| The World Health Organization estimates that as many as one-third of
all new and remodeled commercial buildings are plagued by indoor air quality
(IAQ) problems. It is estimated that 20% of American white-collar
workers, in more than 2 million buildings, nationwide, experience sick
building syndrome or building-related illness. In the hot and humid southern
states, some estimate these numbers are even higher.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate exposures to indoor pollutants to be as much as 25 times, and up to 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. And it doesn’t stop there! Our homes, schools, public buildings, etc. are all subject to potential IAQ problems. Volatile organic compounds, combustion gasses, carbon dioxide levels, molds, mildews, dust mites, animal dander, tobacco smoke, and more can be the source(s) of occupant discomfort and even disease. The good news is that a clear understanding of the causes, effects, and methods to deal with IAQ problems can go a long way in creating and maintaining healthy indoor environments. |
Buildings that are properly designed, detailed, ventilated, finished,
furnished, utilized and maintained are healthier, more comfortable and
resource efficient. As part of the effort to assist designers, builders,
and building users to understand the complex set of issues involved with
IAQ, the Green Building Program is bringing McGregor Pearce (St. Paul,
MN) to Austin for two speaking engagements.
"Mac" Pearce has years of knowledge and experience in environmental and public health and has investigated thousands of residential and commercial buildings. He is a nationally known speaker, indoor air quality expert, and environmental health consultant. Best of all, he makes things like VOC's and mold spores fascinating and occasionally hilarious! There are two opportunities to hear "Mac" speak - At the regular
SBC meeting and at the Green Builder Half Day Seminar (see below).
He will talk about IAQ issues in general, how to avoid problems, how to
recognize (diagnose) them, and how to safely and responsibly fix what's
wrong. Particular emphasis will be given to "hot and humid climate"
considerations (especially mold) for houses. Not to be missed!
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Announcements
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City of Austin - Green Building Seminar August 17th (Pre-registration required – see below) 1 - 5 PM at Town Lake Center - Assembly Room, 721 Barton Springs Road Mac will do a half day training for Green Building Members (and as many other building professionals as the room can accommodate) on Indoor Air Quality. Space is limited, so call ahead. He will address how to build, finish, and furnish to avoid problems (emphasis on hot/humid conditions). How to diagnose and treat problems, when to get help and how, health related issues, liability, and responsibility will also be discussed. Program Schedule:
If you are NOT a Member of the Green Building Program and you are a building professional and would like to attend, call Barshia Cohee at 505-3710 to reserve a space. Leave your name, company name and call back information. You will only be called if space is NOT available. If you are a Green Building Member call Mary as normal. SBC wants to thank Barshia Cohee for bringing this great opportunity to us!!! SBC & EcoFair to Cosponsor Fall Workshops
The Sustainable Building Coalition has begun planning for two sustainable building workshops with EcoFair of Texas. EcoFair, who has sponsored several successful ecological conferences, is now focusing on creating a year round education / demonstration facility. Working toward this goal, they are beginning to offer sustainable living workshops. SBC will be teaming up with EcoFair to offer two workshops this fall: one will be the installation of a small rainwater harvesting system, and the other is planned to be a light clay wall construction workshop. These will be hands-on, educational, productive and FUN! We will continue to keep SBC members informed as details develop. In the meantime, if anyone is interested in being part of the organization of these workshops, please contact Gayle Borst at gayle_borst@greenbuilder.com, or 512-478-9033. UT Liaison Needed
SBC seeks a liaison with UT, preferably in the Arch/Planning area, to inform UT students, faculty and others of SBC's programs and opportunities. This person is especially needed in advance of our September program: Awad Abdalgadir will show his extensive slide collection of earth building in the Middle East, accompanied by his well-informed descriptions of the various structures. This liaison role is likely to entail an hour per month. Call Yvonne Hansen @ 447-0459 to find out more. Dialogue with a designer
Jeanne Claire van Ryzin interviewed Michael Albanes, an architect and one of SBC’s members, in Dialogue with a designer in the August 5 issue of the Austin American-Statesman. During the interview, Michael said he chooses to incorporate sustainable materials as well as climate influences into his projects. Congratulations, Michael, for furthering sustainable building issues in your professional practice.
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C.O.A. Green Building Seminars
11:30-1:30 open to Green Building members. Call ahead to Mary at the City of Austin 499-3541. August 17 Indoor Air Quality Issues
Austin Community College
Austin Community College's Building Construction Technology Classes begin soon It's not too late to sign up for fall classes! Austin Community College has a 12-week session that runs September 22 - December 14. The Building Construction Technology (BCT) Department is offering 8 short semester classes. These classes include Blueprint Reading, English/Spanish for Construction, Beginning and Intermediate Furniture, Wiring/Plumbing, Beginning Woodworking, and Metal Stud Construction. New students must submit application packets by September 7th. (The packet only takes 30 minutes to complete so don't let it deter you!) Telephone registration is September 8 - 16. For more information, contact enthusiastic BCT Department Director, Warren Heatwole, at 223-6084. Whole Life Expo
The Whole Life Expo is coming to Austin's Palmer Auditorium October 8, 9 & 10, and they have invited the Sustainable Building Coalition to participate. Not only have they given us a free table at the event, but they have offered to publish information on the SBC as part of the advertising for the Expo. And they will also publicize special pre- and post- Expo events of our choosing. AND they have given us a 45 minute speaker slot to spread the word about sustainable building! SBC has been offered an incredible opportunity to show WLE visitors - in the hundreds! - what green building is about and how principles of sustainability relate to health, individual and community health, and the health of the planet. In previous WLE, focus was predominantly on health issues. However, this year a whole new dimension to this event is being incorporated: the importance of architecture that embodies the principles of green, sustainable building, and of permaculture and related fields. Great news, isn’t’ it? We will be able to reach thousands of people and offer them information to make healthier choices in the built environment and in our homes. The Straw Bale Association of Texas, SBAT, has agreed to participate with us in this event, and to present a comprehensive picture of green building, especially using at least one renewable resource: straw bales. Teams are likely to include project planning, booth design, types and designs of hand-out packets, selection of printed materials, volunteers, logistics, presenter assistance (we have selected an experienced speaker from among our ranks), planning an event (that will happen before or during the expo, and one possibility is a natural building bird blind at Hornsby Bend to celebrate 40 years of Audubon presence there), liaison to WLE, and other teams to be identified. What will it mean for you to volunteer? Your ideas are needed, and your involvement will make a difference. So, join the team effort that most appeals to you, or the one you want to learn more about. All volunteer team members will meet at least twice as a group: Mid-August and probably the week of October 3rd. Teams will meet based on need, and we hope to keep meetings to a minimum. If you have not signed up or are curious about the various opportunities
and want to know more (no obligation), you still have time. Call The Clip
Board Lady, Yvonne Hansen, at 447-0459, or email <geminideas@greenbuilder.com.
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