Building Biology - Healthy Buildings

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Building Biology & Ecology Healthy by Design – an introduction David Gale (ARB RIBA Dip Perm Des) Gale & Snowden Architects & Engineers


An integrated approach

Building Science - Physics and Biology Architects Mechanical and Engineers

Permaculture designers Passivhaus designers Low Energy Design

Passivhaus Certified

Permaculture Design

Healthy Buildings

• Climate Ready Design • Building performance monitoring & evaluation • Component and product design


What on earth is ‘Building Biology’? Building biology is defined as the study of the holistic interrelationships between humans and their living environment • creating healthy buildings • maintaining or restoring a healthy ecology First founded in Germany by a group of professionals in the 1960s from a variety of disciplines concerned about the inability of post war housing to support health and ecology The movement has grown to other countries and now is a recognised authority on healthy buildings


What does ‘Building Biology’ involve? At first glance a ‘shopping list’ of building technology eg: • • • •

Non toxic building materials Healthy aspects of indoor air quality Ensuring high water quality Proper electrical wiring, etc

Whilst this is part of the picture, looked at holistically, Building Biology extends into many related fields which are otherwise taught in isolation: • Ecology, biology, medicine, architecture, engineering, education, economics, energy conservation, etc

Building Biology is a living subject dealing with the interrelationship of disparate disciplines Construction Resources, London


What is a ‘Healthy’ building? ‘Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ (World Health Organization)

For good health we need: • Healthy Diet • Exercise • Healthy environment

Often people are unaware that their built environment can be detrimental to their health

Healthy Diet + Exercise + Healthy Environment


What effect does our environment have on us? Pollutants in: Water Air

The Rain Food Barrel Effect Allergy response

Sensitising Event

Adipose Tissue Cells

Rain Barrel = Your Body

Dr. William Rae, MD, Director Environmental Health Center, Dallas

Touch

Allergy response

Expelled

Use for energy


Allergies and Asthma

1950

1995

today

1 in 30 1 in 3

1 in 2.5

Allergists claim 50% of illness caused or worsened by indoor pollution


Key Building Biology Concepts The Golden Rule • Nature is the measure to which our internal environment should operate

The 3rd skin • Buildings are our third skin Permeable buildings • Buildings should be moisture vapour permeable Life enhancing • A healthy building is a building that uplifts and nurtures us Precautionary approach • Take action before something nasty happens – act on what we know


The Four Elements The key interrelating elements that Building Biology considers are:

AIR ENERGY

WATER

MATTER

Air quality animals / plant Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide cycle

Water quality water cycle purifies and energises water

Matter / Materials organic forms ingest matter (minerals), decomposition returns minerals Energy The Electromagnetic environment


Air Quality Internal air quality depends on outdoor air quality Indoor can be more than 10 times polluted than outside city air

Key contaminants affecting air quality inside buildings: • Formaldehyde • VOCs • Lead – toxic dust • Moisture control – to prevent • • •

mould and bacteria growth Bioaerosols - fungi, bacteria, viruses, dust mites, animal dander, pollen

Pesticides and herbicides Plastics eg: PVC, 58% used in construction

• • • • •

Micrograms per m3

Radon Dust particulates Fibres (Asbestos, mineral wool) Combustion gases CO2 and Humidity levels


Water Quality - contamination Contamination of mains water entering building: • Microbial Chlorination and fluoridation: • Inorganic (includes lead, asbestos) • targets bacteria, particulates • Organic (Nitrates) and various chemicals • Biocides (eg: pesticides and herbicides) • Radionuclide (includes radon 3.5 dayhalf life to polonium) • produces disinfection byproducts, or • Chlorination and fluoridation Contamination whilst in building: • Pumps, faucets containing brass or lead • Pipe material – copper, plastic, lead solder Bottled water contamination: • Bacteria • Chemicals from plastic containers • Chemicals from the treatment process

trihalomethanes (THM’s) eg: choloroform • linked to range of ailments from asthma, eczema, to bladder cancer, heart disease


Water filtration

1

Drinking tap Options for current domestic project 1. Particle filter under sink with carbon filter • filters – chlorine, THMs, pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, discolouration, particles (rust etc), benzene, petroleum solvents, oil residues • does not filter – nitrate, fluoride, heavy metals or bacteria • £67, replacement filter £16 every 6 months 2. Particulate filter under kitchen sink with 1 micron ceramic filter • filters – as 1. above + heavy metals and fluoride, some bacteria eg: Ecoli, Salmonella Typhi, Shingella • £91, replacement filter £39 every 6 months 3. In line ceramic filter • requires plumber to fit but can use existing kitchen tap • filters – as 2. + arsenic, trace heavy metals, lead, mercury, iron, magnesium, aluminium, copper • £60, replacement filter £60 every 12 months requiring a plumber to fit

