Healthy homes / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

Semi-Translucent Aerogel Filled Commercial Windows
Insulation and soundproofing

Aerogel - Super Insulation for Windows and Walls

...homes. This guide, written for both the eco-curious homeowner and the seasoned building professional, explores the science, applications, and regional use of aerogel to help you achieve a high-performance building envelope. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the key aspects of this topic. Below is an overview ...

a living room with bright {10,000 lux} lamp
Lighting

How to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at Home: Light Therapy, Day-lighting, and More

...healthy homes. This guide provides a definitive look at the science behind SAD and the best practices for integrating light-based solutions - from specialized 10,000 lux light therapy to whole-house 'daylight balanced' design strategies. The mixed audience of interested homeowners and informed professionals must recogn...

A close-up shot of cleaning black mold spores on a wooden beam in a basement
Healthy indoor air quality

A Guide to Safe and Non-Toxic Mold Removal from Wood Framing in Homes

...homes.  Materials: Use mold-resistant building materials where possible. In brief Removing mold from wood framing is a manageable task for both homeowners and pros, provided you follow the steps we've laid out here. The key is to first fix the moisture problem, then physically remove the mold with safe, non-toxic sol...

Hempcrete home Image via Ecolibrium Designs
Wall assemblies - new construction

Hempcrete Walls: a Homeowner's and Pro's Guide

...homes or buildings that were not constructed with airtightness in mind. 3.0 ACH50: This is the minimum standard for new buildings in many North American building codes. It is a baseline for modern construction. 1.5 ACH50: This is the standard for Energy Star homes. It represents a good level of airtightness. 0.6 ACH50:...

Wall assemblies - new construction

Rammed Earth Homes: A Sustainable and Beautiful Wall Assembly

Rammed earth walls for homes: a homeowner's & pro's guide Rammed earth as a building method dates back thousands of years, and in recent years, it has found its way into the world of modern design and sustainable architecture. Not only is rammed earth an efficient and natural type of wall assembly, but the final pr...

Choosing Sustainable Countertops: Comparing Durability, Cost, and Safety
Kitchens

How to choose non-toxic & sustainable countertops - and no, we don't mean regular quartz counters

...homes. This guide marks a necessary evolution in the conversation around sustainable countertops. While past green building discussions, often led by standards like LEED v4 certification, have rightly focused on aesthetics, durability, recycled content, and low-VOC emissions, the silicosis epidemic introduces a crucial...