People typically think of pollution as something that comes out of a smokestack, or a tailpipe. Unfortunately, the air inside our homes, schools, offices and other buildings can be three times more polluted than the air outdoors!
That pollution comes from many sources: furnishings, interior finishes, plywood and particleboard, cleaning products, and combustion appliances to name a few. When you consider that most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, you can see why this indoor air pollution poses a real risk to our health and well being.
Indoor airPLUS is a voluntary program created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that helps builders construct and certify homes with improved indoor air quality.The program, which is free to join and industry-recognized, certifies homes that meet strict requirements in construction practices and product specifications designed to reduce exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants.
Indoor airPLUS builds on the EPA’s ENERGY STAR requirements for new homes, and is a companion to that certification, providing additional construction specifications in six areas: moisture control, radon control, pest management, HVAC, combustion venting, and building materials. Each requirement focuses on minimizing the flow of hazardous air while maximizing energy efficiency, creating a home that is healthy, green, comfortable, and cost-efficient. Due to the enormous benefits for both occupants and the environment the program provides, and the increased importance of superior indoor air quality in a home with a well sealed building envelope, Indoor airPLUS certification is required for all Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH).
To earn the Indoor airPLUS label, homes must undergo a rigorous third-party inspection to ensure they meet the strict standards and specifications set forth by the EPA. As part of our commitment to clean and healthy design WATERSHED designs all of our new homes and major renovations to meet Indoor airPLUS requirements, and encourages our clients to pursue certification. We have found that the third party inspections required by Indoor airPlus, Energy Star, and other certifications, are an invaluable tool to assist the General Contractor in providing the highest quality construction services to our clients.
Performance Metrics
Learn more about green and healthy building certifications.
