INTEGRATING HEALTH INTO BUILDINGS OF THE FUTURE.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Building Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Building design and operation significantly impact occupant health and well-being.
• Healthy buildings can mitigate adverse health outcomes and promote healthy behaviors.
• The relationship between buildings, occupants, and the community is integral to public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the multifaceted health implications of building design and operation.
• To explore the role of smart buildings and green infrastructure in supporting public health.
• To identify the co-benefits associated with "healthy building" metrics and programs.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and programs evaluating building health impacts.
• Analysis of the relationship between building design, indoor environmental quality, and occupant health.
• Examination of the broader community and systemic impacts of healthy building strategies.

Main Results:

• Interventions promoting building occupant health can improve indoor environmental quality and encourage physical activity.
• Smart building technologies and green infrastructure contribute to public health goals.
• Numerous co-benefits arise from "healthy building" approaches, spanning economic, environmental, social, and energy sectors.

Conclusions:

• A "healthy building" approach is essential for prioritizing occupant well-being.
• Integrating health considerations into building design and operation yields wide-ranging positive outcomes.
• Further navigation and understanding of healthy building metrics are needed to maximize benefits.