The assessment of sustainable development for a home and the community it belongs to can be conducted using a very basic and efficient method which was extended to evaluate other indicators and indices, and all components of the four major quality systems: environment, social, availability of resources and economic development. This method was also combined with other techniques to conduct an efficient assessment and obtain reliable and comprehensive results.

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3.5.1 Historical information about the site

Basic historical information about the owner(s) or renters of the site as well as about the site itself. The history of ownership and use of the site may be going as far back as a century or more if needed.

Physical information about the site must also be investigated. The following is a short list of data to investigate:

1. Legal description    2. Survey co-ordinates   3. Total acreage   4. Type of building   5. Percentage of thesite occupied   6. Past and current zoning of the site   7. Any special permits/licenses issued   8. Wate supply    9. Topography   10. Drainage   11. Site topsoil and vegetation   12. Groundwater   13. Hydrology and geologic hazards    14. Easements   15. Features or resources which have been or may be impacted   16. Environmental hazards on adjacent properties   17. Waste sites   18. Storage tanks, storage rooms or buildings   19. Sewage system

A visual inspection of the site is also conducted.

3.5.2 The site

The site has a climate of its own,which is governed by the orientation of the land to the path of the sun and to prevailing winds, by the existence of man-made or natural obstructions the sun and wind around the site, and by the topography of the site itself and of immediately adjoining property. These features produce small but significant differences in daily air temperature, exposure to wind, and exposure to solar radiation, all of which influence the energy requirements of the housing unit.

There is a point awarded to each response to a question. The answer to each question produces a score. The scale of the scoring system is shown here.

Answer	Score
Absolutely not	0
Not often	1
Sometimes	2
Habitually	3
Most of the times	4
Definitely yes	5

If a question is not applying to the site, it must be left out and the total number of questions is reduced by one. All points are then added to obtain a percentage in each sub-section therefore assessing performance in all areas. The rating for each sub-section is calculated using the following equation:

Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5


The sub-section rating obtained is entered at the end of each sub-section. By adding the percentage together and dividing by the number of sub-sections will yield the "Section Rating", which is the average percentage performance in this area of sustainable development.

We have assigned weights to each Section Rating value as part of the accounting method. These weights were obtained from the Survey on the Scale of Values and are of the same kind as the Urgency or Importance Index value. We guess-estimated in between the values from the Survey.

Thus the section rating can be obtained.
Section Rating     =      Sub-section rating total     x      0.090
                                Total number of sub-sections

= GESDI for this section.

All percentages were then added to obtain an overall rating for the site.
The GESDI for the home and the community is obtained by adding all GESDI of all the sections together.

For instance, the Site has a sub-section on Landscaping A. If all three questions add up to 15, then the maximum value can be obtained as follow:

Sub-section %    =    15     x     100%
                                 3               5
   =     100%

If all six sub-sections A, B, C, D, E, F are 100% then

Section Rating     =      600     x      0.090
                                    6

   =     9.0   the maximum value for the section.

The GESDI for this section would then be 9.0 and it must be added to all the GESDIs obtained in the other sections. The sum of all the GESDIs is the GESDI for the home.

If your site is very different, you could even attempt adding questions and giving a score to the questions. Then follow the procedure to obtain GESDI for your site.
 
A.     Landscaping

____1.    Are there shrubs___, trees___, and fence___ to provide a natural buffer between the home and street, and thus reducing contamination, and noise?
____2.    Is there enough space between vines and shrubs and the walls (damages near buildings will encourage unhealthy fungus growth and damage the structure)?
____3.    Are surface drainage sloped away from the building?

Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

B.    Land use and occupancy of the area

        Note:  This is a YES/NO  sub-section (only for this sub-section; use the regular scoring scale shown above to assess the other sub-sections). To assess it we apply the scale of the scoring system    as follow:  YES  =  0       and  NO  =  5.

____1.    Is any gas station within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____2.    Is any septic tank within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____3.    Is any sanitary landfill within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____4.    Is any stabilization pond within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____5.    Is any oil, gas, coal, etc. exploration within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____6.    Is any water treatment plant within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____7.    Is any power plant or substation within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____8.    Is any industrial complex within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____9.    Is any hazardous material storage tank (UST or AST) within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____10.    Is any commercial complex within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____11.    Is any farm within the area of a half-km radius of the site?
____12.    Is any aircraft station or airport within the area of a ten-km radius of the site?

Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

C.    Groundwater

    Underground water reservoirs are out of sight, but they have been highly visible in the past decade. Reports have been filled with stories about groundwater contamination from industry, agriculture and a multitude of other sources.

