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.
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.
1. Higher indoor air quality 3. Carbon storage properties
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. 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.
Levels of toxic fumes within a building can
also be reduced through the use of natural
materials because they do not release
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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/.