A strategic opportunity to strengthen partnerships and reinforce our leadership in healthier indoor environments
From The Ireland Funds National Gala to Enterprise Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Economic Program, these engagements underscored the critical role of our Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program in advancing healthier living and working spaces worldwide.
The Ireland Funds National Gala: Strengthening Our Alliances
One of the most prestigious gatherings of the week was The Ireland Funds National Gala, attended by our CEO, Dr. John McKeon, and key leaders in health, sustainability, and policy. The event provided an important platform to discuss the intersection of indoor air quality, building standards, and public health with influential decision-makers.
ASL’s presence at the Gala was marked by discussions with two key partners:
- Kenny Mendez, CEO & President of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
AAFA is a long-standing partner in the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, which helps consumers identify healthier products that contribute to improved indoor air quality. Our collaboration with AAFA continues to drive awareness, research, and policy initiatives that prioritize the health of individuals with asthma and allergies.
We were also delighted to confirm that the AAFA team will be visiting ASL’s headquarters in Dublin this April. This visit will further strengthen our partnership, allowing for deeper collaboration on certification, research, and advocacy initiatives to support healthier indoor environments globally.
- Dr. Whitney Austin Gray, Senior Vice President, International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
Through IWBI’s WELL Building Standard, our Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® products are recognized for their contribution to healthier indoor environments. Resilient and textile flooring, paint, and insulation products that are Certified by the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program are compliant with WELL Feature X06 Part 1b4.
Having these key stakeholders together in D.C. reinforced the growing impact of ASL’s work in indoor environmental health, building design, and consumer trust.
Dr. John McKeon, Dr. Whitney Austin Gray, Kenny Mendez and Jim Flood
Enterprise Ireland St. Patrick’s Economic Program: Expanding Business Opportunities
During our St. Patrick’s Day Mission ASL also engaged in critical conversations at the Enterprise Ireland St. Patrick’s Economic Program 2025, which focused on scaling businesses, investment, and international growth.
A key takeaway from this event was the importance of strategic partnerships in expanding global market opportunities for our certification clients. Many of the discussions centered around:
- Access to capital for scaling businesses – vital for manufacturers of certified products looking to expand into new regions.
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) strategies for MedTech and life sciences – relevant to the evolving indoor health market.
- Regulatory insights on navigating the U.S. and global markets – aligning our certification standards with sustainable and health-driven policies.
Our Certification Program already serves global manufacturers seeking recognition in major building projects, and these discussions highlighted the increasing demand for health-verified products in the built environment.
Research Ireland & National Science Foundation Collaboration: The Science Behind Healthier Spaces
Another significant milestone during the week was the extended five-year partnership between Research Ireland and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This collaboration reinforces the importance of scientific research in shaping industry standards, which is central to ASL’s mission.
The agreement—signed in Washington, D.C.—will enhance transatlantic engagement in research and enterprise, particularly in health and sustainability. As a company dedicated to evidence-based product testing and certification, ASL sees this as a crucial step in ensuring that indoor air quality remains a key consideration in future building innovations.
Dr. Ciaran Seoighe and Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan
Why the St. Patrick’s Day Mission Matters for ASL’s Clients and Partners
ASL’s time in Washington, D.C., reinforced the role that Certified products play in the global movement towards healthier buildings. Our conversations with AAFA, IWBI, and leading business figures highlighted several key trends:
- Global Expansion of Healthier Building Standards
The demand for low-emission, scientifically validated materials is growing. Our Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification provides manufacturers with a pathway to inclusion in WELL and LEED-certified projects—a critical advantage in the construction and renovation sectors.
- Stronger Industry Partnerships for Healthier Homes and Workplaces
From policy discussions to business collaborations, it is clear that indoor environmental health is moving higher up the agenda in architecture, real estate, and consumer goods. ASL is well-positioned to support businesses in meeting these evolving standards.
- Scientific Research and Product Innovation
With research collaborations expanding through NSF and Research Ireland, the next decade will see new opportunities for product innovation, material science, and indoor health solutions—all areas where ASL is actively driving change.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Our Global Impact
The past 10 days in Washington, D.C., were a powerful reminder that collaboration is key to advancing healthier buildings, homes, and workplaces. Whether through industry partnerships, scientific research, or certification standards, ASL remains committed to leading the way in health-focused innovation.
With AAFA, IWBI, and other key partners, we continue to support manufacturers, architects, and businesses in delivering healthier environments for all.
For companies looking to align with leading global standards, our certification program provides a trusted pathway to impact.
Key Words
St. Patrick’s Day Mission, National Gala, Ireland Funds, AAFA, LEED, WELL certified, environment, air quality, asthma, health, allergies, allergens, healthy home, third party certification, standards, indoor environment, Kenny Mendez, Whitney Austin Gray, policy, strategy, economic programme
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