you use early design decisions to eliminate these situations in the first place?

This year, ILFI is adding several thousand more PFAS to the Red List due to their harmful health and environmental impacts. ILFI is concurrently introducing exceptions allowing FEP and PVC wire sheathing in plenum spaces – recognizing that in some cases, PFAS or other Red List compounds must be used to comply with fire code.

Scientist Carol Kwiatkowski will introduce the “essential use” approach – a process for determining whether a chemical of concern is necessary for health, safety, or the functioning of society. Amir Sekhavat of Superior Essex will discuss ways to eliminate plenum spaces through building design. Brenna Wissman from Integrated Eco Strategy will share their experience with the PFAS addition to the April 2022 Red List and the RL-022 Exception.

Speakers include:

• Carol Kwiatkowski, Scientist at Green Science Policy Institute
• Amir Sekhavat, Senior Director Product Management at Superior Essex
• Brenna Wissman, Project Manager at Integrated Eco Strategy
• Hannah Ray, Ph.D, Senior Manager of Programs + Innovation (Materials) at the International Living Future Institute
• Lisa Carey Moore, Director of Buildings Impact at the International Living Future Institute

Learning objectives:

1. Understand what the Red List is and how it is designed and managed to aid project teams in meeting the intent and imperatives of the Living Building Challenge Materials Petal
2. Recall what additional chemicals ILFI is adding to the Living Building Challenge Red List in 2023 and why
3. Describe a process for determining whether a chemical of concern is necessary for health, safety, or the functioning of society
4. Cite circumstances in which it may be necessary to use chemicals of concern and the Red List exceptions that are available to project teams in those situations

This webinar is approved for 1 LFA General credit and 1 AIA LU|HSW.

Please note: this event is only available to active Living Future Members. If you’re a member, find registration in your Member Dashboard. Otherwise, learn more and become a member today.