We rely on the built environment for protection, comfort, work, recreation, relaxation, and union. It provides the backdrop for memories to be made, communities to gather, and passersby to admire and be inspired. Indeed, the built environment is many things to many people. But, like many things, it also has a bit of a dark side. 

It contributes to one-third of the global waste and nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. What’s more, many of the materials used to design, construct and furnish our homes and workplaces are laden with toxic chemicals that wreak havoc on the environment, and have detrimental and irreversible human health impacts––and this is prevalent across the entire value chain, from cradle to grave.

The problem is, many either don’t know how detrimental this is or how to change it. Additionally, the world of healthy and regenerative design is wonderfully nuanced––constantly evolving and growing with novel ideas, solutions, tools, products, and practices. But these qualities can also make it complex and, at times, perplexing and daunting. 

Luckily, many designers, architects, manufacturers, organizations, educators, and researchers are working to make our built environment healthier for people and planet. 

Piper exists to unearth these efforts, share these stories and resources, and ultimately serve as an impactful connector or lodestar to make navigating the practice of healthy and regenerative design more approachable for the AEC community.