The Problem

Why Design the Vermont Healthy Home®?
While we all live in different structures, we rarely think about the design of our homes until something goes wrong. The homes we live in are actually complex organisms. Our lifestyles and the design of the structure and mechanical systems cannot be separated. Building use, insulation systems, materials selection, heating and cooling systems, indoor air quality, and our health can not be separated in evaluating the performance and durability of a home. In the past, these factors have not typically been considered in a comprehensive and integrated fashion by either designers or occupants.

The structures we live in have continually evolved. With the "Energy Crisis" of the 70's, homes increased the amounts of insulation and became much more tightly sealed to reduce energy consumption and costs. While energy was conserved, many other problems are now being uncovered in homes built since the 70's.

Some of the problems include:

  • Indoor air pollution
  • Building rot
  • Maintenance problems
  • Environmental concerns
  • Resource conservation