Green Buildings/Health

BACKGROUND FACTS:

 An increasing number of builders and consumers are recognizing not only the energy-efficiency but also the health-related benefits of green buildings. General environmental concerns that are considered in green building design include energy efficiency, building materials used, water quality, and indoor air quality.

 There are a variety of programs across the United States that certify new and existing homes, and/or rate homes as a function of their energy efficiency, sustainable design, and health-related features.

 The number of homes built to "green" specifications is increasing each year. "Green" certified homes typically have improved IAQ due to well-sealed duct systems, sealed combustion gas appliances, control of ventilation, high quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, fresh air intake, and use of interior building materials that reduce sources of indoor pollution.

 On the national level, the Energy Star Qualified Homes program qualifies homes based on a variety of energy efficiency measures, but these homes also have great potential to affect health. Energy Star Homes have tightly sealed ducts that improve IAQ by reducing the intake of dust, pollen, and pollution from unconditioned spaces. Energy Star Homes also have improved insulation that maintains more consistent temperatures and increases comfort, and offers tight construction that reduces drafts, noise, and moisture (that can contribute to the growth of mold). In fact, EPA has recently developed specifications to recognize homes equipped with a comprehensive set of IAQ measures. Homes that comply with these specifications can use "Indoor Air Package" as a supplementary label to Energy Star for homes.

 A good example of a local certification program is Built Green Colorado, the largest green building program in the nation. The Built Green Checklist emphasizes the importance of a variety of health and safety measures such as meeting the American Lung Association's Health House standards, installing a whole-house HEPA filter, and installing a radon mitigation system.
 

Built Green Colorado: Benefits of Owning a Built Green Home

Built Green Colorado: Environmental Features and Benefits

Energy Star: What are Energy Star Qualified New Homes

Energy Star: Tight Ducts

Energy Star: Tight Construction