From framework to action
From framework to action
The Healthy Buildings Barometer framework can guide decision-making towards healthy and sustainable buildings. The next steps are to outline how policymakers and industry stakeholders can use it, while increasing focus on data availability, quality and completeness in order to track healthy buildings at EU level.
Areas of action
The new Healthy Buildings Barometer has developed a number of policy recommendations and areas of action based on case studies and EU data analysis. These recommendations align collective and coordinated action for healthy buildings with the 2050 decarbonisation goal of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Broaden the regulatory focus
Policymakers and influencers must broaden their focus on buildings beyond CO2 emissions and energy performance to introduce the idea of healthy buildings and occupants. This needs to include sustainability parameters and resilience and adaptability to a warmer climate.
Ensure access to data
Authorities must agree on and ensure adequate/appropriate and consistent data collection on healthy, sustainable, and resilient building indicators. This can identify gaps and patterns and accurately track progress.
Increase cross-functional collaboration
The different stakeholders within and outside the construction sector must collaborate to ensure a holistic approach to buildings that benefits health, sustainability and resilience. This includes better information sharing around innovative design strategies for healthy building projects.
Use decision-making tools effectively
Decision-making tools (such as building information modelling or building renovation passports) to support a building’s performance in terms of health, sustainability and resilience, should be integrated as appropriate – also digitally – in all phases of a building’s life.
Put people at the centre
Design of sustainable buildings must take its starting point in human needs putting the user at the centre of the design. Users should be involved in optimising the operation of the building, including smart automatisation and guidance during the lifetime of the building.
Policy recommendations
In focusing on Europe's aspiration to establish healthy and sustainable buildings as the standard, we recognise the necessity of addressing and bridging ten critical policy gaps. These gaps serve as guiding principles, steering us towards a future where environmental stewardship and human well-being come together.
