Materials for a Healthy, Ecological and Sustainable Built Environment

Part I: Selecting Building Materials for Reduced Impacts on Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem Services Analysis

1. Utilizing relationships between ecosystem services, built environments, and building materials

• Abstract
• 1.1 Introduction: reducing the environmental impact of built environments
• 1.2 Ecosystem services: definitions and boundaries
• 1.3 Relationships between ecosystem services
• 1.4 Defining ecosystem services for a built environment context: key places for change
• 1.5 Descriptions of ecosystem services most applicable to a built environment context
• 1.6 Conclusion: ecosystem services and the built environment. Moving towards a more positive relationship
• References

2. Ecosystem services analysis: Incorporating an understanding of ecosystem services into built environment design and materials selection

• Abstract
• 2.1 Introduction: a wider perspective on sustainability and the built environment
• 2.2 Ecosystem services analysis and whole building or urban design
• 2.3 Ecosystem services analysis and materials selection
• 2.4 Benefits and difficulties of applying the ecosystem services concept to built environment design and materials selection
• 2.5 Potential impacts on ecosystem services of common building materials
• 2.6 Conclusion: Materials selection and ecosystem services. A shift in thinking
• References

Part II: Choosing Sustainable Materials

3. Building materials

• Abstract
• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Materials that are grown
• 3.3 Materials that are extracted
• 3.4 Materials that are made
• 3.5 Conclusion
• References

4. Materials and buildings

• Abstract
• 4.1 Choosing materials
• 4.2 Designing to minimize building lifecycle impact
• 4.3 Caveat: building users
• 4.4 Choosing healthy and low-impact materials
• References

Part III: Indoor Toxicity from Building Materials

5. A lack of recognition of potential health risks from building materials

• Abstract
• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 The problem
• 5.3 Beyond the challenges: three stages of recognition of health risks
• 5.4 Conclusion
• References

6. Persisting issues with the most recognized building material health risks: Lead and asbestos

• Abstract
• 6.1 Introduction
• 6.2 Issues with lead
• 6.3 Issues with asbestos
• 6.4 Conclusion
• References

7. How substances get regulated against in the building industry: Formaldehyde, phthalate plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride/vinyl

• Abstract
• 7.1 Introduction
• 7.2 Overview of volatile organic compounds
• 7.3 Issues with formaldehyde
• 7.4 Issues with vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, and plasticizers
• 7.5 Conclusion
• References

8. New and less recognized risks with building materials: Volatile organic compounds, replacement chemicals, and nanoparticles

• Abstract
• 8.1 Introduction
• 8.2 On-going suspicion—volatile organic compounds from carpets
• 8.3 Replacement and new substances
• 8.4 Discussion on Stage 1 and conclusion
• References

9. An overview of health hazards from materials: Application of principles

• Abstract
• 9.1 Introduction
• 9.2 Key commonalities in polymer sources
• 9.3 Plastics—more solid polymers
• 9.4 Disposal of plastics
• 9.5 Film-forming finishes: paints, varnishes, and oils
• 9.6 Biopolymers
• 9.7 Radon
• 9.8 Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)
• 9.9 Linoleum—a natural composite
• 9.10 Timber
• 9.11 Conclusion
• References

Part IV: Case Studies

10. Sustainability and the material aspect of traditional residential buildings in Serbia

• Abstract
• 10.1 Historical, cultural, and social context
• 10.2 Basic types of traditional rural and urban residential buildings
• 10.3 Environmental features of building materials and structures
• 10.4 Conclusion
• Acknowledgments
• References

11. Palm thatched building in Mexico

• Abstract
• 11.1 Introduction
• 11.2 Palm thatch building assessment
• 11.3 Conclusion
• References

12. The effect of global trade on the New Zealand house

• Abstract
• 12.1 Introduction
• 12.2 Background
• 12.3 Material selection and data sources
• 12.4 Discussion
• 12.5 Conclusion
• References

13. Thurgoona Campus: A living laboratory of healthy and sustainable materials

• Abstract
• 13.1 Context
• 13.2 The site
• 13.3 Buildings
• 13.4 Materials: evolving the detail
• 13.5 Conclusion: the issues are complex
• References

14. The Hockerton Housing Project: A case study of the use of concrete

• Abstract
• 14.1 Thermal mass in zero-heating houses
• 14.2 Thermal mass in the two projects
• 14.3 Thermal performance of the projects compared
• 14.4 Other considerations
• 14.5 Conclusions
• References

15. Lambie House: Deconstruction and eco-refurbishment

• Abstract
• 15.1 Introduction: a domestic eco-refurbishment
• 15.2 The builder and the clients: commitment to resource savings
• 15.3 Reusing windows and doors
• 15.4 Reusing the roof
• 15.5 Recovering existing fittings and fixtures
• 15.6 Materials: minimizing waste
• 15.7 Conclusions: intentions, attitudes, and realities

16. Meridian: New Zealand’s first Green Star-rated building

• Abstract
• 16.1 Introduction to New Zealand built environment sustainability
• 16.2 Project site and design brief
• 16.3 Materials selection
• 16.4 Waste minimization
• 16.5 Conclusion
• References

17. Sustainable and healthy building practice in Germany

• Abstract
• 17.1 Introduction
• 17.2 Sustainable and healthy construction in Germany
• 17.3 Example 1: A semidetached healthy residence
• 17.4 Example 2: Energy-efficient water residence
• 17.5 Conclusion
• References

18. The Bullitt Center: A “Living Building”

• Abstract
• 18.1 Introduction
• 18.2 Living Building Certification
• 18.3 Materials “Petal”
• 18.4 Forest Stewardship Council Project Certification
• 18.5 Material selection
• 18.6 Product transparency
• 18.7 Conclusion
• References