Sustainable buildings: A foundation for climate resilience and better health for all
New EuroHealthNet video series demonstrates promising practices for a healthy built environment
The crossover between the built environment, climate, and health is an under-recognised area in policymaking. However, poor-quality buildings put an undeniable strain on our climate and health. Besides relying on fossil fuels and adding to pollution, they pose a myriad of health threats, including poor indoor air quality, dampness and mould, as well as mental health problems. Meanwhile, poor insulation leads to high energy bills, often forcing people to choose between heating/cooling their home and other necessities, such as food or medicine.
The ongoing COP30 has taken important steps to address these links, recognising sustainable and affordable housing, a climate-neutral health sector, and climate-resilient schools as integral parts of global action to mitigate the climate emergency. Now it is time to move from recognition to concrete action.
By prioritising the quality and sustainability of buildings, world leaders can achieve a triple win: reduce the use of natural resources, decrease air pollution, and protect health.
#BuildForHealth: A new EuroHealthNet video series
To bring more attention to the links between climate, health, and buildings, EuroHealthNet is releasing four videos, funded through the European Climate Foundation’s Building Programme. Each video spotlights a EuroHealthNet member’s expertise and ground-level work to create a healthy, sustainable, and equitable built environment.
EuroHealthNet calls for an EU Strategy on Climate and Health
The video series is part of EuroHealthNet’s wider ask for an ambitious climate action. Europe needs an EU Strategy on Climate and Health that embeds climate-health priorities across EU policies, including housing, child poverty, and sustainable food systems, to create a unified approach that promotes health and wellbeing for people and planet.
