# Healthy Concrete Practices for Better Building

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/05/healthy-concrete-practices-for-better-building/
- Published: 2013-05-06T16:49:22-04:00
- Author: greenguruguides

## Panel Opens With Google’s Healthy Materials Focus

A panel at the International Concrete Sustainability Conference in San Francisco
turned the spotlight on Google’s Healthy Materials Program. Anthony Ravitz, Google’s
Green Team Lead for Real Estate and Workplace Services, explained their method. 
Google maintains a vetted list of healthier building products. They share that list
with vendors and manufacturers. This pushes suppliers to reveal ingredients and 
remove harmful chemicals. Ravitz said, “Transparency drives innovation.” He noted
that cleaner materials improve both employee health and environmental impact.

## Concrete’s Green Potential

The conversation shifted to concrete. Panelists acknowledged its carbon-heavy production
process. Yet, they argued concrete can still support green design. They highlighted
three strategies:

 1. Adding supplementary materials like fly ash or slag.
 2. Using carbon capture tech in cement production.
 3. Designing long-lasting, energy-efficient concrete structures.

They said these tactics can cut carbon emissions and boost building resilience.

![Sustainable open-plan office with exposed concrete walls, polished concrete floors,
large windows, lush indoor plants, and employees at low-emission, healthy-materials
workstations.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/7C17E62C-
C4D8-4956-ABEE-B654C7AF6DE3.png?resize=736%2C491&quality=50&ssl=1)

Modern sustainable office with concrete design elements and Google-inspired healthy
materials.

### Voluntary Standards Boost Healthier Buildings

Speakers urged companies to use voluntary certification programs. They cited LEED
and WELL as useful guides. These systems help select low-toxicity materials, improve
air flow, and bring in natural light. They also tie healthier spaces to better employee
well‑being and lower costs.

### Economic Advantages of Healthy Spaces

Panelists stressed the business benefits of healthier buildings. Cleaner, greener
workplaces help companies attract top talent. They also meet rising tenant demand
for eco-friendly spaces. Real estate managers can charge more for certified, well‑
being‑focused buildings. The panel agreed: industry-wide collaboration, innovation,
and transparency are essential. These elements will scale healthier building practices
and benefit people and planet alike.

Sources

 1. Google Healthy Materials Program – Workplace Services (with transparency focus)
 2. International Concrete Sustainability Conference 2013 overview

— For more information visit:

[http://www.concretesustainabilityconference.org/sanfrancisco/](http://www.concretesustainabilityconference.org/sanfrancisco/)

Source [U.S. Concrete](https://web.archive.org/web/20180717124635/https://www.us-concrete.com/)

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