Green design is really about the relationship and respect between people and their environment. Good bath design works to combine function and the pleasures of indulging the senses. As environmentally aware designers, we are challenged to combine the two without compromising either. To do this, we must look closely at how we use energy, products and materials to enhance and/or create a healthy indoor environment and minimize negative impact on the environment. Having considered water conservation concepts in our last column, following are 10 steps specific to the bathroom to get us started on creating greener baths.

1. Indoor Air/Water/Sound Quality. There are general actions like choosing low- or no-VOC materials and finishes or filters for the water and air in the bathroom. In addition, there are unique products and concepts for moving air, odors, moisture and bacteria from the bathroom, and for replenishing fresh air.
   
   Bath ventilating systems were among the first appliances to hone in on sound level, and today it’s possible to find products that are almost noiseless. Motion sensor controls and systems that cycle on/off automatically are making this process intuitive and more effective. This year’s Kitchen/Bath Industry Show brought to the mainstream a number of toilet enhancements that help to filter and remove not just odors, and moisture, but bacteria as well.
   
   
2. Heating and Cooling. It is no longer enough to assume that the whole-house heating system will be sufficient to maintain comfort in the bathroom. With oversized showers, some with no doors, and with the age boom raising the number of us who might take longer to dry and dress, supplemental heat has grown in importance.
   
   Along with the traditional heat/fan/light and heat lamps, today we are seeing more in-wall blow-dryers and the most popular, radiant heat systems that can extend into the shower area. Radiant systems have the added benefit of not blowing air around, which is good for those with allergies, asthma or sensitivities.
   
   
3. Lighting. With interest and mandates to improve light sources and energy, lighting deserves our constant attention. Fluorescent lights in a more desirable color range are available in more shapes, with internal ballasts and bases that fit pin sockets, so we can replace traditional incandescent bulbs with them. While these carry a slightly higher cost, this can be offset by the huge energy savings, and there’s no compromise in quality.
   
   Occupancy sensor lighting eliminates problems with forgetting to turn lights off, and especially with a gradual on/off feature, they aid in comfort and safety as we age. It is also getting easier to find LED lighting options.
   
   Not to be forgotten, “passive” or natural light sources can also save energy use, and beyond windows, we can take better advantage of natural light through careful use of concepts including interior transoms, skylights and solar tubes. At this year’s K/BIS, Randall Whitehead did a wonderful job addressing this topic, and if you missed him, check out his Web site, www.randallwhitehead.com.
   
   
4. Energy Use. Beyond changing lighting sources and design, our greatest opportunity to save energy is in how we heat the water, which accounts for 14% of the average U.S. household energy budget, or 20% of the energy used in our country. Tankless or “on-demand” water heaters can save 10-20% of that bill (www.PATHNET.org), whether whole-house or point-of-use.
   
   In addition, high-efficiency, tank-type water heaters that reduce costs are readily available, and when appropriate, an insulation jacket can be added (www.pmmag.com). Another aspect of energy use focuses on cleaner sources, and while not exactly mainstream yet, passive and renewable sources are being put to use in products such as a solar powered outdoor shower or a self-sufficient sensor faucet whose energy is generated by its water flowing over a small turbine. A great place to start is to recommend a home energy audit, and one place to initiate that process is the U.S. Department of Energy (www.eere.energy.gov).