what is a green and healthy home
TRANSCRIPT
Laura Catanzaro
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www.livingstructures.net
What is a Green and Healthy Home?
One that is sustainable and healthy for both the individual
and the Planet.
• Energy efficient.
• Built with durable, non-toxic and renewable
materials.
• Planned functionally, with an optimal layout for
the users, and is of modest size.
• Takes full advantage of natural light and
orientation.
• Physically and emotionally supportive
for those who live there.
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Context: Location and Orientation
•Natural topography and the lay of the land such as green spaces, trees, water,
yards, gardens are formgivers to the
space.
•There is urbanity (vs. suburbanity) and its efficiencies—with
public transit, vibrant retail and commercial
activity, public amenities, and both a
diverse and unique character to the
community.
• A sense of “Place” that make it desirable to
sustain.
Arboretum
Jamaica Pond
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Place and Solar Orientation
•Where we are in relationship to the sun, wind and water can determine the quality of our experience, our views, our “gaze”.
•Urban planning: can “front of street” follow orientation?
H1
H2
H1H2
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Renewable Energy
•Consider renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic,
solar hot water, geo-thermal and wind.
•Incorporate passive solar features, orienting within 15o of true south.
•Control light--overhangs protect siding, allow solar heat gain through windows,
and also can reduce cooling loads.
•Design for natural cooling and air flow with light shelves, transom windows and
the shade of trees.
(Wood)
(Fire)
(Earth)
(Air/Metal)
(Water)
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Landscaping
•For lower carbon diet, grow food as a part of the house (rooftop
gardens).
•Landscape with native species that require no irrigation once mature or
group plants with similar water needs
• Consider a meadow rather than a lawn
• Use permeable materials on the lot to retain water run-off
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Building Materials and MethodsDurable, non-toxic and
renewable materials used intelligently.
•Use FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified lumber and advanced framing.
•Use resourceful methods such as
modular construction.
• Renovate in preference to building new.
•US construction and building energy use account for over
47% of all CO2 emissions.
Advanced Framing
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Air-Sealing •Seal ducts and weather-strip at openings to
address energy, moisture and condensation issues.
•Understand the stack effect, thermal
bridging/thermal breaks and thermal
mass.
•“Build it tight, ventilate it right”.
Provide code required make-up air
for combustion devices.
ducts
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Diagnostics and Testing“Build it Tight, Ventilate it
Right”. •Air-changes are crucial to health and well-being.
Use heat recovery ventilation systems in tight new construction.
•Address drainage plane, moisture and humidity
issues.
SIPS HouseBlower Door
Infrared Imagery Heat Recvovery Ventilation Triple Glazed Window
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Insulation •Install insulation in attic and walls (but not
fiberglass w/formaldehyde).
•Install Energy Star labeled windows with
low “Low-E glass”.
•Sequence renovations so that they don’t
stress you too much emotionally and
physically.
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Energy and Carbon Emissions
•Correctly size the heating system to ensure
household comfort and energy efficiency.
•Plan in switches and power strips for “phantom
loads”.
•Install Energy Star appliances and programmable thermostats.
•Use fans rather than AC, but don’t keep them on when not in the room.
•Use compact fluorescent light bulbs or LED’s.
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Water •Filter drinking water (and
reduce use of plastic bottles).
•Reuse rain water with catchment systems and rain
barrels.
•Conserve with low flow, dual flush and composting toilets
(Clivus Multrum) and waterless urinals.
Faucet Aerator
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Water
• Structured plumbing
• Greywater systems to reuse non-potable water.
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Outdoor/Indoor•Overhang at entry for weather
resistance, comfort, durability and convenience.
•Track off area and mats to reduce concentrations of outdoor pollutants
getting indoors.
Step up
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Pesticides and Cleaning Supplies
•Central vacuum cleaners remove irritants best. Avoid wall to wall
carpets.
•Make spaces easy to clean throughout. Choose natural cleaning
products, or make your own.
•Select the least toxic pesticides and use “integrated pest management” techniques or natural pesticides.
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Indoor Environmental Quality
•Address any potential hazards in your indoor
environment, particularly those that originate in basements such as:
moisture, carbon monoxide (and combustion products)
mold, lead, asbestos, radon. Install carbon monoxide detectors.
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Design--Layout and Space Planning
• Make the most functional use of the space you already have and locate your furnishings
optimally, according the way you really live and use your rooms. Consider natural light and
update your floor-plan.
•Open plans are great, but nooks, crannies, window seats and “psychic space” with doors and acoustic insulation in partitions, is very comforting.
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Indoor Air Quality •Vent kitchens stoves (and clothes dryers)
properly
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) is affected by source
materials like floor and wall finishes, furniture and cabinet materials,
glues and caulks.
•Use formaldehyde free materials for cabinets: replace or seal particle board, MDF (medium
density fiberboard) and interior grade plywood
•Reduce, reuse and recycle
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Finishes •Use low VOC paints, varnishes, flooring. Vinyl is “evil” but find the right
balance.
•Avoid synthetic carpets with adhesives and
backing. Use alternatives—cork,
bamboo or linoleum.
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Electromagnetic Fields• Don’t live near or under transmission towers or
major power lines.
• Make sure that your house is wired to code
and all circuits are properly grounded.
• Move clock radios away from your head! Put
some distance between you and high voltage
outlets (220v) including circuit breaker boxes.
• Dimmer switches emit higher EMFs than regular
switches.
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The Bedroom•The bed frame should be made with natural,
non-conductive materials such as
wood. Metals should be avoided, including in
the box spring.
• Mattress and bedding can be natural rubber,
wool or cotton.
• Consider acoustics, natural light (U.V.), and
environmentally friendly fabrics.
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Furnishings
• Reduce clutter
• Only own what you love
• Let it be made of natural, non-toxic
materials
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Design, Renovations, Consultations
Come talk to us about a green renovation, an addition, or a healthy home consultation.
The knowledge you’ll receive will improve your projects and
help them pay back for themselves.