Copenhagen,
26
November
2018
|
09:29
Europe/Copenhagen

New study shows better schools, hospitals and offices are key to improving European’s lives

Partly funded by the VELUX Group, the study highlights the need for renovation in buildings that are places of learning, working and healing.

Investing in the renovation of offices, schools and hospitals would greatly improve the health, well-being and productivity of European citizens, according to a new study launched today by Buildings 2030 and conducted by the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE), both non-profit organisations.

The study is based on a review of more than 400 academic articles, dozens of case studies and expert interviews focusing on health, wellbeing and productivity in buildings.

The majority of European buildings are inefficient and most do not deliver optimal indoor conditions for studying, working and healing, according to the study.
 

It is really important for The VELUX Group to support Buildings 2030 and BPIE in the research for this study into how to improve European schools, hospitals and offices through renovation. These are exactly the kind of co-operative initiatives we need to address the strong link between buildings and health, wellbeing and productivity issues for people,
says Ingrid Reumert, VP, Global Communications, Sustainability & Public Affairs.


The majority of European buildings are inefficient and most do not deliver optimal indoor conditions for studying, working and healing, according to the study. As the existing hospitals, schools and offices will still be with us for decades to come, we need to reshape how we think about designing, operating, renovating and investing in buildings, the study says. The study is based on a review of more than 400 academic articles, dozens of case studies and expert interviews focusing on health, wellbeing and productivity in buildings.

It finds that the annual value of improved performance through holistic renovation amounts to the following in:

  • Schools: 7-13 days school days saved per year
  • Offices: EUR 185-315 bn gross value added
  • Hospitals: average length of stay in hospitals is reduced to 5.3 from 7.6 days = EUR 38 -114 bn cost benefit
     

See more about the study.

Download the Market Brief.

Download the Policy Brief.

See also the VELUX Group’s Healthy Homes Barometer from 2017 and 2018, which also highlights how the synergies between health and well-being and energy efficiency also apply to our homes. 

See also the highlights from Healthy Buildings Day 2018, which brought together building experts, here.