Building Biology – Also known as ‘Baubiologie’ or ‘Healthy Building’, the concept started in the 60s in Germany when scientists suspected a link between the buildings that were hastily constructed after World War II and poor health. Since then, there has been a gradual movement towards making buildings healthier. I am currently studying with the Institute of Building Biology in order to become a qualified Building Biology Consultant.
“Building biology is the study of the holistic relationships between humans and their built environment. The aim is to create a healthy, natural, sustainable, and beautifully designed living and working environment. “
Winfried Schnieder – Director IBN
According to the Institute of Building Biology + Sustainability IBN, there are 25 Guiding Principles of Baubiologie:
Healthy Indoor Air
- Supply sufficient fresh air and reduce air pollutants and irritants
- Avoid exposure to toxic molds, yeasts, and bacteria as well as dust and allergens
- Use materials with a pleasant or neutral smell
- Minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields and wireless radiation
- Use natural, nontoxic materials with the least amount of radioactivity
Thermal and Acoustic Comfort
- Strive for a well-balanced ratio between thermal insulation and heat retention as well as indoor surface and air temperatures
- Use humidity-buffering materials
- Keep the moisture content of new construction as low as possible
- Prefer radiant heat for heating
- Optimize room acoustics and control noise, including infrasound
Human-based Design
- Take harmonic proportion and form into consideration
- Nurture the sensory perceptions of sight, hearing, smell, and touch
- Maximize daylighting and choose flicker-free lighting sources and color schemes that closely match natural light
- Base interior and furniture design on physiological and ergonomic findings
- Promote regional building traditions and craftsmanship
Sustainable Environmental Performance
- Minimize energy consumption and use renewable energy
- Avoid causing environmental harm when building new or renovating
- Conserve natural resources and protect plants and animals
- Choose materials and life cycles with the best environmental performance, favoring regional building materials
- Provide the best possible quality of drinking water
Socially Connected and Ecological Sound Communities
- Design the infrastructure for well-balanced mixed use: short distances to work, shopping, schools, public transit, essential services, and recreation
- Create a living environment that meets human needs and protects the environment
- Provide sufficient green space in rural and urban residential areas
- Strengthen regional and local supply networks as well as self-sufficiency
- Select building sites that are located away from sources of contamination, radiation, pollutants, and noise
These principles are ones that I intend to look into and how I can implement them in my home renovation in order to improve the environment that I live in. Check out my posts for more!