Low socio-economic populations are disproportionately impacted from the negative health impacts associated with buildings materials due to increased exposure to toxic materials in their homes, jobs, and environment. According to Toxic Free Future, pollution sources and contaminated sites are concentrated in BIPOC communities and toxic exposures add to other stressors, such as poverty and racial discrimination. Side x Side is committed to working towards environmental equity and justice by using and advocating for non-toxic architectural materials that support healthier, more sustainable futures in underserved communities. We believe that well designed and constructed living environments can support healing from the inside-out.
(Pictured above: Construction of White Center HUB, a 4-story multi-family housing structure with 76 affordable units with a community building. WCHUB's design team includes a palette of easy to maintain and healthy materials. The community building is home to many social supportive services and will be LEED Silver certified.)
