Buildings can make us sick or keep us well. Diseases and toxins course through indoor spaces, making us ill. Meanwhile, better air quality and light levels improve productivity. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has us focused more than ever on indoor air quality, Healthy Buildings shows how much we have to gain from human-centered design.

It is widely acknowledged that there is an urgent need to transform our housing stock to a better energy performance level. However, improving energy performance should not result in a negative impact on the health, wellbeing and the comfort of building occupants. There are many energy-neutral features that can be incorporated at small or zero cost which have a positive effect on wellbeing. This book aims to outline and discuss these aspects of building design. The issue of health and wellbeing has already entered into design advice for the workplace, where productivity and absenteeism are often used as indicators. This book concentrates on residential buildings, notably mass housing and affordable strategies, for which new, more socially and health-oriented indicators are being developed. Provides practical design guidance based on scientific evidence Explores both physical and psychological wellbeing Focuses on the home and immediate domestic environment Structured in an accessible way for architects and designers.

With indoor air pollution at its worst, and many of us spending more time in our own homes, this interior design guide will help you create calm, social, and comfortable spaces. Let leading sustainability architect, Oliver Heath, give you all the practical solutions you need to transform your space for physical and mental wellbeing. Inside the pages of this home decor book, you’ll discover how to detoxify your home by making small changes. It includes: • 100 tried and tested, research-based design ideas to support your health and wellbeing in even the smallest of spaces • Stylish, fun, and affordable home design tips based on the latest research in sustainable, biophilic design You're never going to be able to control the environment in the grocery store or your office, but your home is a completely different story. You are in charge of your living space, so why not make it as healthy as can be? Based on the latest evidence and research in wellbeing and biophilic design, this practical guide will show you how to create a restorative and nurturing environment - no matter the size of your space. The ideas and solutions included in this book have been devised with easy implementation in mind. Optimize lighting in your home by using reflective surfaces for a brighter space, follow a ventilation checklist to replenish the air in your home and remove pollutants, or unlock the powers of a tech-free bedroom for a better night's sleep. Whatever your budget and whether you rent or own your property, you can use these creative ideas to make your home a sanctuary.

"Four years in the making, this 4th edition of "Prescriptions for a Healthy House" is a comprehensive update addressing the latest in an ever-changing landscape of health research and building practices. This edition is greatly expanded from the previous editions with new sections on furnishing and maintaining a healthy home and many other topics never before covered. Paula Baker-Laporte, an architect, and John Banta, an Industrial Hygienist and mold expert, have put together a veritable treasure trove of useful and often difficult-to-find information. The recommendations are based on research and decades of experience “in the trenches.” The book is pertinent to anyone interested in building or remodeling a home or workplace that is not only beautiful, but also durable and health-enhancing. Although there is nothing complicated about constructing healthier homes, building for health is still not standard practice, and in fact there are many aspects of conventional home construction that are detrimental to human wellbeing. From foundation to rooftop, to home care and repair, Prescriptions for a Healthy House takes the mystery out of healthy-house building, renovation and maintenance, by walking the owner/architect/builder team through the entire construction process."--

The green building movement has produced hundreds of “how-to” books and websites that are filled with tips about green building and what homeowners should do to go green. While helpful and informative, when it comes to making actual purchasing and installation decisions, these books do not make it any easier for a homeowner to prioritize against a budget. Here, Schifman shares her knowledge and experience for others to use in their journey toward a greener way of living. Whether the reader is building a new home or doing a minor remodel, a homeowner needs a framework by which to guide their decisions. These decisions are based on values, and the author posits that there are really only three reasons to go green: For Our Health: By building more sustainably, we reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins. For Our Wealth: By building a more durable home and being more efficient with resources like water and electricity, we reduce our monthly utility bills and ongoing maintenance expenses. For Our Soul: Collectively doing the right thing for our planet does make a difference—and that is soul-nourishing. Learn the logistics of choosing windows, insulation, appliances, and lighting. Find out about FSC certified wood and about using reclaimed materials. Here is everything you need to make your home sustainable.

Designed for people concerned about the air quality in their home, this step-by-step guide covers the nooks and crannies of indoor air pollution—from what to look for to how to fix it. Jeffrey May and his wife, Connie May, draw from their professional expertise and previous books—My House Is Killing Me!, My Office Is Killing Me!, and The Mold Survival Guide—to create a friendly, easy-to-use workbook complete with mini-case studies, diagnostic exercises, illustrations, and recommendations. The Mays describe the health problems that can be caused or exacerbated by such airborne contaminants as fungi, mold, mildew, moisture, and odor. Their warmth, humor, and conversational banter are welcome antidotes to the scare tactics of unsavory remediators; Jeff and Connie give people the knowledge they need to address serious problems without getting ripped off. Readers can check visual symptoms of their home's problems using the book's illustrations and photographs; get easy-to-follow instructions in diagnosing, addressing, and monitoring problems; find out whether professional help is needed; get advice on choosing the right professional; and consult thorough resource sections for further information and assistance. From waterproofing basements to checking home heating and cooling systems for leaks and contaminants, Jeff May’s Healthy Home Tips helps renters and homeowners alike make sure that their homes are clean and healthy places to live.