What is Bau-biologie?

The German term "Bau-biologie", which translates into English as "Building Biology" or "Building for Life", is the study of how buildings affect our health. This knowledge is applied to the design and construction of new buildings, renovations or remediation (fixing sick buildings).

Principles of Bau-biologie

Some principles of Bau-biologie are:

• Use natural and unadulterated building materials.

• Use wall, floor, and ceiling materials that allow air diffusion and are hygroscopic,
• naturally regulating indoor air humidity.

• Filter and neutralize air pollutants.

• Use radiant heat and incorporate as much passive solar heat as possible.

• Eliminate or reduce man-made electromagnetic radiation (EMFs) from wiring and appliances.

• Produce, install and dispose of building materials in a way that does not contribute to
• environmental pollution and high energy costs.

History of Bau-biologie

In post-war Germany, there was such a demand for reconstruction that many new buildings were built quickly and cheaply. This had a devastating effect on the health of a large portion of the population and placed an enormous burden on their health care system. It was discovered that commonly used building materials and certain methods of construction were causing these problems. Today we call these kinds of problems "Sick Building Syndrome" and the resulting human health problems associated include Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Environmentally Triggered Illness, Asthma and Allergies.

In light of this, many Germans realized it was better, and ultimately much less expensive, to construct buildings in a healthy manner. As a result, the study of Bau-biologie or Building Biology began and was pioneered by people such as Anton Schneider, Ph.D., Wood Technologist, Hubert Palm, M.D., and Alfred Hornig, Electrobiologist. Over the years guidelines for healthy homes and workplaces were established to ensure the health of buildings.

Although well known to architects and health professionals in Europe, this specialized science, or way of building and living, is still relatively unknown in the U.S.

Bau-biologie in the United States

In 1986 a German architect named Helmut Ziehe brought Bau-biologie to the U.S. He founded the International Institute for Bau-biologie and Ecology (IBE) in Clearwater, Florida. Ziehe translated the original work of Anton Schneider PhD into English and was given permission by the Institute für Baubiologie und Öekologie (IBN) in Neubeuern, Germany to teach Bau-biologie in the U.S. The Institute offers the only U.S. certification programs leading to professional qualifications as a Bau-biologist or Bau-biology Environmental Inspector.