It’s a common question that I get all the time about healthy homes. Are sustainable homes and healthy homes the same thing?
While the terms are usually used interchangeably – they are not the same.
These two concepts are often lumped together, with people assuming that a home that is sustainable is automatically healthy, or that a home designed with health in mind must also be sustainable.
However, the truth is that sustainability and health are not the same thing, and it’s important to understand the differences between the two.
Sustainable Homes
First, let’s take a closer look at what we mean by sustainability. At its most basic level, sustainability refers to the idea that a home should be designed and built in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment. This can include everything from using energy-efficient appliances to incorporating renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. The goal is to reduce the home’s carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable way of life.
Healthy Homes
On the other hand, when we talk about “healthy homes,” we’re referring to homes that are designed with the health and well-being of their occupants in mind. This can include things like using non-toxic building materials, designing for good air quality and ventilation, and creating spaces that promote physical and mental wellness.
While there is certainly some overlap between these two concepts, it’s important to recognize that they are not interchangeable. For example, a home that is designed to be extremely energy-efficient may not necessarily be a healthy home if the materials used in its construction contain harmful chemicals. Similarly, a home that is designed to promote good health may not be sustainable if it requires a lot of energy to operate.
Here’s a quick example of why sustainable doesn’t mean healthy – energy-efficient windows! Though they are sustainable and save energy by keeping the heat in the home, it also makes it so that the windows of the home stay closed more. This is an issue for a healthy home because it creates stale and toxic air inside that isn’t being recirculated with fresh air from outside. This is not healthy to be breathing in. Though it would be considered sustainable, it is not considered healthy. Now you could get these AND make it a priority to open windows when you are able AND invest in a home air purifier and that could be one of many ways to do both! The point is to show that this is just one example of how these healthy homes and sustainable homes are different.
So why do so many people assume that sustainability and health go hand in hand? One reason may be that there is a perception that sustainable building materials are automatically healthier than traditional materials. For example, many people assume that natural materials like bamboo or cork are always better for you than synthetic materials like vinyl or laminate. While it’s true that some natural materials can be healthier than their synthetic counterparts, it’s not always the case. It’s important to evaluate each material on a case-by-case basis to determine whether it’s a good fit for your home.
Another reason for the confusion may be that both sustainability and health are important factors to consider when building a home, and people often assume that they are two sides of the same coin. While it’s certainly true that both factors are important, it’s important to recognize that they are distinct concepts with their own unique requirements and considerations.
So, is a healthy home also a sustainable home?
Is a sustainable home also healthy?
Are healthy and sustainable the same thing?
The answer to all of these questions is no.
Though a home can be both healthy and sustainable, they actually mean two completely different things. Here’s an easy way to think about it.
A healthy home is made for the person’s health, whereas a sustainable home is made for the planet’s health.
So, if you’re in the process of building a home, it’s important to recognize that sustainability and health are not the same thing. While there is certainly some overlap between the two, it’s important to evaluate each factor independently to ensure that you’re building a home that is both sustainable and healthy.
By taking the time to understand the differences between these two concepts, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about the materials, design, and systems that you choose for your home.
In my opinion, the ultimate goal is to create a healthy AND sustainable home whenever possible. Realistically, the goal should be to be intentional about the decisions you make – about how you build, design, decorate, and live in the home. These informed, careful decisions will help you create a healthy and sustainable place to live.
