Building Biology is the study of the impact of the place where we life and work on our physical, emotional, spiritual and mental level. Building Biology was pioneered in Germany more than 35 years ago. The original German name is “Bau-Biologie”. IIEHS defines Building Biology as:
“Building Biology is a holistic assessment and healing tool for man-made buildings and structures. The assessment is a survey of all emissions and other harmful influences on humans, animals and environment. The goal of Building Biology is to heal our home or workplace environment through eliminating and neutralizing the potential causes of illness, like toxins, man-made and natural radiation in air, construction material, furniture and garden”.

Building Ecology is the study of the interaction of the building with the Environment, or the application of the principles of sustainability on buildings and urban development. Buildings account for one-sixth of the world’s fresh water withdrawals, one-quarter of its wood harvest, and two-fifths of its material and energy flows (Roodman and Lenssen, 1995) . Building Ecology encourages us to use our resources efficiently, build in harmony with nature, choosing the right location, using environmentally correct and certified materials, incorporating efficient and sustainable energy use, water use, waste and waste water disposal. Building Biology and Ecology expresses in a holistic way our relationship with Nature and the Planet where we live: