Healthy Indoor Air

Supply sufficient fresh air and reduce air pollutants and irritants

Avoid exposure to toxic molds, yeasts, and bacteria as well as dust and allergens

Use materials with a pleasant or neutral smell

Minimise exposure to electromagnetic fields and wireless radiation

Use natural, nontoxic materials with the least amount of radioactivity

 

Thermal and Acoustic Comfort

Strive for a well-balanced ratio between thermal insulation and heat retention as well as indoor surface and air temperatures

Use humidity-buffering materials

Keep the moisture content of new construction as low as possible

Prefer radiant heat for heating

Optimise room acoustics and control noise, including infrasound

 

Human-based Design

Take harmonic proportion and form into consideration

Nurture the sensory perceptions of sight, hearing, smell, and touch

Maximise daylighting and choose flicker-free lighting sources and colour schemes that closely match natural light

Base interior and furniture design on physiological and ergonomic findings

Promote regional building traditions and craftsmanship

 

Sustainable Environmental Performance

Minimise energy consumption and use renewable energy

Avoid causing environmental harm when building new or renovating

Conserve natural resources and protect plants and animals

Choose materials and life cycles with the best environmental performance, favouring regional building materials

Provide the best possible quality of drinking water

 

Socially connected and Ecological sound Communities

Design the infrastructure for well-balanced mixed use: short distances to work, shopping, schools, public transit, essential services, and recreation

Create a living environment that meets human needs and protects the environment

Provide sufficient green space in rural and urban residential areas

Strengthen regional and local supply networks as well as self-sufficiency

Select building sites that are located away from sources of contamination, radiation, pollutants, and noise