Promoting Healthy Homes
Source: www.sensiblehouse.org/images/sensmain.jpg
Defining green building and its components
Local case studies Why green building is important Toxins found in the home Problem areas and green solutions for
each room in your home What you can do tomorrow
What is Green Building?
• A method of building that: Reduces the ecological footprint – the
amount of resources needed to produce energy, water, and materials used to construct and operate buildings.
Provides economic benefits and a healthier environment both inside and outside the building.
LEED standards1. Sustainable site
development2. Water savings 3. Energy efficiency4. Materials selection5. Indoor environmental
quality
Sustainable Site
Development
Energy Efficiency
Indoor Air Quality
Water Savings
Materials Selection
East Cambridge Super-
insulated High efficiency
Energy Star windows, doors, appliances, lighting and water heating systems
Source: http://bostongreenbuilding.com/
Winter Hill in Somerville Historic
preservation 92% efficient
central heating and cooling
High performance insulation
Energy Star windows, doors, appliances
Source: http://bostongreenbuilding.com/
Prospect Hill in Somerville VOC-free
paints Energy Star
rated FSC framing
lumber Bamboo
flooring Recycled
content decking and railings
Source: http://bostongreenbuilding.com/
Climate Change• 38% of CO2 emissions
High energy costs and need to reduce dependence on foreign oil.• Over 1/5 of America’s energy
Toxic interiors • 90% of our lives are spent indoors
Dwindling water supplies Green choices are becoming
more and more affordable
Lead Mercury Asbestos Mold Nitrogen dioxide Volatile organic carbons
• Formaldehyde Radon Others (household
cleaners, pesticides)
Source: http://data.getafreelancer.com/project/64745/housediagram.jpg
Countertops
Cabinets
Flooring Recycle
Cleaners
BAKING SODA • All-purpose, non-toxic cleaner.
BORAX • Deodorizes, removes stains and
boosts the cleaning power of soap. PURE SOAP
• cleans everything. WASHING SODA
• Cuts grease and disinfects. VINEGAR
• Removes mildew, stains, grease and wax build-up. LEMON JUICE
• Cuts through grease and stains on aluminum and porcelain. CORNSTARCH
• Cleans and deodorizes carpets and rugs. TABLE SALT
• Mild disinfectant and makes an abrasive, but gentle scouring.
Paint
Hardwood flooring
Upholstered furniture
Windows
Mattress
Carpeting
Wallpaper
Plumbing
Flooring
Delta Water-Amplifying Shower Head ($13 at Home Depot; 36% water savings)
Adhesives
Drywall, lumber, insulation
Suspended ceiling tiles
NOTE:Homeowner – Give a material-specific list to your builderBuilder – List ALL materials that you want, no changes or substitutions.
Heating Walls
Test for Radon
Roofing
Walls
Doors
Lawn care
Compost Bins retail for between $60 and $100, but are available to residents of communities that receive grants at subsidized prices of between $25 and $35 each.
Recycle (and buy recycled) Do not automatically disinfect,
and use green cleaning products
Let in the fresh air Look for VOC-free,
Formaldehyde-free paints and building products
Control moisture to prevent mold
Use sustainable wood products
Green homes need
green people
For more information from the Lowell Green Building Commission:• Visit: http://greenbuilding.lowellma.gov/ • Contact: Aaron Clausen, City of Lowell
Phone: 978-446-7200 ext.1422Email: [email protected]
For more information on toxics and TURI:• Visit: www.turi.org/community• Contact: Joy Onasch , TURI
Phone: 978-934-4343Email: [email protected]