Advancing Healthier Materials in School

Strategic Specifications at Tobin Montessori School & Darby Vassall Upper School, Cambridge, MA

From schematic design through construction administration, our integrated Healthy Materials Work Plan guided every design decision for the 311,000-square-foot Tobin Montessori School & Darby Vassall Upper School. Faced with the complexity of managing more than 7,000 products, our team adopted a strategy that prioritized high-touch materials (surfaces and finishes in constant contact with students and staff) and high-quantity materials (products specified in large amounts with dramatic influence on overall project sustainability).

By collaborating closely with clients and consultants and leveraging research and advocacy, we identified and mitigated chemicals of concern in key specification areas (thermal and moisture protection, openings, finishes, and furnishings). This rigorous process resulted in the selection of some 180 healthier materials:

• 40% of specified products include Environmental Product Declarations

• 22% have Health Product Declarations

• 65% meet low-emission testing standards

• 22% are Red List Free

• 62% contribute to LEED v4.1 Material Credits

Identifying a nontoxic terrazzo option for high-traffic public spaces was a particularly challenging aspect of the project. Despite extensive research, a fully Red List Free solution remained elusive. However, our efforts, guided by our Healthy Materials Work Plan, led to the specification of a low-emitting alternative that met indoor air quality standards. This experience reinforces the challenge inherent in advancing material health: it is a dynamic, evolving process that requires ongoing innovation and market engagement.