Health in the built environment
The term ‘health’ has evolved over time from referring simply to the body's ability to function, to include physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Health typically relates to the health of people, but it can also refer to the health of animals, an ecosystem, the economy, businesses and so on, describing in very general terms its condition.
In the built environment, health can refer to:
- The health of construction workers (typically grouped with safety as health and safety). For more information see: Health and safety.
- The health of other people employed in the construction industry.
- The economic health of the construction industry or businesses within it.
- The health of building occupants.
- Ecology and the environment.
The health of construction workers and building users includes issues such as:
- Sick building syndrome / building related illness.
- Health and safety.
- Comfort.
- Wellbeing.
- Mental health.
- Emergency services.
- Environmental health.
- Public health.
- Occupational health.
- Pollution.
- Nuisance.
- First aid.
- Emergency services.
- Biophilic design.
- Indoor air quality.
- Indoor environmental quality.
- Phobias.
- Heat stress.
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.























Comments
Health in the built environment is such an essential topic, and it's great to see it being addressed comprehensively here. The way our surroundings influence our well-being can't be underestimated, from air quality to access to natural light. Designing spaces with health in mind not only improves quality of life but also supports long-term sustainability. This is a vital read for anyone involved in creating healthier, more livable spaces. https://healthywz.com/