Building Biology for Healthy homes

What is building biology? What are the benefits of its houses?

This blog will explain the importance of Building Biology  for Healthy homes,  as well as for all homeowners 

Building biology investigates the whole interaction between people and their indoor environment. It is built on 25 fundamental principles taking into consideration 19 distinct categories that cover electrosmog (Electromagnetic fields, also known as EMFs) and sound, light pollution from indoor sources indoor air pollution indoor temperature, mold, and allergens. This standard and guidelines, which were developed by the Building Biology standard and guidelines are now in their 8th revision are the culmination of more than 30 years of study, more than 10,0000 real studies of sleeping spaces together with more than 100 medical doctors as well as numerous researchers, scientists engineers, and building biologists. The basis of the Building Biology standards and guidelines were always:

• Every risk reduction strategy aims at.
• The information in the guide is intended as an aid, nothing less, not more.
• If you can, use nature as the ideal standard.

Building Biology Standard and Guidelines Building Biology Standard and Guidelines are being utilized as a base and guidance by institutions and colleagues across Germany, Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Japan to mention some. In 2016 the number of students has risen to over 7000 students who have completed programs in building biology around the world.

History

In the post-war period in Germany, There was an enormous need for reconstruction that numerous new structures were constructed quickly and inexpensively. This had a disastrous impact on the overall health and well-being of a huge segment of the population and placed a massive strain on the health system. It was discovered that frequently employed building materials and specific ways of the building were creating these issues. These kinds of issues "Sick Building Syndrome" and the human health issues related to it are MCS, also known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), and environmental Triggered illness, Asthma, and Allergies to name a few.

Based on this, a lot of Germans realized that it was more efficient and, ultimately, cheaper, to build buildings that were built healthily. This is why studying Bau-Biologie also known as Building Biology began and was developed by individuals like Anton Schneider, Ph.D. Wood Technologist Hubert Palm, M.D. along with Alfred Hornig, Electrobiologist. Over time, guidelines for safe workplaces and homes were developed to protect the health of buildings.

While well-known to health professionals and architects in Europe This specialized method of living and working is not widely known within the U.S.

Bau Biologie in the United States

In 1986, the Bau-Biologie concept was introduced into America. U.S. by a German architect known as Helmut Ziehe. He established the International Institute for Bau-Biologie and Ecology (IBE) in Clearwater, Florida. Ziehe translated the research by Anton Schneider Ph.D into English and was then granted approval by Institute fur Baubiologie und Okologie (IBN) in Neubeuern, Germany to teach Bau-biologie in the U.S.

25 Building Biology Principles

YOUR PATHWAY TO HEALTHIER HOMES

These guidelines help to assure a dwelling is life-enhancing for all its inhabitants, and not detrimental to its builders, with as little disruption to the environment as possible, and apply to new construction as well as to renovations.

Also, check out our free Building Biology fact sheets by clicking here.

The site and Community Design

1. Verify that the site is free of naturally occurring and human-made health hazards.
2. Place dwellings so occupants are undisturbed by sources of human-made air, soil, water, noise, and electro-pollution.
3. Place dwellings in well-planned communities that provide ample access to fresh air, sunshine, and nature.
4. Plan homes and developments considering the needs of the community, families, and individuals of all ages.

Electromagnetic Radiation Health

5. Provide an abundance of well-balanced natural light and illumination while using color by nature.
6. Minimize building material interference with vital cosmic and terrestrial radiation.
7. Adopt appropriate strategies to minimize exposure to harmful Electromagnetic radiation generated as a result of building electrification
8. Adopt appropriate avoidance and shielding strategies to minimize exposure to radiofrequency radiation generated by wireless devices within the building and from wireless sources outside the building.
9. Avoid the use of building materials that have elevated radioactivity levels.

Indoor Air and Water Quality

10. Assure low total moisture content and rapid desiccation of wet construction processes in new buildings.
11. Provide ample ventilation.
12. All building materials shall be non-toxic with neutral or pleasant natural scents using natural and unadulterated building systems and materials.
13. Use appropriate water and moisture exclusion techniques to prevent the interior growth of fungi, bacteria, and dust mites. Techniques to favor mass flow-through envelope enclosures with high hygric buffering capacity.
14. Assure the best possible water quality by applying purification technologies if required.

Occupant Well-being

15. Allow natural self-regulation of indoor air humidity, sound attenuation, and healthy ion balance using hygroscopic (humidity buffering) and sorbent materials and finishes.
16. Design for a climatically appropriate balance between thermal insulation and thermal storage capacity.
17. Plan for climatically appropriate surface and air temperature.
18. Use appropriate thermal radiation strategies for heating buildings including passive solar wherever viable.
19. Provide adequate acoustical protection from harmful noise and vibration.
20. Utilize physiological and ergonomic knowledge in interior and furniture design.
21. Consider proportion, harmonic measure, order, and shape in design.

Environmental Protection, Social Responsibility, and Energy Efficiency

22. Materials and methods of construction shall promote human health and well-being from the extraction of raw materials, through to end-of-building’s life.
23. Avoid the use of building materials that deplete irreplaceable natural resources or are being harvested in an unsustainable manner.
24. Minimize energy consumption throughout the life of the building by utilizing climate-based and energy-efficient design, energy, and water-saving technologies, and renewable energy.
25. Consider the embodied energy and environmental life cycle costs when choosing all materials used in construction.

Updated by: Paula Baker-Laporte, Lawrence Gust, for Building Biology Institute®
BBI Board approved 1.17.20

 

Planning and Design Criteria of Bau-Biologie

During the planning and design stages of building a biological home, the following eight additional criteria should be considered:

1. Selection of proper site, including the analysis of the soil and geophysical conditions. Consider climatic factors, which would include prevailing winds, temperature, solar orientation, relative humidity, and rainfall.

2. Selection of proper building materials, both structural and finishing that enhance the ability of the structure to “breathe.” Select natural building materials that allow for self-regulating interior relative humidity that accomplish this task utilizing hygroscopic. Consider using the building and plant materials on both the interior and exterior that exhibit sorption and the filtering and neutralizing of toxic airborne substances.

3. Make careful decisions about energy; consider the use of solar energy, the methods of heat and energy conservation, and the use of thermal insulation. Design for a balance between heat storage and thermal insulation in living spaces that utilize radiant rather than convection heat distribution.

4. Select appropriate ventilation, water, and air filtration systems to establish a healthy living environment. An efficient artificial ventilation system can be used to supplement the natural ventilation of a home. Water systems should be ecological and also nonharmful to occupants.

5. Take care to select the right illumination (light temperature, spectral range, intensity, etc.) for each room. This factor is as important for your well-being as shielding unwanted noise.

6. Avoid electromagnetic fields, especially in areas of the house where people spend lots of time (bedroom, play, and work areas).

7. When doing the interior design, use furniture that is in proper proportion to the residents; use materials that do not outgas and create static electricity

Building Biology Links

STANDARD OF BUILDING BIOLOGY TESTING METHODS  

A Brief History Of Building Biology

Guiding Principles of Building Biology

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