International Institute for Building-Biology & Ecology
non-profit environmental education
Exposure to the natural world promotes health. Natural wood, water movement, multi-colored stone, plants, trees, animals, bird song, chirping crickets, art, murals, and stained glass, observed from a high place. Lowers stress hormones. Improves attentiveness. Improves well-being and happiness. Decreases blood pressure. Increases comfort. Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system.
Lack of exposure to the natural world damages health. Devoid of nature. Man-made materials. Non-dynamic environment causes us to shut down and disengage.
Biophilic Design - an emerging field of study
Green City in China
Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE)
Roundtable Policy Discussion
Safer Telecommunications
Diana Schultz, Building Biologist
Tom Bassett-Dilley, Architect
The Nature Connection
Beyond Energy Efficiency
Buildings that Promote Health
Chicago area.
HHS Healthy House Certification: So far, the construction industry does not meet the standards and principles set up by the Healthy House Certification. Watch as Lawrence Gust, electrical engineer, BBEC, and president of the board of directors of the International Institute for Bau-biologie® & Ecology describes an example of a "certified" dwelling and the vetting and certification process. This 100% healthy home exists, situated on an environmentally efficient plot of land just outside of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and it can be rented short-term for up to one month.
Lawrence Gust,
Building Biology
Straw Bale Home
A 100% Environmentally Healthy House
InterNACHI:
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
Healthy House Institute on the Safety of Insulation
Because there are no insulations available that are 100% safe, care should be taken to insure that they are well separated from the living space. Diffusion retarders help in this regard as far as outgassing is concerned, but tight-construction techniques are the most effective means of separation to prevent both gases and particles from entering the living space.
Of the readily available products, the foam insulations on the market today are often tolerated by sensitive people, especially Icynene and Air-Krete, but they can be expensive and they must be installed conscientiously. For someone with severe sensitivities, most insulations can be bothersome when there is direct contact, but tolerable when well separated from the living space. This has been demonstrated in a number of healthy houses in which fiberglass was effectively isolated from the occupants.
(This article is from the archives of the original Healthy House Institute, and the information was believed accurate at the time of writing.)
(Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of The Healthy House Institute, LLC.)
Biophilic design incorporates nature with architecture to improve the health and well-being of those in the building.
