Indoor Air Quality

Photo: Alejandro Ormad. License: CC BY-SA 3.0.

OVERVIEW

As buildings become more airtight and energy efficient, actively managing indoor air quality becomes more important. Not only are some air pollutants highly dangerous, but many—like radon and carbon monoxide—are undetectable by human senses. And with 90% of our time typically spent indoors, slight elevations of VOCs can amount to chronic exposures.

Here you’ll learn what pollutants to be wary of and ways to promote clean, fresh air, including:

  • finding the right level of ventilation

  • specifying products that won’t emit problematic chemicals

  • controlling pressure differentials to avoid unintentional introduction of polluted air

Filter results:

  • The BuildingGreen Guide to Insulation

    PDF Report

    The BuildingGreen Guide to Insulation provides detailed guidance on insulation products and practices, including cost comparisons and detailed recommendations on what insulation to use, and what to avoid.

  • Mind the Gaps: Making Existing Buildings More Airtight
    July 25, 2017

    Feature Article

    Leaky building enclosures create health hazards, comfort problems, and high energy bills. Fixing them isn’t rocket science; but you’d better know your building science.

  • Clean, Fresh Air: Getting What We Need
    November 7, 2016

    Feature Article

    Human health probably benefits from more fresh air than current ventilation standards require. But pulling in outdoor air can mean pulling in pollution.

  • VOCs: Why They’re Still Here and What You Can Do About It
    October 4, 2016

    Feature Article

    “Sick building syndrome” was one of the first problems the green building community tried to solve. We’ve come a long way, but we’re not done yet.

  • Composite Wood: EPA, California, and LEED v4 Requirements
    March 6, 2018

    Product Review

    EPA criteria are similar to CARB’s and create a federal formaldehyde standard for composite wood. We explain the LEED ramifications of these emission standards.

  • Behind the Logos: Understanding Green Product Certifications
    January 2, 2008

    Feature Article

    The number of environmental product standards and certifications is growing rapidly, putting numerous different "green" logos on products. This article reviews the key programs and evaluates their rigor, and offers guidance in using them to accomplish project goals.

  • Innovative Products and Technology from the Greenbuild Expo
    December 30, 2013

    Feature Article

    Our product editors pick some winners from the expo floor at Greenbuild 2013 while raising questions about some materials.

  • Commercial Kitchens: Cooking Up Green Opportunities
    February 1, 2010

    Feature Article

    Commercial kitchens run energy- and water-intensive equipment for long hours, sometimes even when not in use. While the challenges of saving water and energy in commercial kitchens are daunting, they're not insurmountable. Careful equipment selection and a commitment to conscientious kitchen practices can dramatically cut down on waste-and utility bills.

  • Bringing Nature Indoors: The Myths and Realities of Plants in Buildings
    September 25, 2008

    Feature Article

    Some proponents of indoor plants promise that they will clean the air and promote occupant health and productivity. But will they? Scientific backing for these claims is still being developed, but some of the results are promising.

  • Ductless Mini-Splits and Their Kin: The Revolution in Variable-Refrigerant-Flow Air Conditioning
    July 29, 2008

    Feature Article

    Ductless split systems using heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow offer an energy-efficient alternative to conventional heating and air-conditioning systems for a variety of settings, from homes to hotels and schools. Three major manufacturers-Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Sanyo-offer the greatest variety of products.