Healthy climate-resilient homes are becoming increasingly important as we face the dual challenges of climate change and rising health concerns linked to the built environment.

A recent article published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine adds further evidence to what many in the sustainable building industry have understood for years: the way we design and operate our homes has a direct impact on both human health and the climate.

With buildings accounting for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing opportunity to rethink how we build. The good news is that when we design better buildings, we don’t just lower emissions — we also create healthier, more comfortable homes for the people living in them.

Buildings and Emissions: The Bigger Picture

The article reports that buildings account for 43% of CO₂ emissions in the United States, with most of this coming from electricity used for heating, cooling, lighting and appliances.

Energy use in buildings is shaped by countless design decisions, including orientation, insulation levels, airtightness, window performance and material selection. These choices influence how much energy a home requires to remain comfortable and, ultimately, how much carbon it emits throughout its lifetime.

This is why the conversation around healthy climate-resilient homes extends far beyond energy bills. It is about creating buildings that perform efficiently while supporting long-term environmental outcomes.

The Health Connection

It’s not only the planet that is affected by poor building performance.

The conditions inside our homes — including temperature stability, indoor air quality, moisture levels and ventilation — have profound effects on physical and mental wellbeing.

The research highlights that inadequate heating or cooling, mould, pests and poor ventilation can contribute to respiratory illness, mental health challenges and chronic health conditions. Vulnerable groups, including children, older adults and lower-income households, are often the most affected.

By contrast, high-performing homes, particularly those designed to net zero or Passive House principles, can offer significant health benefits, including:

• More consistent indoor temperatures

• Better indoor air quality

• Reduced exposure to allergens and pollutants

• Improved comfort and wellbeing

When a home performs well, it supports the health of the people living in it every day.

Long-Term Benefits of Better Building

While high-performance materials and systems may involve a greater upfront investment, they often deliver substantial long-term benefits through lower energy costs, improved durability and enhanced quality of life.

Retrofitting existing homes and constructing new homes to higher performance standards is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions while improving health outcomes.

Simple design decisions can also make a meaningful difference, including:

• Optimising solar orientation

• Improving insulation levels

• Reducing thermal bridging

• Installing high-performance windows

• Incorporating effective shading

Homes that work with their environment rather than against it require less energy and provide a more comfortable living experience year-round.

Building for a Low-Carbon, Healthy Future

One of the most important findings from the research is that the benefits of better buildings extend well beyond the individual home.

For example:

• Using recycled or locally sourced materials can reduce embodied carbon and support local supply chains.

• Building within walkable, connected communities can reduce car dependency and encourage more active lifestyles.

• Prioritising natural daylight, ventilation and access to green spaces can support both physical and mental health.

Healthy climate-resilient homes are therefore not just a response to climate change — they are also an investment in healthier communities and better quality of life.

High-performing homes designed to meet net zero energy or carbon goals offer multiple benefits at once: lower energy use, reduced emissions, improved indoor comfort and healthier living environments.

Final Thoughts

This growing body of research reinforces the strong connection between buildings, climate and health.

When we focus on building better — not simply greener, but smarter and healthier — the benefits extend far beyond reduced energy consumption.

Every home designed for high performance is a step towards a more resilient, comfortable and sustainable future.

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing one, prioritising healthy climate-resilient homes can help create lasting benefits for both the people who live there and the environment that surrounds them.

Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol. 55, Issue 5, 2018.