The benefits of green building do not solely apply to the environment - sustainable architecture can be good for human health, as well. The aims of green building should take into account reducing toxins to protect the health of our families along with reducing reliance on nonrenewable sources of energy.
When most people hear "green building," their first thought might be natural, nontoxic building materials, which is certainly a large part of what sustainable architecture is about. Many of the commonly-used plastic compounds and treatments for lumber can release chemicals into the air. Some of these chemicals are called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and in large enough quantities, they can contribute to "sick building syndrome." When a group of people who live and work in the same structure all exhibit the same health symptoms and no underlying germ or virus can be found to explain it, the cause often lies in the paints, solvents, carpets, cleaning products, and even household appliances and office equipment found in the building. Improving ventilation and using low-VOC or no-VOC alternatives will often solve the problem.
However, it is important to remember that "natural" is not always equivalent "healthy" or "green." Asbestos, for example, is a naturally-occurring mineral found in underground deposits all over the world, but it is extremely dangerous to human health. Even short periods of exposure can cause permanent consequences, the worst of which are symptoms of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen. Asbestos was once widely used in construction materials, since it could be easily combined with other materials added heat-resistance, so it can still be found in many buildings constructed prior to the 1980s. It is not only hazardous to humans - mesothelioma symptoms have been detected in dogs and cats, as well. Fortunately, asbestos fibers have largely been replaced in newer insulation materials which contain fiberglass, cellulose, or rock wool instead.
Energy efficiency is another important aspect to green building. The EPA estimates that buildings account for 38.1% of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions, so sustainable architecture must use energy resources as carefully as possible. HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems account for nearly half of a building's energy expenditures, so keeping that treated air indoors is a priority. State of the art insulation and windows, as well as careful attention to any possible air leaks, can help keep HVAC costs to a minimum.
Such sustainable architecture can help maintain not only human comfort, but human health as well. Symptoms of sick building syndrome often vanish when the contributing toxins are removed. Unfortunately, not all problems are as reversible - mesothelioma life expectancy is poor, and there is no cure as of now. However, this cancer can nearly always be prevented by avoiding exposure to asbestos. The principles of green building will help ensure our health and lessen our carbon footprint in the years to come.
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