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: AClausen@lowellma.gov

For more information on toxics and TURI:• Visit: www.turi.org/community• Contact: Joy Onasch , TURI

Phone: 978-934-4343Email: joy@turi.org