By John Voket, RISMedia Columnist
RISMEDIA, September 8, 2010—In a recent segment, I reviewed some of the high points of a talk with Sam Rashkin, national director of the Energy Star for Homes program. Rashkin recently spoke at a seminar for builders, contractors and architects hosted by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF).
Besides focusing on stepped-up energy saving initiatives scheduled to be rolled out soon, he is also in the process of introducing a new EPA Indoor Air Quality label for the housing industry that will be linked to the program, as well as an advanced technology program called Climate Choice, aimed at builders of upscale residences.
This second of two segments will complete our review of the finer points of the IAQ initiative, helping you and your family breathe easier in the future.
New homes built with the Energy Star Indoor Air Package will feature six major components—the last three are:
Combustion-venting systems: In homes with the Indoor Air Package, builders can help protect residents from potential exposure to combustion pollutants by using fossil-fuel heating equipment that cannot spill combustion gases inside the home, installing carbon monoxide alarms in each sleeping area, and taking steps to prevent pollutants in the garage from entering the house.
Building materials: The types of materials builders choose and the way they manage them during construction can affect a home’s indoor air quality. Builders following the Indoor Air Package specifications reduce sources of pollutants by protecting materials stored on-site from weather damage, using materials with reduced chemical content, and ventilating homes prior to move-in to help improve indoor air quality.
Radon control: Exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive, invisible and odorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. In high-risk radon areas, homes with the Indoor Air Package are built with radon-resistant construction techniques. Home buyers in these areas are also provided with test kits to check radon levels after they move in.
Finally, all homes incorporate homeowner education. After purchasing a home with the Energy Star Indoor Air Package, owners receive a manual explaining their home’s indoor air quality features and showing how to operate their home to continue minimizing the risk of indoor air quality problems.
For more information, visit www.energystar.gov/homes.
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