green building and indoor air quality jpl 6 14 09

MicroShield Environmental Services, LLC. 1 OF 63John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

1170 Tree Swallow Dr., Suite 330, Winter Springs, Florida 32708phone 321-229-2778 fax 321-206-4534

www.Microshield-ES.com [email protected]

Lake County Green Building Committee

John P. Lapotaire, CIECCouncil Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant

AmIAQC CIEC #0711048

May 21st 2009

Green Building and Indoor Air Quality




Why Build Green?

In the United States, buildings account for:

39 percent of total energy use

12 percent of the total water consumption

68 percent of total electricity consumption

38 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions




When you build green,1. You take affordable housing to the next level of

performance. 2. You give owners and residents more comfortable

homes that cost less to operate, last longer, and keep occupants healthy.

3. You keep current with leading building techniques and gain valuable experience with a team approach that improves design and construction.

4. And of course, you help improve our environment as your buildings become more efficient, use less resources, and reduce their impact.




Green Predictions

“As of 2006, 50% of Builders are focusing their attention on green building issues”

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)March, 2006

“Between 40% and 50% of the homes built in 2010 are expected to be green”

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)March, 2007




Consumer Motivation




How Do You Define Green?




Varying Performance Levels




Green Home Programs




Why Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)Home Buyers are increasingly concerned about

mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals commonly found in homes.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies show that levels of air pollution inside the home are often two to five times higher than outdoor levels.




Why Does IAQ Matter To BuildersPoor indoor air quality is associated with a host of health problems, including;

eye irritation, allergies, headaches, and respiratory problems such as asthma.




Why Does IAQ Matter To BuildersIn addition, indoor air quality is having a sizable financial impact on the home building industry.

Litigation associated with mold and other indoor air quality related concerns and the rising cost of liability coverage have cost builders across the country billions of dollars.




Why Does IAQ Matter To BuildersBuilders can employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to decrease the risk of poor indoor air quality in their new homes.

According to surveys, consumers are willing to pay up to $5,000 more for these improvements.




Forward -Thinking Home BuildersEPA created the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package to help builders meet the growing consumer preference for homes with improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

By constructing homes that meet EPA’s stringent specifications, forward-thinking builders can distinguish themselves by being among the first to offer homes designed to deliver lower utility costs, greater comfort, better durability, and reduced risk of indoor air problems.*




Improving IAQ With Energy StarThe construction practices and technical specifications that comprise the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package are designed to contribute to improved indoor air quality in new homes compared to code-built homes.

The Indoor Air Package should be viewed as a way to reduce the likelihood of experiencing such problems.

For example, factors such as unforeseen construction issues and homeowner behavior may negatively impact the home’s indoor air quality and the performance of the measures specified in the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package.




Why Does IAQ Matter To BuildersBuyers have a growing preference for homes with improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency.




Homebuyers Care About IAQBuilders must build homes designed to deliver lower utility costs, greater comfort, better durability, and reduced risk of indoor air problems.*




Indoor Air Quality in HomesMoisture Control: Build in added protection from mold and other moisture damage with water managed roofs, walls, and foundations that include drainage planes, flashing details, air sealing, foundation drain tile and coatings, and proper grading. Pest Management: Provide a first-line defense against pest problems with screens at openings that cannot otherwise be fully sealed or caulked, concrete slab reinforcements to avoid cracking, and termite shields at the top of foundations in areas subject to termite infestation.




Indoor Air Quality in HomesHeating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) System: Improve indoor air quality with best practice installation of ducts and equipment to minimize condensation problems, whole-house and spot ventilation to help dilute and exhaust indoor pollutants, and air filtration to remove airborne particulates. Combustion-Venting Systems: Protect residents from potential exposure to combustion gases by installing direct-vented or power-vented gas- and oil-fired equipment, properly vented fireplaces, garages fully sealed from living spaces and equipped with a continuously operated exhaust fan, and carbon monoxide alarms in each sleeping area.




Indoor Air Quality in HomesBuilding Materials: Reduce sources of pollutants by protecting materials stored on-site from weather damage, selecting and installing materials to minimize the risk of moisture damage, meeting specifications for reduced chemical content, and ventilating homes prior to occupancy where installed materials are likely to emit airborne pollutants.




How Can Builders Affect IAQ?Builders can employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to decrease the risk of poor indoor air quality, including careful selection and installation of

moisture control systems, HVAC equipment, combustion venting systems, and building materials.

But it’s not easy for homebuyers to keep track of all the preferred construction details that lead to improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency. That’s why EPA created the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package.




Symptoms Are Widespread Within A Certain Area. Symptoms Disappear When Homeowners Leave

The Home. Symptom Onset Is Sudden After Some Change At

The Home.

