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Trolley Square

Photo: Mostue & Associates

Formaldehyde-free Composite Wood

Particleboard can emit formaldehyde, which is a volatile organic compound and a known carcinogen. To help reduce harmful indoor air contaminants, Trolley Square apartments do not use cabinets that have added formaldehyde.

Ventilation

Optimal ventilation improves indoor air quality by providing fresh air to the living space on a regular basis. The living areas in Trolley Square provide adequate amounts of fresh air through the HVAC system.

Exhaust Fans

In the kitchens and bathrooms, Trolley Square uses fans that exhaust to the outdoors. This reduces moisture condensation, lowering the potential for indoor mold. The exhaust fans in the kitchens also help remove carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from fuel-burning appliances.

Green Label Flooring

Trolley Square uses green label carpet, which has been certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute to have low emissions of volatile organic compounds and other harmful chemicals. The kitchens and the community room have floor coverings made from natural linoleum (“Marmoleum”), which is durable and easy to maintain, and unlike vinyl floors, linoleum does not contain significant petroleum-based products or chlorinated chemicals.

Low - and No-VOC

Standard paints, adhesives and sealants release toxins called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air after installation. All paints and sealants at Trolley Square were selected for their low emissions of VOCs, contributing to a healthier work environment for the builders and improved indoor air quality for everyone.

Criteria Seven: Healthy Living Environment

Safe, affordable housing includes using materials that do not negatively affect the health of residents, especially children, seniors and those with respiratory problems and compromised immune systems. Creating a healthy living environment requires minimizing residents’ and workers’ exposure to toxins; using safe, biodegradable materials; and finding alternatives to hazardous materials. Trolley Square shows how a green home is a healthy home through practical, common sense approaches.

More Information:
Archived Webinar on Healthy Living Environment
Healthy Living Environment Resources in the Enterprise Resource Database