GreenClips.7 09.14.94 DOUBTS ABOUT RADON'S LINK TO CANCER Several recent studies of radon-the radioactive gas seeping into homes and known to cause cancer-have not found a significant cause-effect relationship with typical levels of exposure at 1.25 picocuries. But the EPA and other scientists believe that radon levels at 4picocuries or higher are a cancer risk and advise remedial action. -The New York Times, September 6, 1994, p. B7, by Warren E. Leary. DEMONSTRATION HOMES Two recently completed homes demonstrate earth friendly and healthy building practices. The Earth Ways Home in St. Louis uses a geothermal system to heat and cool a remodeled 19th century red brick home, and solar panels to power kitchen appliances. The American Lung Association recently built a "health house" in Minneapolis that demonstrates ways to reduce indoor air pollution. -E Magazine, September 1994, p. 43. SITE SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT Harmony and Maho Bay resorts, located on St. John in the US Virgin Islands and developed by Stanley Selengut, were built using low impact construction techniques. Elevated walkways connecting Maho Bay's 118 tent cottages protect rare vegetation from pedestrian traffic. Harmony, amore luxurious resort, is powered exclusively by solar and wind power and is constructed of recycled building materials. Cisterns store rainwater for irrigation. -Solar Today, September/October, p. 16, by Stanley Selengut. ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING ASSESSMENT Environmental assessment programs evaluate buildings according to interior, local, and global environmental criteria. Modeled on the UK's BREEAM program, Canada's Building Environmental Performance Assessment Criteria (BEPAC) program evaluates new and existing office buildings in five major areas: ozone layer protection, environmental impacts of energy use, indoor environmental quality, resource conservation, site and transportation. US efforts in environmental assessment include the City of Austin's Green Building Program for homes.-Earthword, Issue No. 5, p.55, by Dr. Raymond Cole. FEDERAL BUILDINGS ORDERED TO REDUCE ENERGY USE Executive Order 12902 requires each federal agency to reduce energy consumption by 30% by the year 2000, and designate an existing building as a showcase of energy efficiency and water conservation. -Green Building Report, July 1994, p. 3. GYPSUM PLANT RECYCLES PLANT SCRAPS AND CONSTRUCTION WASTE New West Gypsum manufactures gypsum board in Fife, Washington using plant scraps from Domtar Gypsum and Westroc Industries, and waste gypsum from construction projects. Recycling the material makes economic sense since Domtar was paying $80,000 to $100,000 per month to dispose of 1,000 tons of scrap gypsum. –Recycling Today, August 1994, p. 67, by Robert H. Brickner. ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES Market barriers-including financing, developer dominance, and tax rules-discourage the design of energy efficient buildings. Strategies for overcoming these barriers include combinations of education, new incentives, and organization-such as energy-efficient mortgages, leasing reform, and golden carrots. -Rocky Mountain Institute Newsletter, Summer 1994, p. 1, by Amory Lovins. HOLLAND SHOWCASES GREEN HOMES The community of Ecolonia showcases 101 private homes illustrating green architecture strategies-including sod roofs, solar collectors and a waste water treatment pond. -Architectural Record, August 1994, p. 12, by Tracy Metz.