Green homes are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy-saving benefits and their ability to reduce water and other natural resources. But what many people don't realize is that green homes also offer a range of health benefits. From improved indoor air quality to reduced maintenance costs, green homes can have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of those who live in them. Indoor air quality is one of the most important factors in determining the health of a home. Homes with healthier indoor air have better indoor air quality (IAQ) than conventional homes, making the interior physically healthier and more comfortable for homeowners.
Green buildings use design elements that reduce energy consumption, helping to reduce energy costs and water bills for each occupant. Additionally, green buildings avoid the use of building materials that may contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or plastic by-products, which are known to release toxic and carcinogenic fumes into the atmosphere. Green buildings also offer a range of mental health benefits. Studies show that people who work or live in areas with high proportions of green roofs have better mental health, heal faster after an illness, and are more productive at work. Living vegetation provides an attractive view when occupants go up and down stairs or walk through the corridors of a building, which can help to reduce stress levels. The design features of green buildings will also improve the environment and therefore benefit everyone who lives or works there.
A study by the Australian Green Building Council found that, by adding green walls and roofs and other energy-efficient interventions, such as using LED lights, adding more windows to increase the amount of natural light, and modifying ventilation systems to recover heat instead of expelling it to the outside, an environmentally certified building produces 62 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than an average Australian building. Green buildings also offer a range of health benefits. A report from the Australian Green Building Council found that hospitals with green infrastructure, such as an ornamental green wall, plants on each balcony and large trees around the building, reduced average hospital stays by 8.5 percent, accelerated recovery time by 15 percent, reduced the rate of secondary infections by 11 percent, and reduced the need for painkillers by 22 percent. The lower maintenance costs associated with green buildings are another major benefit. Environmentally friendly materials (such as recycled roofs and roofs) not only withstand years of exposure to the elements, but they require much less maintenance. This means that homeowners can save money on repairs and replacements over time. Overall, green homes offer a range of health benefits that make them an attractive option for those looking for a healthier living environment.
From improved indoor air quality to reduced maintenance costs, green homes can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
