GreenMD
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LEED
GreenMD is born to support the health and wisdom of planet earth. Health benefits have been proposed conjoined with inhabiting a LEED certified building. Humanity is in need of everyone to do everything they can to help preserve and maintain a healthful life. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is evolving and supports human health.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Website
Links for ideas to earn credits are delineated under each LEED category. Examples of health benefits related to each LEED strategy follow:
- Sustainable Sites
- Green roofs can remove particulate matter from the atmosphere that trigger asthma attacks, reduce heat transfer through the roof of the building providing indoor comfort and reduction of heat stress.
- http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/resources/pdf/GreenRoofsCompendium.pdf p.8.
- Green roofs can remove particulate matter from the atmosphere that trigger asthma attacks, reduce heat transfer through the roof of the building providing indoor comfort and reduction of heat stress.
- Water Efficiency
- Water management is important in reducing the mosquito population, a vector for the West-Nile virus. Open Marsh Water Management (OMWM) and Rotational Impoundment Management (RIM) are utilized to control the mosquito population.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/resources/wnv-guidelines-apr-2001.pdf .
- Water management is important in reducing the mosquito population, a vector for the West-Nile virus. Open Marsh Water Management (OMWM) and Rotational Impoundment Management (RIM) are utilized to control the mosquito population.
- Energy Atmosphere
- NO2 converts in the atmosphere to nitrate aerosols, a prime component of fine particle pollution. Fine particles are associated with serious health effects ranging from respiratory problems to premature death. Nitrogen oxides also are a building block of ozone smog, a major respiratory irritant that also increases the risk of premature death.
http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc188.htm
- Material and Resources
- Brightman and Moss (2001), in a review of large-scale studies of sick building syndrome (SBS) in Europe and the United States, identify carpet as a key risk factor in SBS.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/buscase_appendixf.pdf.
- Brightman and Moss (2001), in a review of large-scale studies of sick building syndrome (SBS) in Europe and the United States, identify carpet as a key risk factor in SBS.
- Environment Quality
- Asthma is triggered by indoor air pollutants as well as outdoor allergy triggers. Careful analysis of both indoor and outdoor triggers is important to prevent triggers. Reduction of volatile organic carbons, and proper moisture control to prevent mold are helpful.
- Many large-scale building studies show that increased volumes of outdoor air, natural ventilation, air ventilation rates, and filtration of air and improved cleaning and maintenance of systems are correlated with reduced sick SBS symptoms as well as reduced allergy and asthma symptoms and transmission of infections diseases. Data is inconsistent and anecdotal per report by the Department of Energy but worth considering.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/buscase_appendixf.pdf.
- Asthma is triggered by indoor air pollutants as well as outdoor allergy triggers. Careful analysis of both indoor and outdoor triggers is important to prevent triggers. Reduction of volatile organic carbons, and proper moisture control to prevent mold are helpful.
- Innovation/Design
- Regional Priority
GreenMD examines the health benefits of living in a LEED certified building. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design. LEED buildings are certified based on
a credit system which encourages a healthy planet and living
environment. 'Leed' and related logo is a trademark owned
by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission.
