Indoor Air Quality addresses the proper selection of materials like non off-gassing and low toxicity substances, the use of effective filtration methods, the need for daylighting and views to the outside, fresh air circulation and other strategies to ensure a healthy, desirable indoor environment.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Did you know?


  • Building-related illnesses due to poor indoor air quality account for at least $60 billion in lost productivity in the U.S. per year.
  • An estimated one-third of all new or renovated energy-efficient buildings may suffer from sick-building problems.
  • An average person spends up to 90% of his time indoors, which may be 2-5 times more polluted than outside air according to a Congressional Quarterly report.

Defining Green Building Choices in This Category

  • Ducts were sealed and building materials protected from rain during construction.
  • Indoor air has been tested for pollutant levels before home occupancy.
  • Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and nontoxic compounds have been specified for building materials.
  • High-efficiency filters are used to remove particulates such as dust and pollen from indoor air.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors have been installed to avoid risks from malfunction of combustion equipment like natural gas furnaces and stoves.

Indoor Air Quality Features in the GreenHome

Nearly every product in the GreenHome was selected based on indoor air quality criteria.  The home uses high-efficiency, Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 12 filters to clean supply air. In addition, a central house vacuum will be installed to reduce indoor dust, pollens and dirt. The garage is sealed and insulated from the rest of the house to ensure that no vehicle exhaust or dust enters the house. Air samples will be collected and analyzed on an ongoing basis when construction is complete to ensure superior indoor air quality before and after the family moves into the home.


The GreenHome showcases the following features that improve indoor air quality:


  • Supply Air Filtering
  • House Foundation and Mold Mitigation
  • Radon Mitigation System
  • Air Testing
  • Sealed Garage
  • Central Vacuum System
  • Low-emitting Products
  • Low-VOC Products