Our longtime executive director Michael Conn has decided to retire and pass the torch at the end of November, and I have been named incoming director. I am deeply grateful to the Building Biology Institute’s Board of Directors for their trust and support throughout this transition—and to Michael, with whom I have worked closely over the last 10 years, most recently as director of programs. In collaboration with our incredible staff, board, instructors, and volunteers, Michael oversaw the Institute’s dramatic growth—focusing on increasing professionalism, and the depth and breadth of our courses and certifications. We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude and I wish him good luck with his next adventures. Please see our Board of Director’s official press release for more on our organizational changes.
The Institute continues to evolve to serve the needs of building biology professionals and the public in a world of ever-increasing exposure to electromagnetic radiation and other environmental toxins. Our mission is more critical than ever. To that end, here are some exciting developments that are on the horizon:
- We continue to work with Dr. Sharon Goldberg, MD on rolling out the first of its kind Clinical Electromagnetics Collaborative. This international organization’s primary mission is to increase the number of EMF-literate health practitioners and medical experts in the US and Canada and connect patients with health-care providers. Click here for more information or to see how you can contribute.
- Our experts continue to develop new courses, including the long-awaited follow-up to our Designing a Kitchen for Wellness course. Maintaining a Kitchen for Wellness will roll out sometime in the new year. Keep an eye on EcoDwell for more information.
- In the spring or summer of 2025 (exact dates TBD), we will hold our first IBE 311: Indoor Environmental Quality Tools Methodologies weekend seminar, led by our in-house IEQ experts Stephen Collette, BBEC, BBNC, LEED AP, CAHP, BSS; and Cathy Cooke, BBEC, EMRS, BCHN, CRMI. This two-day seminar includes small group labs and large equipment demonstrations involving an assortment of IEQ meters, tools, and samplers to give each student a broad understanding of the vital aspects of an IEQ inspection. You must have previously attended our IBE 211: IEQ seminar, or otherwise demonstrate existing proficiency and knowledge of IEQ issues, inspections, and mitigation.
- Our various volunteer committees, Board of Directors, staff, and instructors are working hard to provide new opportunities and support for our students and graduates, create lasting partnerships with other like-minded organizations, and ensure that our educational materials always reflect the most current science.
To use an oft-quoted cliché, the best is yet to come. Please join us on this journey as a student, financial supporter, member, or cheerleader.
The Building Biology Institute is really a collaborative dialogue between like-minded people who want to change the world for the better. I look forward to hearing from you.
Erik Rosen