The Built Environment: Health, Wellbeing and Human Performance

The issue of ‘Healthy Buildings’ is a key focus at IEDE and we have a extensive programme of exciting work in this field.

For example, our work on built environment choices and their implications for energy use and health has contributed to a fundamental shift in global understanding of the possible health impacts of carbon mitigation measures. It has also informed key corresponding policy formulation.

At regional and national levels, our research has informed London’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy; led to changes in the Building Regulations for England and Wales; and produced a tool used by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change to inform aspects of its Energy Efficiency Strategy. Internationally, our work has increased policy-makers’ awareness and understanding of the health implications of energy efficiency policies. More specifically it has informed the development of World Health Organisation guidance.

We work with colleagues from within the UCL Complex Built Environment Systems (CBES) group, other partners from within UCL and also an extensive group of external collaborators.

Other aspects of our work in this area relate to the exciting potential for ‘Active Buildings’ - the workplace could hold a 'captive audience' for promotion of activity and breaks in sitting time. World experts in Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Psychology, the Built Environment & Spatial Design are working together to develop this research area.

Click on the links below to view the projects under this theme.