What is Building Biology?
Building Biology is the study of how buildings
impact health. When a person builds and/or renovates
a structure, this knowledge can be applied.
Principles of Building Biology
The goal of all recommendations from Building
Biologists is to safeguard the health of all building
occupants including the construction workers.
Some principles of Building Biology include:
- Use natural and unadulterated building materials.
- Use walls, floors, and ceilings that are diffusible
and hygroscopic.
- Filter and neutralize air pollutants.
- Use radiant heat (as opposed to forced air) and
as much passive solar heat (windows that allow sunlight
to shine into home during cold winter months) as
possible for the heating system.
- The total moisture content of a new building shall
be low and dry out quickly.
- A building shall have a neutral smell.
- Eliminate or reduce man-made electromagnetic
radiation (EMR) as much as possible.
- The production, installation, and disposal of
building materials shall not contribute to environmental
pollution and high energy costs.
The History of Building Biology
Building Biology began in post-war Germany.
Materials that were used to rebuild the country quickly
and cheaply had a devastating effect on the individuals
occupying these new structures. Much of the population
became ill from these buildings, and their illnesses
placed a large burden on the health care system. Today
we would call this “Sick Building Syndrome”.
The study of Building Biology was born from this impact
on society. Anton Schneider, PhD, spearheaded the
development of Bau-biologie or Building Biology and
over the years began developing guidelines for healthy
homes and workplaces. Building Biology is well known
to architects and health professionals in Europe.
In the United States, the momentum is growing.
In 1986, Helmut Ziehe, a German architect, was given
permission to translate the Building Biology materials
to English and develop the Institute for Bau-biologie
and Ecology in the United States. Since then, the
Institute has been providing education that leads
to professional certification as a Building Biologist.
Building Biology Links
www.buildingbiology.net
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