- Such As: Painting Or Pesticide Application, Storm. Persons With Allergies, Asthma, Or Chemical

Sensitivities Have Reactions Indoors But Not Outdoors.

A Doctor Has Diagnosed An Occupant As Having An Indoor Air-Related Illness.

IAQ Problem Indicators




Symptoms of Certain Diseases, Including Asthma, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, and Humidifier Fever, Can Appear Soon After Exposure to Some Indoor Air Pollutants.

When Symptoms of Diagnosable Illness Can Be Attributed Directly to Airborne Building Contaminants, They Are Referred to As Building-Related Illness.

Poor IAQ Health Effects




Watery Or Dry Eyes, Nasal Irritation. Runny, Stuffy Nose. Skin Rashes Or Other Dermatological Problems. Fatigue, Headaches Or Other Neurological

Problems Nausea, Diarrhea, Or Other Gastrointestinal

Problems.

Poor IAQ Reported Symptoms




Occupants May Suffer From any or all the Following Symptoms:

Dry or Burning Mucous Membranes. Stuffy or Runny Nose. Fatigue or Lethargy. Forgetfulness. Headache. Irritability. Dizziness. Sneezing. Nausea.

IAQ Undefined Health Symptoms




Inadequate Ventilation. Air Contamination. Water Intrusion Contamination from Indoor Household Products Contamination from Outdoor Sources. Other Nonpollutant Stressors Such As:

Temperature. Humidity. Lighting.

IAQ Contributing Factors




What Is “In” Indoor AirCOMPOSITION OF OUTDOOR AIR:

20.9% MINOR CONSTITUENTS - Noble Gases (Helium, Neon..) - Methane. - Carbon Dioxide. - Water Vapor.

78.1% OXYGEN




MAN MADE SOURCES OF POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: Adhesives. Pesticides. Air Fresheners. Copy Machines. Paints And Supplies. Cleaners And Waxes. Dry Cleaned Fabrics And Furnishings. Paper Products And Printed Materials. Cosmetics And Personal Care Products.

Factors Affecting IAQ




BUILDING SOURCES OF POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: Plastics.

Sealants.

Insulating Materials.

Glues And Adhesives.

Electrical Equipment.

Pressed Wood Products.

Floor And Wall Coverings.

Radon From Construction Materials.

Building Product VOC’s




Dust Mites.

Pollens.

Yeasts.

Mold.

Poor IAQ and Nature Sources

Yeast Cells PollenDust Mite Mold




Engineering Controls.

Good Building Design

Proper Maintenance.

Administrative Controls.

STRATEGIES FOR HEALTHY HOMES:IAQ Healthy Homes




Homeowner Benefits

Healthier Indoor Environment

More Comfortable

More Durable

30 – 60% More Energy-Efficient

More Environmentally Responsible




Builder Benefits Reduced Cost

* Fewer Call-Backs

* Increased Customer Satisfaction

* Increased Referral Rate Increased Revenue

*Higher Close Rate

*More Sales Higher Profits




Who is MicroShield?MicroShield Environmental Services, LLC. was established by a Homebuilder for Homebuilders to provide the Homebuilding industry with affordable solutions for Residential Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

MicroShield Environmental Services is dedicated to providing our Builders with the highest level of professional Indoor Air Quality Services available.At MicroShield, we are committed to ensuring the homes our Builders deliver meet the highest standard of indoor Air Quality for their valued Home Buyers.







How Can MicroShield Help You?1. Certified IAQ Healthy Home 2. Indoor Air Quality Testing 3. Quality Control Inspections 4. Product Failure Inspections5. Water Intrusion Inspections 6. Indoor Air Quality Inspections 7. Building Diagnostic Inspections







Water Intrusion Inspections







Water Intrusion InspectionsThese illustrations show the mitered joints of the aluminum cladding that are separating in areas and allowing water to enter the home by first filling the hollow aluminum frame and then entering the wall cavity.







Cause and Origin Reports







Water Intrusion AssessmentsWater testing was conducted to conclusively identify the cause and origin of the water intrusion and/or eliminate areas of suspected water intrusion. The results of this inspection and testing are presented in the following report.







Indoor Environmental ReadingsThe indoor environmental readings showed that there was not enough of a temperature differential within the home at the time of the inspection to cause the condensation necessary to sustain or create the elevated moisture content measured around the bedroom window. This left us to direct our attention to the possibility of water intrusion at the window. Rain was discounted because there had been no rain for 8 to 10 days and the moisture content would have returned to a dry standard within 72 to 96 hours of the water intrusion.







Water Intrusion SourceThe only remaining water source that periodically is introduced that would maintain the elevated moisture content measured would be the irrigation.

