What is a green and healthy home

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to

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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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)

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


Water

• Structured plumbing

• Greywater systems to reuse non-potable water.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


Furnishings

• Reduce clutter

• Only own what you love

• Let it be made of natural, non-toxic

materials

Laura Catanzaro

and

ways to


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.

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What is a green and healthy home