Revamping buildings improves the climate, public health and social equality

(EurActiv, 17 Oct 2018) Sobering warnings from the UN about the impact of climate change on our planet and human health has one obvious solution: increase the rate of building renovation, in order to massively cut energy use, writes Vijoleta Gordeljevic.

Vijoleta Gordeljevic is health and climate change coordinator at the Health & Environment Alliance (HEAL).

Last week, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) launched a landmark report on how the world can limit global warming to 1.5°C, protecting the planet and the health of all its inhabitants.

It clearly states that there is no way around a “rapid and far-reaching” transformation of certain sectors such as the buildings sector.

This comes as the European Commission is in the process of providing clear guidance to member states on the national implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The seemingly obvious solution: increasing the rate of buildings renovations. This will drastically decrease building’s energy use and CO2 impact, helping us limit warming to 1.5C and improve health in the process.

Here is the caveat. It is true, renovations can indeed greatly improve health. But in order for that to happen, national building codes must reflect the latest health evidence with regards to indoor air quality, chemicals used in building products or efficient provision of heating to just name a few.

Including the health perspective is needed to avoid energy efficient buildings be so insulated and sealed up that they unintentionally harm occupants’ health through stagnant air or under-ventilated indoor environments.

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EurActiv, 17 Oct 2018: Revamping buildings improves the climate, public health and social equality