2

3


Water filtration Whole House ceramic filter:

• • • • • •

Requires a plumber to install Can use normal kitchen tap Filters water to all points including showers Filters as 3. £365 capital cost Replacement every 2 years £365 (£165 per year)


Matter Materials selection criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Natural Occurrence (NO) – naturally available Ecological Impact (EI) – cradle to cradle approach Energy Consumption (EC) or embodied energy Health Impact (HI) – cradle to cradle approach Out or off-gassing toxic substances (OG)– impact on quality of air

6. Diffusion and Breathing (DB) – the third skin approach 7. Hygroscopicity (HG) – ability to absorb water and release it Building Biology gives materials a rating scale 0 – 3 rating – 0 the most negative eg: clay = 3, bricks = 2 and PVC = 0

Embodied energy Timber - 110 kWh/m3 = x1 energy unit Brick x4 Cement x5 Plastic x6 Glass x14 Steel x24 Aluminium x126 Lead x300+


Material - finishes eg: for refurbishment of existing buildings Floor Coverings 1. Carpeting Synthetic Natural 2. Hardwood Floor Solid wood 3. Ceramic Tile Unglazed tiles Glazed tiles 4. Natural Linoleum Natural linoleum Cork floor tile 5. PVC (Vinyl) Vinyl Vinyl with asbestos Wall Coverings 1. Wallpaper Paper Vinyl 2. Paint Natural paint Synthetic paint (toxic) Wall Substructures 1. Drywall (sheetrock) Natural gypsum “industrial gypsum� 2. Wood composites Particle board Plywood 3. Plaster Line plaster Cement plaster 4. Wall insulation Fiberglass Natural fibers Windows 1. Window frames Wood frames Vinyl frames Metal frames 2. Glass Clear glass Colored glass

NO

EI

EC

HI

OG

DB

HG

Avg

0 3

0 2

0 2

0 1

0 3

0 3

0 3

0 2.42

3

2

3

3

3

3

3

2.86

2 2

2 1

2 1

3 3

3 3

1 0

1 0

2.0 1.43

1 2

2 3

2 3

3 3

2 3

2 3

2 3

2.0 2.86

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

2 0

1 0

3 0

2 0

2 0

3 0

3 0

2.28 0

2 0

2 0

2 1

2 0

2 0

2 0

2 0

2.00 0.14

3 0

2 0

2 0

2 1

2 2

2 2

2 2

2.14 1.00

1 1

2 1

2 2

0 1

0 1

1 0

2 2

1.14 1.14

2 1

2 0

2 1

3 1

3 3

2 1

3 2

2.42 1.28

0 3

1 3

0 2

0 2

0 2

1 3

0 3

0.28 2.57

3 0 2

2 0 1

2 0 0

3 0 1

3 0 3

3 0 0

3 0 0

2.71 0 1.00

0 1

1 1

0 0

3 1

3 3

0 0

0 0

1.00 0.71


Energy - Electromagnetic Spectrum All matter produces electromagnetic energy Radiation climate is an integral part of everyday living

Divided into 4 major Sections: Ionizing radiation Most energetic (ionizing) radiation including xrays and cosmic rays generated when charges inside certain atomic nuclei being transformed

Non-ionizing radiation Visible light

Non-ionizing radiation Electrical charges associated with rotations and vibrations of molecules

Non-ionizing radiation Electrical charges as freely moving electrons


Building Biology focuses on non-ionizing radiation issues


Health effects of EMR Pulses Communication within our body was traditionally thought only through ionized (electrical) currents driven by pulsed signals from the heart and the brain External impulses can obscure these signals ie: are background ‘noise’


Health effects of EMR We now understand that in addition our bodies also communicate via: Vibration • Our bodies also communicate at a cellular level through vibration • Human cells vibrate at a range from 0 – 75Hz

Semi-conductive • Human communication system is also semiconductive (electronic) via highly complex fibrous membranes

Vibrations and semi conductors are highly influenced by external EMR


EMR - What is the problem? Humans have evolved with natural EMR sources • Most natural EMR is needed to maintain good health Man-made EMR increasing over last 100 years • man-made EMR can interfere with biological systems causing electromagnetic stress to our bodies Biological problems associated with manmade electromagnetic stress: Brain - increase permeability of the blood brain barrier • Behavioural abnormalities • Learning disabilities • Altered bio-cycles • Stress responses Growing issues • embryos • genetics • cancer

Building Biology focuses on the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation


Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Common electromagnetic pollution found in indoor environments:

AC Electrical Fields

• Alternating low frequency electric fields • Alternating magnetic fields

• High frequency electric fields (Radio, WLAN (Wifi), mobile phones, cordless phones, Microwave ovens)

AC Magnetic Fields

• Electrostatic fields • Static magnetic fields • Radioactivity • Light – visible electromagnetic fields

