An Australian Government Accredited Building Biologist with an Advanced Diploma in Building Biology from the Australian College of Environmental Studies is trained and educated to the highest standards and with the latest scientific and industry research

In Australia, a Building Biologist may have a Cert IV or Advanced Diploma in Building Biology. Using a government certified Building Biologist is highly recommended through the Australasian Society of Building Biologists (ASBB) as they are trained through a registered training organisation (RTO), which is ACES. The Advanced Diploma trains students to recognise and mitigate health risks within residential spaces, encompassing issues such as mould, electromagnetic fields, allergens, and chemicals, by harnessing state-of-the-art technologies. Additionally, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create residences that promote well-being, specifically tailored to accommodate individuals with allergies, electromagnetic field sensitivity, and chemical sensitivities.

This unique rating system linked to the 25 Building Biology Principles was created by the CEO and Founder of the Australian College of Environmental Studies - Nicole Bijlsma. https://aces.edu.au/our-story/
I teach this with Nicole’s permission along with many other tools that assist in assessing the suitability of building materials.

Advanced Diploma of Building Biology qualifies Building Biologists to offer assessments in:
- Allergens
- Mould Testing
- Children’s Environmental Health
- Electromagnetic Fields
- Drinking Water
- Building Design
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) & Toxicants
- Graduates who have completed the Building Design subject can offer consultations in healthy building design

Building Biology encompasses every facet of the indoor environment, acknowledging that, on average, we dedicate 90% of our lives within these spaces. It is essential that the buildings where we reside, and labour actively contribute to and amplify the overall well-being of their occupants. Our services encompass a variety of residential and commercial evaluations. These evaluations include the examination of electromagnetic fields, mould presence, allergens, drinking water quality, chemical levels, and indoor air quality. We also offer recommendations and guidance to foster the creation of healthier living environments.

A Whole Home Audit offers a comprehensive evaluation of factors that may impact your family's well-being within your residence. No longer endure health issues, stress, or fatigue. If you seek a lasting remedy for a healthy and contented home environment for your children, consider consulting a Building Biologist for assistance.

As Australia advances in constructing more energy-efficient buildings, with more regulation, the increasing prevalence of mould and condensation issues poses a significant challenge. Without targeted changes in construction practices, these problems may persist, giving rise to concerns about structural integrity, health, and legal liabilities. Since mid-2019, the NCC has incorporated a performance requirement aimed at minimising the impact of condensation-related moisture in buildings. In NCC 2022, the focus on managing risks associated with water vapour and condensation for occupant health is emphasised in H4P7. Notably, deemed-to-satisfy (DtS) provisions for condensation management have expanded, addressing various aspects such as vapour-permeable wall membranes, roof ventilation, and mechanical ventilation for bathrooms and kitchens (NCC 2022, part 10.8). For systems not utilising DtS provisions, a new verification method, H4P5, employs hygrothermal modelling software to predict mould growth.

This modelling assesses element performance, like roof or wall assemblies, based on construction details and local climate data, including temperature and humidity. The primary benchmark in this modelling is the extent of mould coverage, termed the "Mould Index" or "Mould Growth Index. "The use of the mould index, as opposed to monitoring condensation alone, is justified because mould can develop in conditions where condensation may not occur. While condensation typically occurs at 100% relative humidity on non-porous surfaces, mould growth can occur at humidity levels as low as 70% on both porous and non-porous surfaces. Mould poses a significant health risk for occupants and serves as a key trigger in building-related health concerns. Mould spores are ubiquitous and can thrive when temperature and humidity conditions are favourable, influenced by factors such as climate, building usage, ventilation, and construction materials. Hygrothermal modelling software relies on temperature and humidity as fundamental metrics, accurately predicting mould growth on specific substrate types. Assessing long-term mould infestation in the initial occupancy years may be inaccurate, prompting the use of a 10-year assessment period.

This assessment employs an internationally recognised "mould index" to evaluate the extent of mould coverage. By utilising temperature, humidity, and material data, the software predicts the rate of mould growth and coverage on specific surfaces. The mould index assigns a rating from 0 to 6, with zero indicating no coverage and six representing complete dense mould cover. In cases of incorrect construction or design, reaching a mould index of 4 (i.e., 50% cover) is possible within a few years of occupancy. To comply with the NCC 2022 verification method, the mould index for a specific assembly and climate should be below 3 when simulated over a 10-year span. A mould index of 3 indicates the noticeable presence of mould on a surface, covering up to 10% of its area. If a construction system different from the NCC deemed-to-satisfy provisions is used, the assembly modelling must forecast less than 10% visible mould on any surface over a ten-year period. The crucial question arises: Can adhering to deemed-to-satisfy provisions prevent such mould growth in a typical Australian home? Several industry experts lean towards a negative answer.

Australian industry leaders suggest that meeting NCC2022 deemed-to-satisfy provisions for condensation management might not ensure compliance with the performance requirement. What implications does this hold for the typical architect/building designer or builder?
1. The NCC serves as the baseline for performance, not necessarily assuring optimal outcomes—mould and condensation included.
2. Drawing from global experience in enhancing energy efficiency and computer modelling, the concern of mould and condensation is expected to escalate without significant alterations in building design and construction.

Wufi is a dynamic hygrothermal simulation tool, that predicts the way heat and moisture move through a construction. It can be used to assess the risk of moisture accumulation within any part of a wall, floor, or roof build-up, and to inform design decisions that reduce these risks. The Department of Hygrothermics at Fraunhofer IBP has developed the WUFI®software family for state-of-the-art hygrothermic analysis.