Once all of the indoor environmental readings were established and the air samples were taken, the low pressure water testing began by turning on the irrigation zone closest to the windows for a period of 5 minutes.







Moisture Mapping & Water TestingThe moisture mapping of the window without the addition of water and again with the irrigation turned on for 5 minutes and again with the irrigation turned on for a period of 5 additional minutes. Total exposure time 10 minutes.

The point of failure in the windows was determined to be the connection between the jamb and the seal at 4 areas of the windows measured.

Water testing was conducted to conclusively identify the cause and origin of the water intrusion and/or eliminate areas of suspected water intrusion. The results of this inspection and testing are presented in the following report.







Water TestingWhenever possible the suspected water source should be used during water testing.

The water should always be applied under low pressure and low volume.







Moisture Mapping







Product Failure

The point of failure in the windows was determined to be the connection between the jamb and the seal at 4 areas of the windows measured during the testing.







Mold Free Building Material







Frame Stage MoldYou can stop mold growth during construction by applying MicroShield’s 2 step anti-microbial mold pretreatment to your home's completed structure prior to drywall.

MicroShield pretreatment cleans, disinfects, and protects the Home.







Mold PretreatmentThe 1st Step Destroys Microorganisms upon contact, Safely Cleaning and Disinfecting the Home. Eliminating mold on trusses, lumber, and other building material.

The 2nd Mold Pretreatment Step Encapsulates the Structure with a permeable anti-microbial that prevents airborne microorganisms from regenerating while providing the Builder and Homebuyer a 20yr Warranty and "Certified Mold Free Building Material".







Pretreatment Option

We choose to “opt out” and not purchase the Mold Pretreatment Protection as described above and agree to the terms and conditions outlined above in the MOLD, FUNGUS OR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION EXCLUSION ENDORSEMENT.







Homebuyer Option / Mold Exclusion







Tools of the IAQ TradeThe Zefon Z-lite IAQ pump is a linear type pump which is very small in size, but produces a high volume of vacuum airflow. Anderson Volumetric Sampler used with an agar plate to collect culturable air samples.

Lightweight pump features an adjustable regulator

Bio-Pump is the lightest portable battery powered IAQ sampling pump







Tools of the IAQ TradeIndoor Air Quality ReadingsTemperature, Relative Humidity, Particulate, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide







Particulate Matter SizeParticulates, alternatively referred to as particulate matter (PM) or fine particles, are tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in the ambient air.







IAQ Particulate Sources







IAQ Particulate CountersIAQ Particle Counter gives indoor air quality users unique capabilities not available in other IAQ equipment. It is specifically appropriate for assessing air as it pertains to health and breathing. Sensitivity range is large enough to accurately detect mold spores and still detect 0.3 micron smoke particles.







Particulate Size Chart0.3 0.5 2.5 5







VOC and Odor InvestigationOver the past 20 years the EPA authored a series of ‘Toxic Organic Compound’ methods to test the ambient air. These methods are more commonly referred to as the ‘TO’ methods.Today the TO-15 test for 62-compound







Tools of the IAQ Trade

Black Light / UV ScanBlack Light Scan can identify the location of mold, bacteria, urine, and many other indoor contaminants.

The remote video camera can help the Indoor Environmentalist view areas with minimal damage.







Tools of the IAQ TradeThe use of a boroscope, (fiber optics) to view space inside ductwork or behind walls is used along with the use of a radio moisture meter The Moisture Meter is used to detect moisture "inside" building materials, identifying hidden sources of fungal growth and the extent of water damage.








Digital cameras are used in every assessment to photo document any and all concerns

The MiniRae is an advanced handheld volatile organic compound (VOC) detector.

The MiniRae uses photo ionization detector’s (PID) extended range of 0 to 15,000 ppm.








Thermal imagers can be used in many diagnostic indoor environmental assessments.

Thermal CamerasThe use of a thermal imager is an excellent nondestructive investigation technique.







Thank You for Participating in Our Green Building & IAQ Presentation

If you have any questions concerning the course material we have just covered?

Please contact John or Lydia LapotaireJohn 321-229-2778 Lydia 407-383-9459

[email protected] [email protected]

www.Microshield-ES.com

“Healthier Air Starts Here” MicroShield Environmental Services, LLC. 62 OF 63

John P. Lapotaire, CIEC1170 Tree Swallow Dr., Suite 330, Winter Springs, Florida 32708

phone 321-229-2778 fax 321-206-4534www.Microshield-ES.com [email protected]




Thank You

“Healthier Air Starts Here”

Thank You

John P. Lapotaire, CIEC




green building and indoor air quality jpl 6 14 09

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