INTD 54 environmental concerns what does interior design have to do with health and the environment? why are we talking about it in Materials & Finishes?

thousands of products available for use in interior environments—each has assets & disadvantages selection restrained by codes & regulations for safety designers must also consider how a material will perform under the conditions of the project rate materials for: durability colorfastness & fading stain & water resistance ease of maintenance

materials also affect health & well-being so designers must: review materials for their ability to prevent slips & falls and to cushion surfaces from impact check details of product manufacture and installation for exposed sharp edges & shatter resistance select electrically conductive materials where built-up static electricity is likely to be released as painful shocks insulate from contact materials that are likely to become very hot or cold design materials to protect both surfaces and people in spaces where potentially dangerous chemicals are in use avoid materials that expose people to harmful chemicals or unsafe conditions during their manufacture, delivery, installation, use, or disposal, or that degrade IAQ (indoor air quality)

indoor air quality depends upon 3 three factors: introduction & distribution of adequate ventilating air control of airborne contaminants maintenance of acceptable temperature and humidity although these are usually considered mechanical systems issues, interior design decisions play substantial role in ensuring clean indoor air

indoor air quality sustainable materials— renewable or regenerative materials can be acquired without ecological damage can be used at a rate that does not exceed the natural rate of replenishment

indoor air quality closed loop models a manufactured product is recycled back into the same or similar product with significant deterioration of quality of the product sometimes referred to as cradle-to-cradle approach

indoor air quality environmentally preferable products defined by US Federal Government Executive Order products that have “a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to competing products that serve the same purpose”

indoor air quality green products considered to be environmentally preferable or to have a low impact on the environment informal designation—not regulated applied to products that promote IAQ often incorporate recycled content

air quality issues SBS—sick building syndrome increasing awareness and growing incidence of SBS highlight VITAL need for improved IAQ

air quality issues formaldehyde materials stability—VOCs lead—banned from paint 1978 asbestos used before mid-1980s proven injurious to health workers should refrain from any procedure that produces dust

air quality issues many contemporary buildings are sealed environments— most efficient use of HVAC systems—pollutants not cleared from the building NASA study—plants cleanse air—1 plant/100 sq ft (also regulate humidity)

TOP 10 plants most effective in removing: Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Carbon Monoxide from the air— Bamboo Palm Chinese Evergreen English Ivy Gerbera Daisy Janet Craig - Dracaena Marginata - Dracaena Mass cane/Corn Plant Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Pot Mum Peace Lily Warneckii - Dracaena

energy use the source & amount of energy used to produce a material, as well as its effect on the environment, should be major concern for interior designer fossil fuels greenhouse gases water use recycling

regulating bodies envirosense consortium — promotes a proactive approach to IAQ issues nonprofit membership organization promotes total systems approach—building systems, product systems, maintenance systems green seal —http :// :// works with manufacturers, industry and government at all levels to “green” the production and purchasing chain products only become Green Seal certified after rigorous testing & evaluation

regulating bodies LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of green buildings promotes whole-building approach: sustainable site development water savings energy efficiency materials selection indoor environmental quality

regulating bodies LEED established by the US Green Building Council different certification levels: bronze silver gold platinum LEED home Chartwell School in Seaside

regulating bodies energy star program governmental/industry partnership offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions saves consumer money—long term & tax credits protects environment for future generations