WUFI® performs dynamic simulations of coupled heat and moisture transfer. The methods have been validated world-wide and provide realistic simulation of hygrothermal conditions in building components and buildings under actual climate conditions. WUFI®is based on the latest knowledge in vapour diffusion and liquid transport in building materials. Nonetheless, the WUFI® software requires only standard material properties and easy-to-determine moisture storage and liquid transport functions. For boundary conditions, measured outdoor climates–including driving rain and solar radiation–are used. Various types of models thus allow the analysis of multi-layer materials, component connections, and even multi-zone buildings under realistic exposure to natural weather conditions.

WUFI® can be used for assessing:-
1. The drying time of masonry with trapped construction moisture.
2. The danger of interstitial condensation
3. The influence of driving rain on exterior building components
4. The effect of repair and retrofit measures the hygrothermal performance of roof and wall assemblies under unanticipated use or in different climate zones

Do you have ongoing symptoms like frequent coughing, headaches, muscle discomfort, or trouble concentrating?
The presence of mould doesn't always come with a visible or noticeable smell, yet it can still pose health risks. Both living and dead mould can be harmful to your well-being, potentially triggering allergic or inflammatory responses. So, even if you've recently taken steps to remove mould from your home, it's wise to err on the side of caution.

We don’t physically clean or get rid of mould. Regardless of the amount of visible mould growth or water damage, we locate and assess the associated invisible mould contamination. We find the trigger in your home or office and provide you with recommendations on how to manage the cause (and refer you to a IICRC mould remediator).

We do not perform physical mould removal or clean-up. Irrespective of the extent of visible mould growth or water-related damage, our focus lies in identifying and evaluating concealed mould contamination. We pinpoint the root cause within your home or office and offer guidance on how to address the source (along with referring you to an IICRC mould remediation specialist if needed).

Certain construction materials, such as plywood and chipboard, are comprised of wood and synthetic adhesives. Typically, these adhesives contain compounds known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can evaporate into the surrounding air. VOCs may also be found in textiles and carpeting used for furnishings. It's important to note that many VOCs have the potential to adversely affect health, with some being identified as cancer-causing agents when exposure levels reach specific thresholds

- Metal spring mattresses and bed frames (can generate an electric field if they are in the vicinity of an electromagnetic field)
- Wireless Internet
- Electric blankets
- Some types of water beds, electric radiators, heating pads and electric adjustable beds
- Steel reinforced concrete slabs
- Baby monitors
- Game consoles
- Electric stoves, grills, plates
- Microwave ovens
- Smart appliances
- Lights (energy efficient fluorescent bulbs, halogen desk lamps)
- Dimmer switches (can transmit high frequency disturbances into the mains–a phenomenon referred to as Dirty Electricity)
- Metal water pipes
- Smart meter box
- Inverters on solar panels
- Pool equipment
- Smart home’s
- Computers, monitors, laptops, iPad, Printers, photocopiers, fax machines, scanners
- Mobile phone chargers
- Television

The following symptoms have been observed in people who use mobile phones, those who live or work near mobile base stations, and those who use wireless technology.

- Headache and migraines
- Learning, concentration, and behavioural problems
- Muscle and joint pains and spasms
- Ringing in the ears(tinnitus)and hearing loss
- Palpitations, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and shortness of breath
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Motor neurone disease
- There is increasing evidence to suggest an increased risk of a specific type of brain tumour–namely gliomas, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas and parotid gland tumours.
- The long-term effects are not known, however there is increasing concern that they could be associated with cancer, neurological diseases, male sterility, miscarriage, and birth defects, as well as thyroid dysfunction and bleeding disorders.
- As radio frequencies and electromagnetic fields have different properties, shielding materials that effectively block radio frequencies are not necessarily effective against the electric and magnetic fields generated by electrical wiring and appliances.
- Magnetic fields travel through nearly all materials and are therefore very difficult to block out.
- Electrical fields can be blocked by solid objects, including metal sheets and fabric containing conductive fibres that are connected to earth. It is essential that these materials be connected to earth, for if they are not earthed, electrical charge will build up, making them electric field sources.

If any reduction can’t be measured by professional equipment used by Building Biologist, then it is not reducing the risk of exposure

There has been a notable expansion in the array of tools designed for assessing EMFs within residential settings.

Given the emergence of new technologies like 5G, Building Biologists must equip themselves with the latest instrumentation to effectively address this development. At a minimum, an EMF assessment should include the following:

- Investigation of the surrounding property of external sources of exposure such as mobile phone towers, high voltage transmission lines, street distribution lines and transformers.
- External measurement of AC magnetic fields and radio frequencies at the site
- Internal measurement of AC magnetic fields and radio frequencies at the site
- Advice and recommendations in a written report.

The field of building science traditionally encompasses the study of indoor thermal, acoustic, light, and air quality environments, along with the utilisation of building resources such as energy and materials. These aspects are explored in relation to physical principles, their impact on the health, comfort, and productivity of building occupants, and how they can be managed through the building's structure and electrical and mechanical systems. One practical aim of building science is to provide predictive capabilities to enhance the performance and sustainability of both new and existing buildings. It also seeks to comprehend and prevent building failures while guiding the development of innovative techniques and technologies.

Geobiology, a unique facet of Building Biology, has a more pronounced focus on energy and involves the utilisation of dowsing techniques to gain insights into your connection with the specific site or land you reside on. Studies have revealed that Geopathic Stress, over time, can weaken the immune system and heighten vulnerability to illness. This form of stress has been strongly associated with sleep disturbances, disturbing dreams, depressive feelings, nervousness, and persistent fatigue. Geomancers employ dowsing rods to interact with the spiritual and energetic aspects of your site.