Sustainable Building Technical Manual
As the world’s population continues to expand, implementation of resource-efficient measures in all areas of human activity is imperative. The built environment is one clear example of the impact of human activity on resources.
The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings
Integrating “sustainable” or “green” building practices into the construction of state buildings is a solid financial investment. In the most comprehensive analysis of the financial costs and benefits of green building conducted to date, this report finds that an upfront investment of less than two percent of construction costs yields life cycle savings of over ten times the initial investment. For example, an initial upfront investment of up to $100,000 to incorporate green building features into a $5 million project would result in a savings of at least $1 million over the life of the building, assumed conservatively to be 20 years.
Indoor Air Pollution
Sick of Dust
Safer Products Project, March 2005
A study of household dust from homes around the country found a wide range of toxic chemicals linked to damage to the immune and reproductive systems. The chemicals--including phthalates, brominated flame retardants, organotins and perfluorinated compounds-- are used in a wide array of consumer products, cosmetics, vinyl flooring and upholstery--household goods many people wrongfully assume are safe.
The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
EPA
In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.
Addressing the Links between Indoor Air Pollution, Household Energy and Human Health
World Health Organization 2000
This report sheds light on the risks of indoor air pollution and its effect on quality of life. It offers policy interventions to help allevaite this problem as well the need for further research.
Organic Foods
Minimizing Pesticide Dietary Exposure Through Consumption of Organic Foods
The Organic Center for Education and Promotion, May 2004
Choosing organically grown fruits and vegetables can significantly decrease the frequency and level of dietary
exposure to pesticides, thus reducing the magnitude of one risk factor that can contribute to a variety of health
problems. This study addresses the public health concern of pesticides found in many foods and those most vulnerable.
Assessing organic food quality: Is it better for you?
Soil Association, March 2002
This scientific study concludes that, “Collectively, the available valid evidence supports the consumer intuition that organically produced foods are superior in terms of food safety, nutritional content and nutritional value to non-organically produced foods.
A practical guide to UNDERSTANDING ORGANIC
Stonyfield Farm
As concerns continue to grow about damage to our soil, water and air from conventional farming, about the health consequences of pesticides in food and the environment, and about genetically modified ingredients in the food supply, demand for organic foods is growing.
Around the world, consumers are showing that they want, and will often pay more for, products that are healthy, wholesome, flavorful, and grown and produced in ways that protect and restore the environment for a sustainable future. This guide will help you understand the fundamentals
of organic agriculture—exactly what ‘organic’ means, what organic doesn’t mean, the best reasons to support organic, what the national organic standards mean to you, and answers to other basic questions about organic production.
Nowhere to Hide: Persistent Toxic Chemicals in the U.S. Food Supply
Pesticide Action Network North America, March 2001
This 2000 report by PANNA and Commonweal highlights widespread contamination of U.S. food with persistent organic pollutants (POPs), many of which have been banned in the U.S. for years. The report documents the need for a global solution to POPs contamination and calls for a strong international POPs treaty.
Recycling
Recycling of electronic waste in India and China.
Greenpeace, August 2005
In India and China, all stages in processing e-waste enable toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, to be released into the workplace and into the surrounding environment. Despite an EU ban on exports of hazardous waste, including e-waste, to developing countries, there is increasing evidence of e-waste being sent to Asia from Europe illegally. The majority of the waste being exported to Asia comes from the United States.
Too Good To Throw Away:Recycling's Proven Record
NRDC
In the next century, recycling will not be the subject of speculation and study. It simply will be a fact of life. That's good news for America. Recently, some have questioned the value of recycling, which has generated a healthy public debate. This report is invaluable because it debunks the claims of recycling opponents who misinterpret the facts and mislead the public about the benefits of recycling. The report makes a valuable contribution to public debate about conserving our resources and protecting our environment.
2004-2005 Houston/Regional Recycling & Conservation Guide
