Environmentally sound buildings now within reach.

Environmentally sound construction practices are gaining popularity in Canada. A small number of contractors and institutions are changing to accommodate the new environmental market, and governments are organizing environmental housing competitions to promote the new trend.

Building contractor Ed Lowens first switched to natural and renewable resource-based construction products to cater to clients with environmental hypersensitivity. The ailment, with debilitating symptoms including anxiety, palpitations, eczema, fatigue and short-term memory loss, is a recently recognized condition that is largely caused by exposure to toxic building materials. But recently Lowens' clientele has changed.

One of a handful of contractors in the Toronto area specializing in environmental housing, Lowens says he's recently built or renovated more homes for people who don't suffer from …