There is growing demand for homes that promise high-quality indoor air. The COVID-19 pandemic made us hyper-aware of how viruses can spread indoors, and recent wildfires* have brought attention to particulate matter (PM—particularly PM2.5) that can enter our homes. There’s also mold, dust, pests, radon… the list of concerns goes on.

Both of our guests on this episode of Buildings + Beyond are deeply involved in the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Indoor AirPlus program: Nick Hurst works at EPA and manages the program, and SWA’s Karla Butterfield helped develop version 2 of the program and works with home builders and multifamily developers to meet Indoor AirPlus requirements. Host Robb Aldrich talks with Nick and Karla about how programs and codes are evolving to address more threats to indoor air quality.

*See the link below for ways to support wildfire victims in California.

Nicholas Hurst, Environmental Protection Specialist, US EPA

Karla Butterfield, Sustainability Director at SWA

Host: Robb Aldrich, Principal Mechanical Engineer at SWA

Nick Hurst is the Program Manager of EPA’s Indoor AirPlus certification for homes. Nick earned a Master’s in Technology concentrating in Building Science from Appalachian State University and has been involved in the construction industry for over 24 years as a self-employed remodeler, builder, consultant, trainer, and environmental policy specialist.

Karla Butterfield has 30 years of experience working with residential buildings, with expertise in sustainable consulting services, program certification support, and implementation of high performance building technologies. With architects, developers, builders, and homeowners, Karla develops specific sustainability strategies for both new construction and renovations.

Passive House Accelerator

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Passive House Accelerator!

Passive House Accelerator is an online community and media company dedicated to accelerating the transition to clean, resilient, zero-carbon buildings.

Every week, Passive House Accelerator produces new original content, including Passive House Accelerator LIVE! online educational events, Passive House Podcast episodes, articles about low-carbon building, video content, and a newsletter. In addition, it also publishes a magazine twice a year and hosts the acclaimed Reimagine Buildings online conference series.

Visit passivehouseaccelerator.com to subscribe to the newsletter, register for an upcoming event, and browse the latest podcast episodes, articles, and videos.

Send your feedback and questions to [email protected].

Buildings + Beyond is the podcast that explores how we can create a more sustainable built environment by focusing on efficiency, accessibility, and health.

Buildings + Beyond is a production of Steven Winter Associates. We provide energy, green building, and accessibility consulting services to improve the built environment. For more information, visit swinter.com.

Hosts: Robb Aldrich | Kelly Westby

Production Team: Dylan Martello | Heather Breslin | Tricia Carr | Ian Slakas