Good design includes planning spaces that are environmentally friendly and healthy for the user. Good design reflects sustainable use of resources. In this chapter, we will look at important issues of energy efficiency, water quality, waste management, and air quality. We will consider these issues from the choices you, the designer, must make, as well as the impact on your client.
This chapter is a brief review of environmental and sustainability issues affecting bathroom design. If you as the designer, or your client, need further information on these issues, you can contact the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The website www. epa. gov is a good place to start. Other excellent resources are Natural Resources Canada (www. oee. nrcan. ga. ca) and Health Canada (www. hc-sc. gc. ca). Or contact the office of your local Cooperative Extension Service, health department, or water authority. Additional resources are included at the end of this book.
After reading this chapter, you may wish to pursue further study and learn more about sustainable and environmental issues. Many of the organizations and agencies discussed in this chapter offer educational classes and opportunities to become a certified professional with special environmental and sustainable knowledge.
Learning Objective 1: identify and discuss sustainable products and practices for the bathroom.
Learning Objective 2: identify and discuss energy and water efficient policies and practices in the design and construction of the bathroom,
Learning Objective 3: identify and discuss policies and practices for healthy housing,
