Tara Blank

Tara Blank

PhD, LEED Green Associate
Tara Blank
Owner and Founder

Tara Blank has a doctorate in biology, with an emphasis in environmental toxicology. She has worked closely with architects, sustainable design professionals, scientists, and environmental advocates on various projects. Tara currently serves as Chair of the Content Inventory Technical Sub-Group, and as an active member of the Third-Party Verification Technical Sub-Group for the Health Product Declaration Collaborative. With her exceptional attention to detail and years of experience managing large volumes of data, you can trust that Tara will work closely with your company to produce the highest quality HPDs for your building products.

Take One Of My Online Course(s) Now!

Better Building Materials

This one hour course will empower project teams and design professionals to take leading roles in using materials selection to promote human health and protect the environment.

  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
$35.00
Better Building Materials: Part 2

Materials make the built environment possible, and collectively, the effects of millions of materials choices have massive consequences for the ecosystem and human health at local, regional, and global scales. Selecting materials with desirable human health and environmental attributes that deliver comparable or improved function, durability, and maintainability—has always been an important component of green building.

  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
$35.00
Building Vitality: Equitable Development in LEED v4.1

Many low-income communities have sites that are vacant or underutilized because of perceived stigmas or economic barriers. Building a project on a high-priority redevelopment site can revitalize the neighborhood and bring social and economic benefits to the surrounding community. In this course we explain how to achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C High-Priority Site and Equitable Development credit. Our team discusses how the redevelopment of contaminated sites can improve environmental health.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Chronicles of LEED - Strategies and Outcomes

Join us for an inspiring journey as we explore real-world examples of LEED certified projects that are reshaping our built environment and combating climate change. Through a series of captivating case studies, you'll discover how innovative strategies are dramatically reducing energy and water consumption, creating healthier and more productive spaces for occupants, and paving the way for a more sustainable future. From towering skyscrapers to university centers, each project tells a unique story of environmental stewardship.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific O+M
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Culinary Creations: Designing A LEED Kitchen

Sustainable kitchen design encompasses environmental, health, and social considerations. In this course, we explore innovative approaches that prioritize energy efficiency, the use of healthy materials, and the enhancement of overall well-being. As the demand for eco-friendly living spaces continues to rise, design professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of kitchen design. Our team discusses LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C strategies that can help design professionals create healthier and more sustainable kitchen spaces for building occupants.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Dark Sky Design: Light Pollution Reduction in LEED v4.1

A century ago, everyone could look up and see a spectacular starry night sky. Now, millions of people across the planet will never experience the majestic night sky where they live. The widespread use of artificial light at night is not only impairing our view of the universe, it negatively affects our environment, our safety, our energy consumption, and our health. Light pollution creates an abundance of environmental problems. Wildlife species that hunt or forage at night may be unable to feed.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific O+M
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Essential Ecosystems: LEED v4.1 Protect or Restore Habitat Credit

Protecting wildlife and preserving it for future generations is critical. Our planet desperately needs to be safeguarded, with climate change already wreaking havoc on our natural environment. In this course, we describe how to achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C Protect or Restore Habitat credit and reduce environmental impacts for building sites. We explore how design professionals can preserve high-quality native ecosystems, including their soils, native vegetation, sensitive species habitat, wildlife corridors, and hydrology.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Low-Emitting Materials For LEED v4.1 Projects

In this course, we explore strategies to improve indoor air quality and how to achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C EQ Low-Emitting Materials credit. In addition, we review the applicable requirements such as (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2–2017. Finally, we discuss how buildings with excellent indoor environmental quality protect the health of building occupants.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Mindful Specifications: Using HPDs For LEED v4.1 Projects

In this course, we explore how Health Product Declarations (HPDs) contribute to the LEED v4.1 rating system. Our team discusses how design professionals can achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C Material Ingredients credit. In addition, we review the HPD Open Standard and discuss how it can influence design professionals to make healthier material selections for buildings.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Navigating the Uncharted: Esoteric LEED Credits Demystified

Have you ever wondered about the untapped potential of esoteric design strategies in shaping the future of sustainable architecture? What design strategies are innovators, disruptors, and mavericks using to advance sustainable design? In this course we explore uncommon LEED v4.1 BD+C pilot credits and review how projects may register for pilot credits and pilot ACPs. Finally, we examine strategies that diverge from the status quo and help design professionals think out of the box to explore new ideas about sustainable design.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
RoadMap To Success: LEED Case Studies

Imagine this scenario: skyscrapers that breathe sustainability, neighborhoods that pulsate with community vibrancy, and cities that hum with innovation. This is the future we envision. Through a captivating blend of in-depth case studies, insightful analyses of proven practices, and visionary examination of cutting-edge ideas, we'll uncover strategies to transform the built environment using LEED. From pioneering sustainable infrastructure to office renovations, every lesson is a step closer to unlocking the potential of our cities.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Sounds of Silence: Acoustic Performance in LEED v4.1

Noise can negatively affect human health and productivity in the workplace. Poor acoustic performance can critically affect learning in schools and impact healing at healthcare facilities. It is imperative that design professionals balance acoustical design strategies when planning systems and indoor spaces. In this presentation, we discuss the intent and requirements for the LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C Credit: Acoustic Performance and how they can help building occupants.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Sourcing of Raw Materials For LEED v4.1

In this course, we explain how to achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C MR: Sourcing of Raw Materials credit and how to specify environmentally friendly building materials. We review FSC certification, recycled content, and how bio-based materials could change the future of construction.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific O+M
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
The Pursuit of Healthy Spaces: Optimizing EQ For LEED v4.1

In this course, we review the intent and applications for prerequisites and credits for the LEED v4.1 BD+C EQ category. We discover strategies to designing healthier spaces by improving indoor environmental quality for occupants. We discuss how indoor environmental quality can improve human health and well-being, worker productivity, and occupant comfort.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Through the Looking Glass: Quality Views in LEED v4.1

Building occupants who can visually connect with outdoor environments while performing everyday tasks experience greater satisfaction, attentiveness, and productivity. In healthcare facilities, providing patients with views and access to nature can shorten hospital stays and reduce stress, depression, and the use of pain medication. Designing for quality views involves consideration of building orientation and site design, facade, and interior layout.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific ID+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
Water Use Reduction in LEED v4.1

In this course, we explain how design professionals can achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C Indoor Water Use Reduction Prerequisite. We discuss strategies to help reduce potable water use in buildings such as specifying WaterSense labeled products. In addition, our team discusses challenges regarding the nation’s water supply and the need to update water infrastructure.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$45.00
WELLv2: Advancing Human Health and Well-Being

In this presentation, we explore the WELL Building Standard and how it can advance human health and well-being. WELL v2 is an evidence-based, technically robust, resilient rating system that can help design professionals create inspiring and healthy buildings. Our team discusses the ten concepts of WELL v2 and performance testing that can help improve occupant health. We examine WELL certified projects and their attributes that make them healthy buildings. This introductory course is aimed at design professionals who want a basic overview of the WELL Building Standard.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 GBCI General Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
$35.00