Energy efficiency upgrades in multifamily properties offer benefits to residents including lower utility bills, but some of the materials used in these projects to better insulate buildings can create health hazards.
A new report by Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA)—Making Affordable Multifamily Housing More Energy Efficient: A Guide to Healthier Upgrade Materials—offers a comprehensive guide for builders and policymakers in the use of readily available, healthier insulation and sealing materials. It includes policy frameworks to accelerate these materials’ adoption and improve air quality.
Currently, contractors and building owners are most focused on boosting efficiency performance levels of insulation and air sealing specifications with less consideration for the potential air quality impact of materials such as spray foam and modified polymer and polyurethane sealants. These materials commonly contain isocyanates, flame retardants, and phthalates that have been linked to health problems.
There are opportunities to promote healthier retrofit materials through green standards, but a broad industry discussion is needed to build consensus around a common approach, according to an article at the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, the most common financing source for building, renovating, and retrofitting affordable multifamily housing, for example, is a key driver in materials decisions. It could be used to promote the use of healthier insulating materials.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2018
Cities have multiple strategies to reduce parking requirements
Each community has to find its own mix of solutions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2018
Denver replaces green roof mandate with cool roof option
Less costly light-colored roofs can cut project costs by about 1.5%.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2018
New report addresses sound transmission of wood-framed assemblies
AWC document provides empirical sound transmission model.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2018
AIA releases 13 new and updated contract documents
Includes new Contractor-Subcontractor Master Agreement.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2018
New Milwaukee Bucks home called world’s first bird-friendly sports arena
Design will make bird collisions less likely.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2018
Several barriers holding back widespread construction of zero energy buildings
Code improvements and voluntary programs could add momentum.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2018
Boston’s new flood protection plan centers on new parks
Initiative would add 67 acres of public open space.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2018
San Francisco plans tougher seismic building codes
Recommendations include addressing geotechnical issues like those faced by Millennium Tower.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2018
Tall Mass Timber code proposals approved at Intl. Code Council public comment hearings
Proposals now go to online voting; final outcome expected in December.
Codes and Standards | Oct 25, 2018
Low-income neighborhoods could benefit most from green roofs
Those areas face the biggest risk from extreme heat.