____1.    Are you concerned about protecting your groundwater?
____2.    If spilled on the soil, would your products be safe (they would leach or breakdown slowly in the soil, or runoff toward wells or other water supplied)?
____3.    Is soil organic matter and clay content sufficient to help bind spilled chemicals and slow movement in the soil?
____4.    Did you make sure that chemical storage, mixing and loading areas are properly located away from wells and other water sources?
____5.    Did you make sure that you are properly rinsing and disposing of containers and rinse water?
____6.    Did you make sure that your well and its water are tested periodically?
____7.    Has your groundwater always benn free of any contaminants?

Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

D.    Surface water

    Water supply in Alberta, Canada, is part of a recycling system in nature, known as the hydrologic or water cycle, and is available from either surface or groundwater sources. Surface water is found on the surface of the land, in lakes, rivers, creeks, ponds, dugouts, and reservoirs. In some parts of Alberta, agriculture, industries, and communities already use nearly all the surface water available to them. In other parts, groundwater is being taken from sources faster than nature can replace it. Reducing waste and excess use can help preserve the environment.

____1.    If there are surface water sources within a half-km of the site, are they cleaned?
____2.    If spilled on the soil, would your products be safe and not runoff to the surface water sources?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

E.    Drainage

____1.    Is the site well drained, naturally or by piped drainage, or is there a connection to local authority drainage system?
____2.    Is the water table very deep?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

F.    Environmental hazards on adjacent properties

____1.    Are adjacent properties (within 0.5 km of the site) free of any landfills, dumps, junkyards, incinerators, or other waste disposal or treatment facilities or buried wastes?
____2.    Is the air coming from adjacent properties cleaned?
____3.    Are adjacent properties free of any pollution which may affect the site?
 

Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5


 

                                     =       GESDI     for this section

This value of GESDI is then added to the values in the other sections of this assessment report. The total value for GESDI is the GESDI for the home and the community it belongs to.
 

3.5.3   Criteria for home environmental designs to build a healthy home

The home environmental design of the future will use about one-quarter of the energy of a conventially built home. Energy-saving technologies will be integrated within the design:

a)    a two-storey passive-solar sun space to collect and store heat for the rest of the house and preheat the ventilation air;
b)    an airtight construction as in R-2000 homes, with a continuous air barrier preventing air leakages and protecting the building fabric;
c)    high levels of insulation to reduce space heating and energy needed for cooling; cellulose is our choice of insulation: RSI 7(R-40) for walls, RSI 10.6(R-60) for ceilings, and RSI 6.55(R-37) for basement;
d)    highly energy-efficient windows;
e)    energy-efficient lighting with no incandescent light bulbs, but all fluorescent bulbs;
f)    a single unit mechanical system to replace the furnace, the hot water tank, the air-conditioner and the ventilation system, with a heat pump to recover heat from ventilation exhaust and from solar heating;
g)    an energy-efficient fireplace which will reduce emissions by burning at high temperatures, and will heat up the masonry; and
h)    energy-efficient appliances.

A house's energy consumption is the major factor in determining whether the home is environmentally sustainable. Other factors are the energy content of the building materials, their toxicity and the environmental impacts of their manufacture and eventual decay; our lifestyle and ways of doing things: composting, water conservation, recycling, automobile use, and hazardous waste management. Environmentally clean buildings will help reducing the fossil-fuel content of homes and the toxic burden on the environment and our health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

Some environmental criteria for home environmental designs to be used to design environmentally healthy homes

a)    A heating system which utilizes an electric source rather than petroleum fuels;
b)    Enough natural lighting;
c)    A central vacuum system which exhausts to the outside;
d)    A whole ventilation; the ventilation system must bring in fresh air and exhaust stale air from local sources of pollution within the house;
e)    Household products must be selected for minimum emission of volatile chemical contaminants; wall and ceiling surfaces that do not require paints should be used (use plaster; if painted then use non-toxic paints);
f)    An air purification system to remove airborne contaminants such as chemical pollutants, mould spores, dusts, pollens, smoke, odors from cooking, perfumes;
g)    A hard-finish flooring such as ceramic tiles or hardwood; tiles are laid with cement mortars; no adhesives used; concrete used for foundation should not have admixtures, water reduction oils, and curing agents;
h)    Building products should not contain formaldehyde or minimum emission of VOCs; woods should not be treated with wood preservatives;
i)    Design according to dat climatic region;
j)    Design the windows triple-glazed and placing them considering traffic flow and furnitures; design them conform to the formula:

        Overhang length (01)        =        window height / (1.7 x Prairie latitude)

k)    Home orientation to the South to collect solar heat;
l)    Design flexible enough to allow the home to be expanded at reasonable costs;
m)    Design all spaces efficient enough to execute the respective activities and please all members of the family;
n)    Design using all natural elements around the site;
o)    Design the house to comply safety concerns;
p)    Design the sun space at  W-SW, S-SE  or  E-NE;
q)    Design with building materials which do not create air contamination and cause irritation; furnishing, fixtures, finishes which do not create air contamination, and irritation;
r)    "Clean" whole house insulation materials with proper RSI (R) - values; and
s)    Design to create a comfortable and friendly thermal, acoustical, visual, and tactile environment.
 
 

A. House inspection

 

A.1        The Entry

____1.    Is there a secure air lock with inner and outer doors to save energy and reduce the entry of contaminants?
____2.    Is there a door mat?
____3.    Is there an area for storing shoes?
____4.    Is the area ventilated?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.2        The Living Room

____1.    Is there good daylight (light from the sky not direct light) in the living room (tall windows that reach the ceiling, South and East exposures are best)?
____2.    Are traffic areas covered with floor finishes such as marble, properly tested hard vinyl tile, ceramic tile, slate (durable floor, easy cleaned, and reduce contamination for soil, pollen, and dust)?
____3.    Are wall to wall carpets and fabrics made of healthy components which could not introduce contaminants and cleaning problems?
____4.    Is the selection of furnishings made of healthy components ( a careful selection will minimize the risk of contamination from sources such as foamed plastic fillings, particle board furniture frames, unhealthy synthetic upholsteries)?
____5.    Is the furniture made with cotton fabric on metal or hardwood frames?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.3        The Kitchen

____1.    Have gas ranges been replaced by safer ranges (gas ranges produce dangerous air contaminants such as CO and N2, and it is impossible to supply them with enough combustion air supply and to ventilate them)?
____2.    Is there a range ventilator or hood with outside exhaust?
____3.    Is cooking usually done with low heat (high heat produces a large amount of hazardous air contaminants as burning fats, proteins, and sugars will release respiratory irritants, and carcinogens; a slow cooking method at low heat, and steaming, will reduce air contamination)?
____4.    Is there a window or door opened during cooking, or some other source of intake air for the kitchen to replace air exhausted with the fan (if not, the air pressure balance in the home will be upset and will bring in potential contaminants by ways such as reverse drafting in chimneys, and infiltration of auto exhaust)?
____5.    Are the kitchen cabinets made with frames of particle board (a source of formaldehyde gas) and if yes, have they got the label "Exposure 1" and "Exterior" classification indicating low emission levels?
____6.    Are cabinets made with solid wood, metal, or exterior grade plywood?
____7.    Are cabinet surfaces sealed with plastic veneers, or with a waterproof glass paint, varnish, or a wood sealer?
____8.    Is the floor made of ceramic tile set in cement mortar with cement based grouts, a finished cement slab sealed with a proper seal or wax, or is it a hard vinyl composition floor tiles made of stable plastics with proper adhesive to fasten them?
____9.    If the floor is made of sheet or cushioned plastic floor covering, or carpets, will it be redone with proper floor covering (plastics and carpets are strong sources of chemical contamination)?
____10.    Are wall coverings made of hard plastic laminates or ceramic tiles?
____11.    Is there a durable, water resistant oil paint?
____12.    Are the ceramic tiles made so as to joint to one another and sealed with a grout treatment?
____13.    Are the plastic laminates joined together with a silicone caulking to prevent moisture and food waste from creating fungal and bacterial growth and produce odors?
____14.    Are wood cutting boards been disposed of (they absorb moisture and food waste, become sour and mildewed, attracting insects)?
____15.    Are there portable cutting surfaces made from hardwood or plastic?
____16.    Are food storage and cooking items made from soft plastics, corrodible metals, galvanized or other plated metals, iron or copper pots (they may react with foods, causing odors, discoloration, or dangerous contamination) been replaced by food storage and cooking items made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel?
____17.    Are cabinet interior surfaces and edges sealed with a heavy urethane varnish, or oil base paint (otherwise they may impact odor and contamination to food)?
____18.    Is there an outside air vent in the sealed cabinet to ensure that hazardous fumes will not leak into the house?
____19.    Is the lighting directly on the work area?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5


 

A.4        The Sunspace

____1.    Is there a room, or part of one, with an easterly, southern, or westerly exposure not shaded by outside obstructions, and which has a glass door, large window, skylight, or a greenhouse window?
____2.    Is the glass area made such that it can control glare, heat, UV light, condensation problems, and noise?
____3.    Is the skylight or window made of healthy materials (if made of plastics, they do not stop the sun's UV light, but ordinary glass rejects 95% of it; plastics may also outgas air contaminants when heated)?
____4.    Is the floor made with a sealed finish, or ceramic covering?
____5.    Are walls made of untreated plaster, painted gypsum, or ceramic tiles?
____6.    Are windows made of metal, enamelled metal frames, or solid vinyl sash (least likely to outgas, support dampness and fungus contaminants)?
____7.    Is there a sash made with healthy materials ( a wood sash is usually made with an unacceptable chemical wood preservative)?
____8.    Is there metal furniture, hard plastic laminates, glass and ceramic table tops?
____9.    Have unhealthy materials been replaced by healthy ones (synthetic upholstery materials, soft plastics, carpets, treated drapery fabrics, and paints are considered unhealthy)?
____10.    Is there appropriate ventilation?
____11.    Are there plants?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.5        The Greenhouse

____1.    Is there an airtight enclosure, and is it separated from the living space by tight fitting doors (so as to control heat and humidity)?
____2.    Is there a good cross ventilation to prevent overheating?
____3.    Are there floor drains (poor drainage will damage plants and cause fungus growth)?
____4.    Have cracks, porous surfaces been repaired (moisture will readily collect and cause fungus growth)?
____5.    Have plastic panels been replaced by healthy materials (plastics are sources of air contamination and let pass UV light)?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.6        The Bedroom

____1.    Are bedding made of healthy materials being used (allergenic materials are synthetic and natural fibers, detergent residue, fabric softeners, dyes, feathers, fabric stain repellents, rubber or plastic foams, fabric mildew retardants, fabric fireproofing treatments, scents)?
____2.    Is there a small, but constant source of clean outdoor air in the bedroom to replace the oxygen consumed by breathing and reduce CO2 contamination?
____3.    Is there cross ventilation during the warm seasons? Is there a fan to assist ventilation?
____4.    Is there a proper bedroom heating or cooling (an excessive heating or cooling can cause dryness, create stale air, and increase dust exposure)?
____5.    Have radiant heat systems been replaced by proper systems (radiant heat systems move air by fans in the room, which move dust, and produce skin dryness)?
____6.    Are there liquid filled radiators (they do not move air)?
____7.    Is the furniture made of solid wood or metal products (pressed wood or plastic are unhealthy materials)?
____8.    Is the floor covered with proper building materials (wall to wall carpet, carpet pad and adhesive used to fasten it, are sources of chemical and biological contamination, and difficult to clean; factory made wood parquet floor and sheet vinyl or rubber floor coverings contain toxic chemicals, waxes, or adhesives producing odors and contamination)?
____9.    Is there a bare floor of hardwood planks, ceramic tile, finished cement or hand vinyl composite floor tile?
____10.    Is the rug made of proper materials (dyes are contaminants)?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.7        The Bathroom

____1.    Is there a ventilation rate high enough to control odor, radon (in bathrooms using water from deep wells in rock formation containing radon), and dampness (dampness encourages the growth of fungus, causes odors, and deteriorates building materials, fixtures, and furnishings)?
____2.    Is there a good caulking and seal in all seams around shower doors, tubs, baseboards, and sinks (use silicon sealant)?
____3.    Do you use tight fitting metal and glass shower doors to reduce spills (shower curtains introduce odors and chemical contamination)?
____4.    Do you use waterproof materials such as ceramic tile or hard plastic laminates around tub enclosures, and around toilets and sinks?
____5.    Are there an insulated toilet tank liner, insulation under the tubs, and cold water pipe insulation to reduce sweating of the pipe (plastic foam toilet tank liners or fiberglass pipe insulation are acceptable)?
____6.    Is there a small heater safely left on to dry the room after bathing?
____7.    Is there a large opening window, or a high capacity vent fan to remove moisture laden air, odors, and radon?
____8.    Are there cabinets made of metal or solid wood frames or exterior plywood tops and doors found in the bathroom (toreduce formaldehyde exposure)?
____9.    Is there a ceramic tile floor (tiles joint with a cement based waterproof grout or other types waterproofed with a 5% silicone sealer) and wall covering?
____10.    Are wall and ceiling paints waterproof types such as the akyld oil paints?
____11.    Are wood frame windows well maintained?
____12.    Are windows made with metal or hard plastic frames?
____13.    Are tiles joints, window frames, regularly cleaned (they might trap moisture and support fungus growth; use vinegar or borax solutions to clean them)?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.8        The Basement

