Building biology is the study of the relationship between buildings and life. While it considers the connection between people and buildings and between buildings and the environment, it is more specifically concerned with the impact of the built environment on human health and the use of this knowledge to create healthier homes and workplaces.

The primary concern of building biologists is the health and wellbeing of building occupants. We see your home or workplace as your “third skin” – ideally, a breathable, flexible structure that not only provides shelter, but also supports the health of your body, mind and spirit. We are guided by principles which advocate:

• building in a quiet, non toxic environment
• building on a site which receives abundant natural light  and is not subjected to adverse effects of man-made electromagnetic radiation or negative earth energies
• using building materials that are non toxic, breathable and naturally regulate indoor humidity
• minimising electromagnetic fields from electrical wiring and appliances
• using natural light and radiant heat as much as possible
• optimising indoor air temperature
• ensuring adequate ventilation
• providing the best possible quality of drinking water
• producing, using and disposing of materials in ways that are as inexpensive as possible and have minimum impact on the environment

The application of these principles can result in an energy-efficient building with minimum exposure to the causes of illness commonly known as “sick building syndrome ”.

A building biologist can work with you in designing a new dwelling, in planning changes to an existing structure or in determining changes to the use of space or products inside a building.

Building biology safety standards

Building biologists believe that if both short and long term exposure to either a product or a particular level of electromagnetic radiation cannot be proven to be safe, then it should be prudently avoided.

Our recommended safe exposure levels for electromagnetic fields and radio frequencies are therefore below the point at which cells begin to demonstrate abnormal behaviour. As such, they are significantly less than those of other authorities which consider the level at which a person experiences immediate adverse effects.