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When we talk about sustainable housing, we rarely talk about how to prove that. The construction industry is one of the most polluting sectors on the planet. While both expensive and inefficient, it is responsible for up to 40% of global solid waste. Despite widespread talk of green building, real data is often hard to find. When we at Clearyst° partnered with Azure Printed Homes, which utilizes 3D printing and recycled plastic to redesign the homebuilding process, I was most interested in verifying whether the approach was truly sustainable. The age-old saying for sustainable planning is you can only manage what you measure. We sought a method to measure impact, make it repeatable, and withstand any scrutiny. We collaborated with Azure to create its first sustainability report, using the EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities as our guide. EU Taxonomy is one of the most widely recognized sustainability frameworks globally. Its framework includes six objectivesranging from climate mitigation to biodiversity protectionand requires companies to demonstrate how their operations contribute to these objectives, do not harm others, and meet minimum social safeguards. Its built for accountability. Therefore, we felt it was a very credible framework for Azure to lay the path for a sustainability roadmap. The framework and findings We applied this framework across Azures operations, and the findings offer a blueprint that other organizations can use to assess and improve their own sustainability efforts. Climate change mitigation Mitigating climate change involves reducing emissions at every stage of a buildings life cyclefrom materials to operations. Organizations evaluating their carbon footprint should examine both embedded emissions and operational energy use. Azures process uses 60% recycled plastic in a zero-waste, factory-controlled environment. We evaluated all of their 3D printed homes from floor to ceiling, finding they were fully insulated and reduced operational energy use. The homes can include optional solar panels, which perform well thanks to the tight building envelope. Compared to cement and lumber construction, Azure significantly lowered their embedded carbon footprint. Climate adaptation This objective considers how buildings withstand climate-related risks like storms, heatwaves and wildfires. Evaluating physical resilience is increasingly important for long-term planning and insurance. The process involves evaluating the structures ability to adapt to climate issues. In this case, Azure engineers its units to endure 150-mph winds, wildfires, and earthquakes. Roofs are printed directly with the walls, so they cant detach in hurricanes. The homes feature double-pane windows, fire-resistant coatings, and ventless cooling systems, meeting or exceeding Californias Chapter 7A code, which was designed for fire-prone zones. Water protection Sustainable construction should aim to reduce water usage, especially in areas facing drought or water stress. Reviewing factory water use and in-home fixtures is a good place to start. Traditional construction relies heavily on vast amounts of fresh water for concrete production, cleaning, and dust suppression. Azures process uses none. All homes are built in a dry factory environment, fitted inside with low-flow and energy-efficient fixtures. Circular economy A circular approach keeps materials in use and out of landfills. Applying this lens means examining waste streams and end-of-life options for all building components. We found that Azures entire structures can be recycled at the end of their life. Unlike conventional builds, there are no drywall scraps or framing offcuts. An average 2,000 square foot home build can generate up to 8,000 pounds of waste. Azure sends zero. Pollution prevention Construction sites are often major sources of air, noise, and chemical pollution. Evaluating production environments and material choices can highlight opportunities to reduce exposure and environmental harm. With Azure, factory-controlled production eliminates the air pollution typically associated with construction sites. Theres no diesel equipment, no dust clouds, no VOC off-gassing. The process relies on PETG plastic, which is selected partly because it avoids volatile compounds and shedding microplastics. Air quality in finished homes is higher than in traditional buildings. Biodiversity protection Protecting biodiversity includes avoiding practices that degrade natural habitats or deplete ecosystems. This may include material sourcing, site selection, and waste management. Using recycled materials reduces demand for virgin resources. Azure minimizes lumber use, thereby limiting deforestation risks. Also, every ton of plastic diverted from the landfill is one less threat to ecosystems. Social impact While not yet part of the EU Taxonomy, social equity is an emerging area of focus in sustainability reporting. Housing, access, and affordability are all essential components of a just transition. The Azure team collaborates with nonprofit organizations, such as Dignity Moves, to provide housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Their units can be produced for under $20,000 in as little as one week, compared to the $600,000 price tag and six-year build time typically associated with Los Angeles or San Francisco. Housing like this doesnt just reduce emissions, but reduces stress and restores dignity. Next steps The impact report wasnt just a means to report results; it provided Azure with a strategic roadmap. Were now prepared for full life cycle assessments and deeper emissions tracking across operations and products. Were also exploring how this approach can support future compliance with global regulations and sustainable finance standards. There is no shortage of innovation in housing right now, from prefabrication to bio-based materials. But innovation doesnt mean much unless we can measure its impact. The construction industry doesnt need more promises; it requires proof. Thats what we set out to provide. And for companies willing to do the work, the frameworks to do it already exist. Gene Eidelman is cofounder of Azure Printed Homes. Jamie Simon is the director of sustainability at Clearyst°.
