Have Building Biologists undergone any formal training?
How much does a Building Biologist cost?
How do I find a Building Biologist near me?
A mobile phone tower has just gone up in my area, should I be worried?
Have Building Biologists undergone any formal training?
The short answer is yes, however there are different courses from around the world which a Building Biologist in Australia may have undertaken to become qualified. It is worth asking your Building Biologist where they received their training and what they specialise in.
Australia
Currently the Australian College of Environmental Studies is the only registered training organisation in Australia which provides an Advanced Diploma in Building Biology. It is a fulltime 2-year qualification consisting of around 1800 hours of study. ACES also provide short courses for Mould Testing Technicians or Electromagnetic Field Testing Technicians, consisting of 150 hours and 250 hours respectively of study. These short courses are not a substitute in becoming a Building Biologist however they form part of the Advanced Diploma qualification.
USA
In the United States of America, the Building Biology Institute provides equally robust certifications for Building Biology Environmental Consultants, Electromagnetic Radiation Specialists and Building Biology New Build Consultants. Building Biologists may have a single certification, double certification or triple certification.
New Zealand
In NZ, the Building Biology and Ecology Institute (a partner of the USA Building Biology Institute) provides a certificate course in Ecological Building and Design as well as workshops in Design Your Own Eco Home and Eco Builders Workshop.
Europe
In Germany, the Institute of Building Biology and Sustainability IBN (from which BB Guidelines originate from) provides an online short course to become a Building Biology Consultant IBN.
How much does a Building Biologist cost?
A Building Biologist’s services range in price depending on time required to conduct a thorough investigation, the number of testing or laboratory samples needed if any and if the client wishes to be assisted in the implementation of any mitigation measures.
Unfortunately like all industries, there are rogue operators who undercut jobs to appear more appealing however buyer beware, this could be due to a range of reasons. It could be a reflection on how much or lack thereof of training they have undergone, their level of experience, whether or not they stay current with world-wide standards in environmental testing and mitigation, how thorough they complete the job and whether or not they have further relevant education to further enhance their knowledge. Like most things you generally get what you pay for.
How do I find a Building Biologist near me?
If you are located in Victoria, my team and I are able to assist you. We are available for consultations and a range of environmental assessments.
If you are located outside of Victoria and require a consultation, BBMama provides zoom and phone consultations. If you require an environmental assessment, feel free to connect and we can provide you the details of a reputable Building Biologist in your area.
A mobile phone tower has just gone up in my area, should I be worried?
Firstly, don’t panic, there are many factors besides distance which influence whether a mobile cell tower is negatively influencing the electrobiology of a home and its occupants. Unfortunately, without testing it is impossible to know for certain the influence and strength of the cell towers radiofrequencies on your home.
The best way to ascertain the electrobiology of a home is for me and my team to conduct a Comprehensive EMF Assessment which involves a background check of external sources of radiofrequencies and an onsite assessment. The findings and results will be provided in a comprehensive report and follow up consultation where you can clarify and ask any further questions .