25 Principles of Building Biology
The guiding principles of Building Biology were created over 40 years ago by Anton Schneider, one of the founders of the Institut fur Baubiologie und Oekologie. They use nature as a guide for creating and sustaining healthy and aesthetically pleasing built spaces.
Healthy Indoor Air
1. Supply sufficient fresh air and reduce air pollutants and irritants
2. Avoid exposure to toxic molds, yeasts, and bacteria as well as dust and allergens
3. Use materials with a pleasant or neutral smell
4. Minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields and wireless radiation
5. Use natural, nontoxic materials with the least amount of radioactivity
Thermal
and Acoustic Comfort
6. Strive for a well-balanced ratio between thermal insulation and heat retention as well as
indoor surface and air temperatures
7. Use humidity-buffering materials
8. Keep the moisture content of new construction as low as possible
9. Prefer radiant heat for heating
10. Optimize room acoustics and control noise, including infrasound
Human-
based
Design
11. Take harmonic proportion and form into consideration
12. Nurture the sensory perceptions of sight, hearing, smell, and touch
13. Maximize daylighting and choose flicker-free lighting sources and
color schemes that closely match natural light
14. Base interior and furniture design on physiological and ergonomic findings
15. Promote regional building traditions and craftsmanship
Sustainable Environmental Performance
16. Minimize energy consumption and use renewable energy
17. Avoid causing environmental harm when building new or renovating
18. Conserve natural resources and protect plants and animals
19. Choose materials and life cycles with the best environmental performance,
favoring regional building materials
20. Provide the best possible quality of drinking water
Socially
Connected &
Ecologically
Sound
Communities
21. Design the infrastructure for well-balanced mixed use: short distances to work, shopping,
schools, public transit, essential services, and recreation
22. Create a living environment that meets human needs and protects the environment
23. Provide sufficient green space in rural and urban residential areas
24. Strengthen regional and local supply networks as well as self-sufficiency
25. Select building sites that are located away from sources of contamination, radiation,
pollutants, and noise