Mailing Systems Technology - February 2008 - (Page 13)

5. Indoor Environmental Quality The choice of interior ﬁnishes has a particularly acute impact on indoor air quality (IAQ). Many interior materials involve the use of toxins, which are frequently found in adhesives, paints, binders, ﬁnishing products and even the cleaners used for a product’s maintenance. These toxins, which are VOCs, include solvents and urea-formaldehyde, which emit gasses over a long period of time. Other indoor pollutants include molds, bacteria, ﬁbers and dusts. Accumulation of pollutants can cause building-related illness (BRI), which includes eye, nose or throat irritation, asthma, headaches, nausea, and liver, kidney and nervous system damage. Buildings that repeatedly trigger buildingrelated illness are referred to as having sick building syndrome (SBS). While ventilation systems are intended to exhaust pol- lutants, the systems often fail to perform this task effectively and, instead, reduce the energy efﬁciency of the building. The best method for controlling the quality of indoor air is to reduce or eliminate pollutants at their source through informed material selections. Use products with low or no VOC content, and choose water-based ﬁnishes whenever possible. Lighting—Most mail centers are located in the basement or in places without access to natural lighting. You can explain to the designer the beneﬁts of daylighting by utilizing the natural bright light of the location whenever possible in lieu of the ﬂuorescent overhead lights. If this is not possible, automated lighting controls can be installed and are extremely efﬁcient. And install high-efﬁciency lights. Fluorescent lighting has improved dramatically in recent years. There is a growing body of evidence that natural daylight is beneﬁcial to our health and productivity. There are also products that enable us to bring daylight into a building, including tubular skylights, specialized commercial skylights and ﬁber-optic daylighting systems. If you are planning on new construction, make sure that you get an opportunity with your organization’s architect to speak about greening your mail center. Vera Angelico, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is a licensed architect in New York and Michigan who specializes in mail center design. LEED Accredited Professionals have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources and processes. Angelico can be reached by phone at 212-867-5849 or via email at vangelico@aol.com. WWW.MAILINGSYSTEMSTECHNOLOGY.COM | FEBRUARY 2008 13 http://www.renausa.com http://www.renausa.com http://www.renausa.com http://www.MailingSystemsTechnology.com

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Mailing Systems Technology - February 2008 Contents Editor’s Note Peer to Peer How to Green Your Mail Center Adopting an Automated Document Factory Warning! Avoid Negative Financial Impact More Productivity, Less Expense BCC Software Formscan A Smooth Transition Kate’s Slate Products & Services Advertiser Index Sho Time

Mailing Systems Technology - February 2008

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