Benefits of healthy buildings for the EU

The impact of unhealthy buildings

The benefits of healthy buildings are immense and support the general welfare. Between 200,000 and 500,000 jobs annually across the EU could be created through well-designed renovation programmes. If general repairs were carried out on all inefficient housing stock in the EU, the cost would be recovered in just two years, and could save €194 billion in equivalent societal goods such as fewer sick days or less frequent hospital visits. The healthcare sector alone could save more than €45 billion annually (around 10% of the annual EU healthcare costs ) if well-designed efficiency measures were implemented in all hospitals.

Renovating all residential buildings in the EU to energy-efficient standards could save 44% of final energy for space heating. Furthermore, decarbonising the new build sector is feasible; a 41% reduction in embodied carbon through design for new builds cuts costs by 9%, and increased construction efficiency can reduce costs by 15%.

Benefits can also be considered in terms of specific improvements for occupants in different buildings. Research on the multiple benefits of healthy buildings spans homes, workplaces, schools, and hospitals as well as neighbourhoods. In each building type, people benefit in different ways such as increased performance at work, better concentration in schools, faster recovery time in hospitals, or improved thermal comfort and respiratory health from efficient renovations at home. Across all four building types (homes, workplaces, schools and hospitals), significant economic value can be added, turning healthy buildings into financially viable projects with a high benefit-cost ratio.

Homes

Renovating homes to make them healthier can lead to significant economic and societal gains while enhancing overall well-being. Investing in healthier living environments supports both individual and community prosperity, making such initiatives highly advantageous and financially viable.

Increase in employment

A 22% increase in employment per year in the construction sector can be realised by launching widespread renovation programs. These initiatives demand a substantial workforce for retrofitting homes, thus boosting job opportunities and driving economic growth within the sector.

Energy savings

A 44% increase in energy savings from retaining heat is attainable through enhancing the insulation and sealing of buildings. By adopting advanced materials and technologies, homes can maintain warmth more effectively, significantly reducing energy consumption for heating.

Return on investment

A 75% increase in return on investments from health benefits can be achieved by improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort. These improvements lead to fewer health issues, reducing healthcare costs and increasing productivity, thus providing a high return on initial renovation investments.

Recoup costs through improving mental health

A 20% increase in costs recouped from mental health benefits arises from creating healthier living environments that reduce stress and promote well-being. Improved mental health reduces medical expenses and enhances quality of life, leading to substantial cost savings.

Household savings through energy-efficient upgrades

A €400 savings per year per household after retrofitting the home can be accomplished through energy-efficient upgrades that lower utility bills. By investing in better insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and renewable energy sources, households can significantly cut their energy expenses, leading to considerable annual savings.

Workplaces

A healthier workplace enhances worker productivity and performance, leading to increased economic output. Improved air quality, thermal comfort, and overall work environment can reduce sick days and healthcare costs, boosting employee well-being and efficiency. The economic benefits extend beyond individual companies, contributing to broader economic growth and stability through reduced healthcare expenditures and higher job creation in the renovation and construction sectors.

Increase in performance and productivity

Achieving the numerous benefits of healthy workplaces involves implementing strategic design and renovation measures. A 10% increase in performance can be realised by maximising natural daylight exposure through well-placed windows, skylights, and reflective surfaces, which enhances mood and cognitive function. Productivity can improve by up to 12% by incorporating biophilic elements such as indoor plants, green walls, and views of nature, which reduce stress and increase well-being.

Relation between performance and thermal comfort

Addressing thermal comfort can lead to a 3.6% increase in performance for every 1°C reduction in overheating, achieved by optimising HVAC systems and using passive cooling techniques. Enhanced ventilation, through advanced air filtration and increased air exchange rates, can boost performance by 1% for each incremental improvement, ensuring a supply of fresh air and reducing indoor pollutants.

Economic benefits 

Better lighting, particularly with energy-efficient LEDs and smart lighting systems that mimic natural light cycles, can contribute to a 0.8% annual performance increase by reducing eye strain and aligning with circadian rhythms. Collectively, these improvements can add an estimated €40 billion per year to the European economy, demonstrating the substantial economic impact of investing in healthier, more efficient workplaces.

Schools

Making schools healthier enhances learning environments, resulting in better concentration and performance among students. Improved air quality, thermal comfort, and overall building efficiency contribute to fewer health issues and absenteeism. These factors collectively foster a conducive atmosphere for education, thereby elevating academic outcomes and overall student well-being.

Access to light affects performance

Schools designed to maximise natural light can see a 9-18% increase in student performance. Daylight exposure positively impacts mood and alertness, leading to better focus and academic achievement. Furthermore, upgrading to high-quality lighting systems can enhance student performance by 2.9% by reducing eye strain and fatigue, creating a more comfortable learning environment.

Improvements to indoor climate

Managing classroom temperatures to prevent overheating can improve performance by 2.3% for every degree Celsius reduction. Optimal thermal comfort enhances concentration and reduces discomfort and distraction. Increasing ventilation rates in classrooms boosts performance by 1% for each improvement in air quality. Fresh air reduces CO2 levels and pollutants, enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being.

Noise Reduction

Lowering noise levels by one decibel can lead to a 0.7% increase in performance. Quieter environments reduce distractions and improve students' ability to concentrate and comprehend lessons.

These enhancements not only foster better learning outcomes but also have significant economic benefits. Improved learning environments in the EU could lead to a €173 million annual boost to GDP, demonstrating the substantial value of investing in healthier school infrastructures.

Hospitals

Renovating hospitals to meet healthy building standards has significant positive knock-on effects for patients. It enhances recovery times, improves overall health outcomes, and reduces hospital visits by providing a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, energy-efficient upgrades lead to substantial cost savings, which can be reinvested into patient care and medical resources. Overall, these improvements contribute to a more effective and efficient healthcare system, benefiting both patients and the broader community.

Enhancements to healthcare

Renovating hospitals and other buildings to meet healthy building standards can significantly enhance healthcare outcomes:

• 11% reduction in inpatient visits: Improved indoor air quality and better ventilation lead to reduced respiratory illnesses and infections, lowering the need for hospital admissions.
• 19% reduction in mortality rates: Creating healthier indoor environments with optimised air quality and thermal comfort decreases the prevalence of life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, ultimately reducing mortality rates.

Workforce well-being and retention

Investing in healthy building renovations not only benefits patients but also improves the well-being and retention of healthcare workers:

• 20% reduction in employee turnover: Healthier work environments with better air quality, natural lighting, and ergonomic design enhance job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates among healthcare staff.

Economic impact and cost savings

Healthy building renovations yield substantial economic benefits and cost savings:

• 21% reduction in medical costs: By mitigating hospital-acquired infections and chronic conditions exacerbated by poor indoor environments, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce medical expenses for patients and providers alike.
• €42 billion per year potential savings from access to improved daylight: Access to natural light promotes faster recovery times and better mental health, resulting in reduced treatment times and mental health service needs, thus leading to substantial healthcare savings.
• €38 billion per year potential savings from improved indoor air quality: Enhancing indoor air quality prevents a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to allergies and asthma, resulting in fewer medical visits, reduced medication usage, and lower overall healthcare costs.