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E-Commerce
Healthcare is evolving. Once confined to clinics and in-office appointmentshealthcare is now in our homes, routines, and daily choices. The shift towards accessible healthcare solutions, like over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, is empowering people to manage their health proactively. With 81% of adults using OTC medicines for minor ailments, this societal change saves physicians many hours each year, reducing the strain on healthcare systems. Despite increasing consumer interest in self-care, critical health categories like pain management, skin cancer, and more remain undertreated, underdiagnosed, and underpenetrated. The self-care revolution Consumers are increasingly investing in their health. In the U.S. alone, a staggering 82% of consumers consider health and wellness a leading priority in their lives, contributing to a $480 billion market. This clear sign shows that more people are actively taking charge of their well-being today to build a healthier future. Yet, accessibility gaps persist. Science and innovation must bridge this gapnot just through new formulations, but through better awareness, education, and application methods. Consumer-focused companies like ours are working to address this. The power of innovation Despite skin cancer diagnoses outnumbering all other cancers in the U.S., only 13.5% of adults wear sunscreen daily. Our research found that 99% of healthcare providers believe better application and aesthetics would boost sunscreen use. In response, our R&D teams at Neutrogena developed a new mineral formula that overcame these top consumer barriers with more UVA protection and less whitening compared to competitors, all while providing a lightweight, invisible finish. Our goal is to improve consumers willingness to wear sunscreen regularly, protecting their skin and health. While new innovations create a solution to the problem, education is what empowers consumers to pick it up in the aisle. For example, research shows a need for wider education about sun care in schools, so Neutrogena teamed up with Walgreens and the Melanoma Research Foundation to teach students and families the importance of sunscreen use. Programs like this help people understand how to practice preventative care, and its benefits as one of the most powerful tools in reducing health inequities. Where do we go from here? Consumer health companies can make a differencewhether through smarter skincare solutions, new pain relief technologies, or improved application methods. Here are three ways to do that. 1. Accessibility must be a priority, not an afterthought Despite advancements in OTC medicine, inaccessibility remains widespread. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 2 billion people lack reliable access to essential medications, such as acetaminophen in the pain care category. Beyond availability, consumers are also facing unique barriers based on their needs or stage of life. Despite many pain relief options being in pill form, people are often averse to swallowing pills for a variety of reasons ranging from general dislike to fear of choking. To make pain care accessible to more people, this unique need must be front and center in product development. Our Tylenol teams used this information and philosophy to develop products for several life stages, adding powder packs to make it easier for children to swallow, and a topical pain relief formation for those with skin discomfort Accessibility drove the creation to ensure that more people could get the relief they needed in a way that worked for them. 2. Sustainability is front and center Consumers today want products that not only enhance personal health but also minimize environmental impact. The future of consumer health is one where science works smarter, faster, and more sustainably, ensuring the well-being of people and the planet. As part of Kenvues approach, we developed an internal assessment tool, the Sustainable Innovation Profiler, which helps our product developers select more sustainable ingredients, packaging, and product formats. Integrating this capability into our innovation process should help us meet the rising expectations of consumers, retailers, and regulators, while building a more resilient and sustainable future and driving brand growth. 3. Collaboration is key to expanding everyday care No single company can solve the accessibility crisis alone. Partnerships between brands, healthcare providers, retailers, and policymakers are essential for meaningful impact. We do this by partnering with dermatologists, pediatricians, and public health organizations to identify care gaps and address misinformation. By meeting consumers wherever they areaisles, pharmacies, doctors offices, or onlinewe empower them to take charge of their health. To build a future with trusted, science-backed solutions for all, consumer health companies should place science in the service of accessibility, today and for generations to come. Caroline Tillett is chief scientific officer of Kenvue.