____1.    Are there healthy appliances, furnace and water heater in the basement (oil burning appliances leak small amounts of fuel; gas burning furnace and water heater leak gas; gas valves and burner controls are the most likely places for leaks)?
____2.    Is the basement free of fungus contamination (basement carpets, absorbent wall coverings such as wood fiber board or gypsum board, are all sources of contamination due to dampness and lack of light)?
____3.    Have all basement cracks and drains been repaired?
____4.    Is there a chimney serving a furnace and a water heater in the basement (flue gases might enter into the home; outside air must be supply to the flames at all times)?
____5.    Have all sewer pipes been repaired for leaks and cracks due to home settling or corrosion damage ( a bacteria laden odorous gas will enter the home)?
____6.    Are walls finish with insulation and wallboard?
____7.    Are floors made of concrete and are they finish with concrete paint or hard vinyl composition tile?
____8.    Are hazardous materials stored in safe, ventilated cupboards?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.9        The Garage

____1.    Is the ventilation completely separated to prevent living area contamination from the garage (auto exhaust, vapors from storage items such as paints, fuels, etc.)?
____2.    Is there a double door entry vestibule to the living area?
____3.    Do you make sure not to operate auto or lawnmower engines for extended periods in the garage?
____4.    Do you make sure not to handle volatile solvents, fuels, oils, or paints in the garage?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.10        The Storage Room

____1.    Is the storage room located inside the home receiving ventilation air directly from outside via a small sheet metal duct passing through the wall with a screened vent cap on the outside?
____2.    Is the cupboard airtight, with exterior plywood parts, glue joints, and weatherstripped doors?
____3.    Is there a secure locl or latch?
____4.    Are there non-inflammable items such as waxes, polishes, cleaners, in cupboard located inside the home (in the garage for instance)?
____5.    Are there volatile fuels, solvent items (which are inflammable and do not require protection from freezing) in cupboard located outside?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

A.11        Other Rooms or Sections/parts Added to the Home

____1.    Are there other rooms, sections/parts and if yes are they well ventilated?
____2.    Are building materials used safe and healthy?
 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

B.    Home ventilation and air conditioning

Ventilation is the movement and change of air for the purpose of maintaining good air quality. This air is usually filtered , heated or cooled, and often humidified. A change of the air is required for respiration, the control of odors and contamination from all other inside sources. The amount of outside air required to maintain the ideal conditions for comfort and health in the home will depend on the total contamination from all sources, the size of the home, and the rate at which the air changes or the number of times the entire air volume of the home is replaced by outside air each hour. In energy efficient homes the air to air heat exchanger (or the heat recovery ventilator) and the simple humidity fan are whole house fan systems which can keep the house well ventilated. It is important to know how is air ventilated in washrooms, garage, bedrooms, kitchen, laundry areas, storage areas, and in all other rooms in the home.

Early warnings of humidity problems include excessive condensation on the inside pane of sealed, double-glazed window units. These problems are more likely to occur in new homes or those homes which are electrically heated and have no chimney. Lingering odours in the home is also a sign of inadequate ventilation. Slight nausea and constant headaches will indicate an excessive build-up of contaminants.

While shopping for an air conditioning unit, make sure the unit has more cooling power for the amount of electricity used.

B.    Home ventilation and air conditioning

 

