Elements That Contribute to Healthy Building Design

"The elements that contribute to a healthy building are multifactorial and can be discussed from different perspectives. We present three viewpoints of designing a healthy building: the importance of sustainable development, the role of occupants for ensuring indoor air quality, and ongoing developments related to indoor finishes with low chemical emissions and good fungal resistance."


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Case Study: Building a Home for the Chemically Sensitive

In early 2007 Kevin and Kathy Christopherson set about building a home in Hanover, Wisconsin. This was no ordinary new home construction, though. Since Kathy has an acute chemical sensitivity, special precautions were necessary – precautions that presented particularly challenging construction issues.

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Designer pinpoints trends in green building

Sustainable Industries

"The term green-collar job has not yet been clearly defined, but it should also include manufacturing of green products and materials, research and development of the same, and green professional and trade skills related to the green economy."

Sustainable Industries: Designer Pinpoints Trends in Green Building

Green Building Saves Green.....

A new study "evaluated 27 affordable housing developments (containing a total of 1,640 homes) that have been built in accordance with the criteria, which establish standards similar to LEED. Researchers found that while building to green specifications costs an extra $4.52 per square foot, or $4,524 per house, on average, the lifetime energy and water savings from such upgrades amounts to $5.43 per square foot, or $4,851 per house. In other words, green has ROI (Return on Investment). The eco-friendly projects in the study were estimated to have a 17% internal rate of return, with green building costs typically recouped within eight years."

EPA Proposes Tightening Standards for Lead-Safe Renovation Practices and Lead Paint Dust to Protect Children

EPA Proposes Tightening Standards for Lead-Safe Renovation Practices and Lead Paint Dust to Protect Children

Scientists and OSHA investigate radioactive granite

Radioactive granite was a hot topic at a recent scientific symposium. A number of scientists presented data on gamma radiation and radon gas emitted from countertop granite. Silicon Valley industrial hygienist Linda Kincaid presented a case...Click

Insecticide insanity?

When Mortein brought out a more natural insecticide for use in the home, I thought it was a great thing. Mortein Naturgard is *based* on plant extracts called pyrethrins.

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Royal Adhesives and Sealants Launches LEED Compliant Gunther Mirror Mastic

Royal Adhesives and Sealants Launches LEED Compliant Gunther Mirror Mastic

Tomorrow's Energy Star Window

Tomorrow's Energy Star Window