High Frequency Fields


EMR Safety Guidelines


EMR - what is the solution? 1. Assess • take EMR readings inside your house and particularly the bedrooms 2. Reduce or Remove EMR sources eg: • reduce electrical appliances in home eg: microwave, earth appliances • replace hands free cell phone with wired phone • remove mains powered electrical appliances particularly around the bed • turn off wifi and mobile transmitting devices • move furniture – eg: beds (Low frequency EMR drops off over 2m distance) 3. Address problematic electrical circuits eg: • rewire with radial wiring and shielded cables • introduce relay switching • turn off circuit at fuse board at night 4. Keep away from outside overhead wires and transformers – 1m for every 1 kV

Children are the most vulnerable


Malthouse Cottage – Hampshire

Air quality • low VOC • natural ventilation • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides • radon barrier Matter • low embodied energy • natural, local, vapour permeable • minimise PVC Water - low water use Energy • low energy passive design • natural daylight design



Genesis Project – refurbishment multi-use community building, Devon

Air quality • non toxic fungal removal – use of hounds for detection • low VOC • natural ventilation • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides Matter • recycled materials • low embodied energy • natural, local • vapour permeable • minimise PVC Water - low water use

Energy • low energy passive design • natural daylight design


Oak Meadow - 35 houses, North Devon

Air quality • low VOC • natural ventilation with solar pre-heating • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides, radon barrier Matter • low embodied energy • natural, local,vapour permeable • minimise PVC Water - rainwater collection & low water use Energy • low energy passive design • solar thermal, PV, cool larders • natural daylight design • radial wiring with shut off circuits in bedrooms



‘Twin Frame’ construction




Trelowarren New build and refurbishment, Grade 1 Listed buildings and Landscape. Leisure facilities, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

Air quality • low VOC • natural ventilation • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides • radon barrier Matter • low embodied energy • natural, local, vapour permeable • minimise PVC Water • well water filtration • low water use Energy • low energy passive design • wood chip district heating • natural daylight design • radial wiring with shut off circuits in bedrooms


Woolsery Sports & Community Hall – Devon Air quality • low VOC • natural ventilation with wind catchers • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides • radon barrier Matter • low embodied energy • natural & local • vapour permeable • minimise PVC Water • rainwater collection • low water use Energy • low energy passive design • solar pv & wind turbine • ground source heat pump • natural daylight design



Torrington Vision infants and junior schools, early learning, children's centre, college Air quality • low VOC • natural ventilation with wind catchers • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides • radon barrier Matter • low embodied energy • natural, vapour permeable • minimise PVC

Water - low water use Energy • low energy passive design • solar thermal • natural daylight design



Duchy Square New arts centre studios and gallery, Dartmoor Air quality • low VOC • natural ventilation • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides, radon barrier Matter • low embodied energy • natural, vapour permeable • minimise PVC Water - low water use Energy • low energy passive design • natural daylight design


Knights Place – 21 flats, Exeter City Council Air quality • low VOC • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides • radon barrier Matter • vapour permeable • hygroscopic building fabric • minimise PVC Water – low water use Energy • Passivhaus Certified – 21 flats • natural daylight design • solar thermal • radial wiring & reduced wiring


Neely House – refurbishment, Cambridge

Air quality • low VOC • natural ventilation • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides, radon barrier Matter • low embodied energy • natural, vapour permeable • minimise PVC Water - low water use Energy • low energy passive design • natural daylight design • radial wiring with shut off circuits in bedrooms


Westcott House Passivhaus EnerPHit refurbishment & extension, Dartmoor

Air quality • low VOC • MVHR • reduced dust mite habitat • non biocides • radon barrier Matter • low embodied energy • natural, vapour permeable • minimise PVC Water – well water & low water use, water filtration Energy • Passivhaus EnerPHit • solar PV, wood burning • natural daylight design • radial wiring


Bio-Centric housing

• Building Biology – meeting Bau Biologie, health homes standards • Permaculture – incorporating Permaculture design principles • Passivhaus Certified – employing sound building physics • Life time homes – adaptable homes to meet future needs • Future climate ready – thermally modeled to meet future predicted weather 2080 Low cost – 1,200/m2, equivalent to standard affordable housing Affordable to run – 80% less to run and maintain


Acknowledgments Many thanks to The International Institute of BauBiologie & Ecology USA – information taken from the IBE101 course and other materials

Building Biology Courses • The International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology IBE 101: Natural Healthy Buildings course (English speaking): http://hbelc.org • Bau Biologie Germany (German speaking): http://www.baubiologie.de • UK Building Biology: info@ecodesign.co.uk


Make informed choices “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.� (Winston Churchill)

How is your home shaping you? Protecting or harming?

Life enhancing or life threatening?

You can choose to make it better


Thank You For more information on Building Biology: david@ecodesign.co.uk


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