Page 37 - Green Builder Nov-Dec 2020 Issue
P. 37
THE STATE OF
SUSTAINABLE
BUILDING 2021
homes, which was surging before pandemic
and exploding now, is not only easy to com-
municate, it’s incredibly bankable for build-
ing professionals.”
IN WITH THE GOOD,
OUT WITH THE BAD
When it comes to designing, building,
and remodeling healthy homes, Rashkin
emphasizes:
Source control: Making sure that all prod-
ucts, materials, surfaces, furniture and
cleaning products brought into a home
are non-toxic and will not continue to
leech chemicals into the air for years (also
known as “o-gassing”).
Containment of containment: Cleaning
surfaces regularly and making sure a
home has proper ltration systems, ven-
tilation and fresh air exchange.
Rashkin believes that proactive indoor air
quality (IAQ) systems—ones with sensors in
front to monitor toxins, dust, temperature,
humidity, CO , and volatile organic com- Clean air-minded. Nearly 7 of 8 prospective homeowners will pay more for a residence that can better
2
pounds (VOCs)—and proactively turn on protect against viruses, germs and other toxins, according to COGNITION Smart Data. CREDIT: KRIZZDAPAUL ISTOCK
ventilation fans, range hoods and Energy
Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) when those
elements are sensed, are the future of IAQ. Pandemic-Proofed Home
That view is shared by Rashkin’s col-
league, Aaron Johnson, environmental pro- New design approaches and product specification decisions are emerging to
tection specialist at the U.S. Environmental virus-proof homes, including:
Protection Agency (EPA). “IAQ is eclipsing Minimalist designs with light, openness and ventilation strategies for fresh air exchange and filtered air
energy eciency in terms of the top area of Minimal decoration and clutter to fight against dust and grime
consumer interest,” Johnson notes. Terraces, balconies, rooftop gardens and windows to enhance connection with nature
He asserts that IAQ improvements can be Broad integration of touchless technologies like voice-activated doors and elevators, hands-free light
made virtually anywhere in the home dur- switches and cellphone room entry
ing any new construction or retrot proj- Increased specification of bidets, sensor faucets, anti-microbial surfaces, fabrics, paint, and materials
ect. “There is a whole frontier waiting to be Onsite food production, greenhouses, and hydroponic growing appliances to ensure food security
explored by builders and contractors who Flex spaces that allow for working and schooling from home
want to integrate products that meet IAQ SOURCE: COGNITION SMART DATA
requirements,” Johnson says.
But when it comes to having the air
quality improvements made, Rashkin and
Johnson warn buyers to beware. “It’s kind of THE VALUE OF CLEAN AIR in the quality of their indoor air and less con-
like the Wild West in terms of IAQ products There are no disagreements on that state- cerned about IAQ problems in their homes
right now because there is no certication or ment from consumers. According to a recent than owners of non-green homes. And,
labeling,” Rashkin asserts. “Consumers who COGNITION Smart Data survey, consumers among homeowners, 85 percent of survey
are interested in products that eectively are connecting to health more now than they respondents said they would pay more for
improve and address IAQ need to make did before the pandemic. Owners of green healthy home.
sure that a product’s claims are legitimate.” homes, however, were much more condent The survey also notes that consumer
www.greenbuildermedia.com November/December 2020 GREEN BUILDER 35
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