GEF

Unit 9  |  New Technology and Innovative Sustainability Approaches 203 Indoor air quality and health is another aspect of green building. Along with upgrades to HVAC systems, an important strategy for improving indoor air quality is decreasing materials that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) . Many build- ing components, including carpeting, wood finishes, and paint, release dangerous chemicals, such as formaldehyde and ace- tone, into the air. With chronic exposure, building occupants can suffer adverse health effects, such as impaired breathing and cancer. Green building practices prioritize the use of materials that do not release VOCs, leading to improved occupant health, satisfaction, and worker productivity. High levels of water consumption makes water efficiency another major component of green building. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, buildings consume an estimated 47 billion gallons of water per day. Some buildings capture, filter, and treat rainwater for use within the building. New and innovative strategies, such as using greywater from sinks, showers, and other non-toilet waste water for use in onsite irrigation and land- scaping, are being seen more frequently. Low-flow toilets and showerheads, waterless urinals, locally adopted plants for land- scaping, and meters that measure water consumption are just a fewmore of the innovations that green builders are implementing. Even a simple rain water collection barrel can help reduce water consumption. VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCs) Organic compounds, such as formaldehyde, which are released by building components and can cause health problems. GREYWATER Wastewater that is created in homes or buildings that can be recycled onsite for irrigation, landscaping, or construction.