building renovation

Models calculating the environmental benefits of renovation and retrofitting of buildings are generally based on energy calculations and don’t take into account the environmental penalty of demolishing and replacing parts of the building and its equipment.

Describes the investigation in 1994 of a suspected case of sick building syndrome at a communications centre. The building's central HVAC systems had a poor record of maintenance, and there had been continual structural modifications to the building. Inspection revealed the presence of fungal growth in the HVAC system. Remediation included employing a dedicated mechanic to implement a preventive maintenance programme. A significant drop in fungal concentrations was revealed as a result.

This booklet presents seven outstanding renovation projects that show a different set of renovation challenges and solutions. Together, they demonstrate how a house of any age can be turned into a healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Three different techniques for reducing exposure to microorganisms were tested during remediation of moldy buildings. Concentrations of spores (fungi and actinomycetes) were determined by filter sampling before, during, and after remediation. The local exhaust method used for asbestos dismantling was the most effective control method. In the construction zone, concentrations of microorganisms were 4-25 times higher during remediation than before it. In the adjacent area no increase in concentrations was seen.