This is a news item from the Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering

Research led by UCL MSc student Elly Hoult is helping Peabody improve how it supports residents to manage ventilation and reduce damp and mould.

Peabody is one of the UK’s oldest not-for-profit housing associations, and is responsible for 109,000 homes across London and the home counties. Their approach to tackling damp and mould continues to be shaped by resident insight and evidence-based research, including a recent study led by Elly Hoult as part of the MSc in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings at UCL, under the supervision of Prof Marcella Ucci. 

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 residents across England, found that 43 percent had never received guidance on how to ventilate their homes. Some believed that opening windows made mould worse and others highlighted practical challenges such as windows painted shut, safety concerns, and the cost of heating.

Using the COM-B behavioural model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) the study identified key barriers such as safety concerns, affordability, and lack of clear information. The findings are already shaping operational changes Peabody, including multilingual educational resources and new QR-coded video tools to help residents overcome language and access barriers. 

 

A community event on Osiers Road, Wandsworth
Community event on Osiers Road, Wandsworth


These efforts show that indoor air quality is being recognised not just as a technical issue, but as one that directly affects health and quality of life. By providing clear guidance, practical tools and drawing on local knowledge, the organisation is helping residents feel more confident managing ventilation in their homes

The work is ongoing, but the direction is clear: engaged residents, informed and supported by reliable services and practical solutions, are central to creating healthier homes.

Professor Ucci said:

“It’s a pleasure to know that research carried out as part of the Master’s degree has informed operational practices in a major housing association in England.”

Dr Gemma Moore, Programme Director for the MSc, added:

“Elly’s work shows how academic insight can directly improve health and wellbeing outcomes — it’s research turned into action.”

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