Endicott College
IN-24: Innovation A

The Office of Sustainability has a focus on Climate and Health. In addition to leading energy projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions the Office is working to improve healthier materials on campus through new construction projects and a partnership with procurement. Due to recent state fire code changes it is no longer a requirement to purchase furniture with added chemical flame retardants in sprinklered areas. The College is starting with furniture and ensuring that vendors are providing products that meet the Healthier Hospitals Initiative Healthier Interior (HHI) (http://www.healthierhospitals.org/hhi-challenges/safer-chemicals). We will be exploring flooring and other products that are going into our buildings to remove unnecessary added chemicals of concern (https://www.sixclasses.org/) to improve indoor air quality and the health and well-being of our community. Measurable outcomes up to date include the following at the College's four most recent construction/renovation projects: 22% of total dollars spent on furniture for all projects was spent on furniture that meets HHI guidelines; 42% of total pieces of all furniture meet HHI guidelines; Myrt Harper Rose Hall (academic building to residence hall conversion): 94% of furniture pieces meet HHI guidelines; LSB Addition (new construction): 42% of furniture pieces meet HHI guidelines; Writing & Tutoring Center (renovation): 92% of furniture pieces meet HHI guidelines; Wax Academic Center (new construction): 29% of furniture pieces meet HHI guidelines.