Awareness of indoor air quality is changing the way homes are built

Awareness of indoor air quality is changing the way homes are built

Consumers want their homes to be as clean and healthy as possible.

In our 2013 edition of Eco Pulse, we found that nearly half of our respondents are concerned about the indoor air quality of their homes.

From allergens and mold to other harmful particulates, consumers are concerned that the pollution and toxins in the air inside their homes could be just as dangerous as what’s outdoors. And rightly so – the EPA estimates that in many homes, airborne pollutant levels can be up to five times higher than outdoors.

While more consumers than ever are looking for ways to make the inside of their homes clean and safe, scrubbing the air inside the home is still a somewhat new trend. That said, indoor air quality is now such an important factor for homeowners that many builders are incorporating purification features into their designs.

Forget stand-alone air purifiers – high-tech clean homes are now being equipped with features that make air quality issues a thing of the past. Take Blücher’s Permasorb wallpaper, for instance. Installed prior to moving in, Permasorb soaks up and contains any harmful chemicals that may seep into the home, protecting the inhabitants from ever coming into contact with the toxins.

Or how about Snaidero’s Greenhood: a kitchen vent hood that actually purifies the air around it in a process similar to ionic purifiers. The Greenhood works both actively and passively, meaning that it cleans the air around it both while homeowners are cooking and while the hood is not in use.

The shift toward incorporated air purification makes sense, especially in the context of environmentally conscious consumers. Consumers now – more than ever – expect companies to make efforts to help protect the environment. They expect others to be cognizant of the effect they are having on the environment. Most importantly, they understand that environmental health really starts at home.

Marketers need to understand that consumers are looking at ways to ensure their homes are as clean and healthy as possible.

Small steps can add up, and while many families won’t be able to afford some of the latest air purifying trends, little nudges in the right direction may go a long way in the eyes of consumers.

Skills

Posted on

August 14, 2013

About the Author

Pat Lorentz

Pat is a former contributor to Shelton Insights.

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