Transforming Building Policies: Advocating for Health and Well-being
Last year, a significant call to action by former U.S. Surgeons General, a policy proposal from a group of expert researchers, and the launch of a new global accord signed by hundreds of advocates and practitioners have all contributed to the rising prominence of healthy building advocacy.
Historic Collaboration by Surgeons General
In a historic move in September 2023, six former U.S. Surgeons General, along with six prominent public health leaders, issued an open letter urging U.S. policymakers to recognize the critical role buildings play in public health. "We hope all policymakers will embrace this new policy paradigm wherein buildings are not seen merely as structures, but as pillars supporting our nation’s health,” the letter emphasized. Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General, highlighted the importance of this shift, noting, “Buildings are not just walls and roofs; they are health-critical environments where we spend 90% of our lives.”
Researchers Advocate for Improved Indoor Air Quality
In March, over three dozen researchers led by Professor Lidia Morawska of Queensland University of Technology published an article in Science, advocating for mandatory indoor air quality (IAQ) standards in public buildings. Their work underscored the vital importance of clean indoor air for human health, stating, “The COVID-19 pandemic has made all levels of society, from community members to decision-makers, realize the importance of IAQ for human health, wellbeing, productivity, and learning.”
Launch of the International Healthy Building Accord
In May, nearly 200 leaders came together to launch the International Healthy Building Accord. This accord, developed with input from top health authorities and extensive research on health and buildings, calls for healthier building practices. It highlights the importance of indoor air quality, water quality, healthy materials, biophilic design, and practices that prioritize both human health and environmental sustainability. Over the next year, this initiative aims to unite global advocates, experts, and practitioners to push for healthier building practices worldwide.
“We invite healthy building champions to unite around the imperative of making sure the places and spaces where we live our lives enhance our health and well-being, not compromise it,” said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO of IWBI, upon the Accord’s launch.
These collective efforts mark a significant surge in momentum for healthy building policy. The collaboration between esteemed public health leaders, renowned researchers, and a growing number of global advocates is establishing a strong foundation for prioritizing health in future building policies. The opportunity is evident: by redefining building policies to emphasize health, we can more effectively enhance the health, safety, well-being, and resilience of our environments.
Historic Collaboration by Surgeons General
In a historic move in September 2023, six former U.S. Surgeons General, along with six prominent public health leaders, issued an open letter urging U.S. policymakers to recognize the critical role buildings play in public health. "We hope all policymakers will embrace this new policy paradigm wherein buildings are not seen merely as structures, but as pillars supporting our nation’s health,” the letter emphasized. Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General, highlighted the importance of this shift, noting, “Buildings are not just walls and roofs; they are health-critical environments where we spend 90% of our lives.”
Researchers Advocate for Improved Indoor Air Quality
In March, over three dozen researchers led by Professor Lidia Morawska of Queensland University of Technology published an article in Science, advocating for mandatory indoor air quality (IAQ) standards in public buildings. Their work underscored the vital importance of clean indoor air for human health, stating, “The COVID-19 pandemic has made all levels of society, from community members to decision-makers, realize the importance of IAQ for human health, wellbeing, productivity, and learning.”
Launch of the International Healthy Building Accord
In May, nearly 200 leaders came together to launch the International Healthy Building Accord. This accord, developed with input from top health authorities and extensive research on health and buildings, calls for healthier building practices. It highlights the importance of indoor air quality, water quality, healthy materials, biophilic design, and practices that prioritize both human health and environmental sustainability. Over the next year, this initiative aims to unite global advocates, experts, and practitioners to push for healthier building practices worldwide.
“We invite healthy building champions to unite around the imperative of making sure the places and spaces where we live our lives enhance our health and well-being, not compromise it,” said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO of IWBI, upon the Accord’s launch.
These collective efforts mark a significant surge in momentum for healthy building policy. The collaboration between esteemed public health leaders, renowned researchers, and a growing number of global advocates is establishing a strong foundation for prioritizing health in future building policies. The opportunity is evident: by redefining building policies to emphasize health, we can more effectively enhance the health, safety, well-being, and resilience of our environments.
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