Editors Choice
Constructing a healthy environment for the future
Within 30 years, it’s estimated that the
UK’s current housing stock will make up
80% of the entire nation’s supply . With
this in mind, it’s crucial as an industry,
we change the way we build, prioritising
health to provide a sustainable
environment for future generations.
A healthy building is one which
focuses on enhancing the health of its
environment and its occupants. Healthy
buildings are often constructed using
natural and sustainable materials.
The benefits of healthy
building
Currently, our buildings account for
around 40% of our global energy use
and 35% of resources . These numbers
can be significantly lessened if the
entire construction industry works
together to prioritise healthy building
materials, processes and techniques.
1. Higher indoor air quality
Natural materials are highly breathable
and vapour-permeable, meaning they
facilitate the air-exchange between our
internal and external environments.
This breathability allows water to
escape a building’s fabric, preventing
the build-up of condensation and
mould.
Levels of toxic fumes within a building
can also be reduced through the use of
natural materials because they do not
release the same pollutants as their
synthetic alternatives.
Any toxins present in the air will also be
filtered by natural materials.
2. Improved energy efficiency
Natural materials offer higher thermal
efficiency which remains constant,
even while absorbing and releasing
moisture from the building’s internal
environment. This results in a warmer
internal environment, reducing the
need for artificial heat.
As healthy buildings are also designed
to maximise natural light – which helps
to improve productivity, focus and
regulate sleep cycles – the reliance on
artificial light is less.
As a result of this reduced reliance
on excess energy, within homes and
workplaces, healthy buildings also act
to reduce carbon emissions.
3. Carbon storage properties
Natural materials – in particular
woodfibre – have the potential for
carbon capture and storage (CSS). Wood
sequesters carbon during its lifetime,
pulling CO2 from the atmosphere
and storing it in its mass. The stored
carbon will only be re-released into the
atmosphere when the wood comes to
the end of its life – ie through burning
or decomposition. Using reclaimed or
recycled wood products can prolong the
effects of wood’s carbon embodiment
properties.
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4. Increased sustainability
Additionally, natural materials are
sustainable, as they don’t deplete
natural resources and can be used
without adversely impacting the
environment.
Regulating health
Currently, there is no legal requirement
in UK Building Regulations which sets
out minimum standards for indoor air
quality, breathability, or other factors
which enhance the health of building
occupants. There are optional standards
you can adhere to, such as the WELL
Building Standard, which outline the
key factors you should consider when
building with health in mind, but
nothing is compulsory as yet.
Securing healthy homes
Protecting our environment and
securing a healthy planet for future
generations are not the only advantages
of healthy building. A planet laden with
healthy buildings will have reduced
carbon emissions, cleaner air and –
most crucially – a healthier and happier
population.
Are you interested in learning
more about the healthy building?
Sign up to Steico’s healthy building
newsletter at www.steico.com/en/
news/campaign/