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E-Commerce
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement represents a transformative opportunity to reshape the landscape of public health in the United States. With chronic disease now widely recognized as a pressing public health crisis, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. The MAHA Commission has set the stage for a new era in health policy, and artificial intelligence can serve as a pivotal force in accelerating its impact. By integrating AI and centralized health data, MAHA can drive meaningful progress in nutrition and metabolic health, offering personalized and scientifically-backed solutions to combat chronic disease. Recent developments surrounding the regulation of synthetic food dyes signal a major milestone in American health policy. We are witnessing the first serious crack in the armor of the U.S. food industry. For decades, tens of millions of Americans have unknowingly consumed potentially harmful chemicals such as Yellow 5 and Red 40, dyes already restricted in Europe. The FDA’s decision to phase out these additives represents a meaningful shift toward a safer, more transparent food system. This is a critical and positive step forward: Food should nourish, not harm. As someone deeply committed to advancing health outcomes, I view this as a welcome and necessary correction. Dont politicize health While MAHA and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (RFK) have drawn both support and criticism, my focus remains clear: How do we improve health? On that front, I support any movement taking tangible steps to make our food supply healthier and more accountable. Historically, public health recommendations have been one-size-fits-all, often failing to address the individual metabolic and lifestyle factors that shape personal health outcomes. MAHA has the potential to change this paradigm by embracing AI-driven personalized medicine. AI can analyze vast datasets spanning dietary habits, genetic predispositions, and environmental exposures to generate tailored health recommendations that empower individuals to make optimal nutritional choices. I am opposed to the politicization of American health. It disproportionately harms the most vulnerable, particularly low-income communities, who already face significant barriers to accessing nutritious food. My focus is metabolic health, and our most urgent challenge is whats on our plates. The fact that more than 10,000 chemicals are permitted in the U.S. food supply, while only about 400 are allowed in Europe, is indefensible. This is not just a regulatory gap; it is a public health failure that must be addressed. No one has successfully challenged the U.S. food industry until now. Some states are proposing or adopting changes aligned with MAHA such as soda bans, dye eliminations, and ultra-processed food limits in schools, and some corporations like PepsiCo are eliminating food dyes from its products. Over half of U.S. states are introducing legislation to address synthetic dyes. With MAHAs clear intentions, any company that wants its food served in Americas largest restaurant chain (i.e. American school cafeterias), is asking themselves how they can realistically get dyes out of their foods. AI can help It is now widely acknowledged that diet plays a fundamental role in chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, which affect 133 million Americans. Despite this awareness, progress in addressing these issues has been slow. In addition to the important steps of improving school lunches and banning potentially harmful chemicals from foods, AI-powered tools can also be incorporated into preventive care in programs like Medicare wellness visits, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), school health education, and veteran services. AI tools can provide real-time insights into the metabolic effects of foods before consumption, enabling individuals to make healthier choices based on their unique health profiles. They can also create highly personalized plans and virtual coaches to help individuals reach their health goals. For AI to fulfill its potential, it must be fueled by centralized, comprehensive health data. A unified data repository that aggregates nutritional information, health metrics, and environmental factors across diverse communities is essential. This centralized approach enhances the accuracy and responsiveness of AI algorithms, ensuring that health recommendations evolve in tandem with emerging scientific research. Realizing this vision will require close collaboration between government agencies, private-sector innovators, and healthcare and technology experts. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, especially under leaders like Michael Kratsios, can partner with Silicon Valleys AI leaders to set new standards for data-driven health policy. Together, we can ensure AI-driven insights are accessible to all Americans. We are living through a rare window of possibility. As RFK Jr. and MAHA work to improve our food system and as AI becomes a force multiplier for health equity, we have the tools to take real action. The removal of food dyes is only the beginning. The real test for all of us, including MAHA, is whether we can also address the larger crises of ultra-processed food, excess sugar, and nutritional inequality. The future of public health depends not on ideological battles, but on constructive action. Lets focus on what matters: addressing the root cause, rather than just treating chronic disease, and improving the health span of all Americans. Noosheen Hashemi is founder of January AI.
Category:
E-Commerce
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