Better indoor health a goal of Green Building Expo
by Barry Cohen

SCOTTSDALE – Area residents interested in improving the indoor air they breathe should plan to attend the Green Building Expo, Oct. 6‑7, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The 9th annual event, hosted by the cities of Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tempe, will feature 70 exhibits, an all‑day lineup of expert speakers, workshops, demonstrations, book signing, kid’s activities and food, according to an expo news release.

“The Green Building Expo is an opportunity to learn how we can protect our health and reduce our environmental footprint in the way we build, remodel and operate our buildings in the Sonoran Desert,” said Anthony Floyd, Scottsdale’s green building manager.

Floyd said that indoor air pollution can be five times higher than outdoors due to the construction methods and materials used in today’s energy efficient buildings. The primary cause, he stated, is adhesives and glues–in cabinets, furniture and carpeting–that release volatile organic compounds into the air.

“At the expo, we’ll show people how to minimize the problem by using alternative materials, by isolating it, and with better ventilation.”

The event will feature the exhibition of fuel‑efficient vehicles such as the Smart Car and the Zebra. In addition, attendees will be able to view short films on green building and healthy living themes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with each film followed by discussion.

The expo will be open from 10 a.m.‑7 p.m. on Oct. 6, and from 9 a.m.‑5 p.m. on Oct. 7. Admission is free. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is located at 7380 E. 2 nd St., Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.greenbuildingexpo.com.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.