____1.    Is the whole house fan system able to balance exhaust air with an equal amount of incoming air so that the air pressure balance in the home is not upset (the air to air heat exchanger can achieve that)?
____2.    Is the air to air heat exchanger regularly cleaned so as to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination (the transfer of heat causes condensation when the warm air comes into contact with the cool plates and the resulting moisture may support the growth of bacteria and fungus before entering the air supply)?
____3.    Is the air inlet at least 2.5 meters above the ground?
____4.    Is the air inlet at 6 meters away from any chimney, garage, or roadway?
____5.    Is the air inlet 3 meters away from a sewer vent?
____6.    Is the air inlet projecting 0.3 meters or more from the outside wall?
____7.    Is the air inlet located where it is exposed to materials containing asbestos (such as some types of shingles and factory made siding manufactured in the 70s)?
____8.    Is the home equipped with indoor air treatment devices to prevent buildup of indoor contamination due to outdoor air or pollutants from within the home (devices such as a filtration system which remove suspended particles from the air, and a chemical 'scrubbers' which remove unwanted gases from air)?
____9.    In the Spring and Fall, do you remove the grill, clean grill and fan blades of your bathroom fan?
____10.    Once a month, do you remove the grease filter of your rangehood fan, and wash it in water and detergent?
____11.    Your air-to-air heat exchanger system has a heat recovery ventilator, do you remove the filter and clean the vents and lubricate the motor, and check the condensation drain for blockage?
____12.    Do you dust and wash the frame and the screens of your electronic air filter once a month?
____13.    Is ventilation equipment checked regularly and kept in good condition?
____14.    Is the ventilation system shut off during hours when the premises are unoccupied?
____15.    Have you considered utilizing naturally cooled night and early morning outside air for 'free cooling' instead of running the air conditioner?
____16.    Is the number of individual exhausters in operation at any one time exceeding the system's capacity to bring tempered fresh air into the home?
____17.    Is the exhaust heat re-used to preheat cool make-up air?
____18.    Do you have your heat pump (this is a combination system for heating and cooling) serviced in the Spring?
____19.    Do you remove and clean the air filter behind the grid of your air conditioner every month, and in the Spring and Fall, do you clean the vent and frame?
____20.    Do you use an air conditioning unit that has a high energy efficiency ratio (this means the unit has more cooling power for the amount of electricity used)?
____21.    Do you set the air conditioning unit at 25 C (each degree below this level add approximately 5% to operating cost)?
____22.    Do you keep windows and outside doors closed when unit is in operation?
____23.    Do you turn off unused lights and minimise use of heat producing appliances when unit is on?
____24.    Do you vent hot air in the attic to the outdoors by installing an attic fan (the fan uses about the same amount of electricity as a 100 watt bulb, and could provide all the air conditioning that is needed)?
____25.    In the Summer, do you keep window coverings, windows and doors closed during the day to prevent solar heat gain?
____26.    If you make use of a room air conditioner, do you remove it in the Fall?
____27.    If your model is permanently installed, do you ensure that air intakes and the space where the appliance meets the walls are sealed to prevent air leaks, dust, humidity and formation of condensation?
____28.    If it is a heat pump, do you ensure not to change thermostat temperature (heat pumps are more efficient if run at a constant temperature)?

 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5

C.   Lighting in the Home

The light in the home is important for good physical and emotional health. Poor lighting leads to fatigue, errors, and accidents. A well design electric lighting is essential for comfort and mood. In a home, natural light is the most important daytime light source and electric light is supplement to it.

A healthy lighting design will provide safe light levels for traffic places in the home, a controlled lighting to encourage rest and emotional release in some rooms, a light to reduce eyestrain for task areas, and a light to give information on the position of objects or parts of the home such as the stairs, doorways, floors, plants, paintings, by casting shadows.

Health hazards in home lighting may arise from light exposure and dangerous equipment. Exposure to UV radiation in sunlight will cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Some electric lamp also contains UV radiation and are health hazards. The global level of UV light from the sun are rising due to the damage being done to the protective Ozone layer of the upper atmosphere by industrial emissions, the use of fluorocarbons in aerosol cans and refrigerators, and auto exhaust.

C.   Lighting in the Home

____1.    Are fluorescent lamps located at least 1.3 meters away from anyone in the home (fluorescent tube lamps produce small amounts of UV)?
____2.    Are the plastic covers designed for the fluorescent lamps in place?
____3.    Is there a 1 mm mesh metal screen placed over each one of these fluorescent lamps so as to reduce electromagnetic radiation?
____4.    Are you using fluorescent  (more than 10 years old) 'rapid start' type lamps (the ballast may contain very toxic PCBs)?
____5.    Are there good light levels near work areas, doors, stairs, reading areas and desks?
____6.    Are you using an occupancy sensor to light rooms (an occupancy sensor is an automatic switch that control lighting based on the presence or absence of people; when a person enters a room, the sensor automatically switches the lights on and they remain on as long as someone is in theroom; 20-60 % direct savings because lights are operated for shorter periods; for a one wall switch sensor controlling 400 watts of lighting and, based on 3600 hours of operation per year, the energy savings are 400 KW.h)?
____7.    Do you use an occupancy sensor to turn electric appliances off when there are not needed?

 
Sub-section %    =    Total number of points for the subsection     x     100%
                           Total number of questions for the sub-section               5