Intersections between home improvements and health: An owner-occupier’s perspective

The UK has one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe, the upgrading of which presents a unique opportunity to significantly reduce our carbon dioxide emissions whilst adopting a more pro-active approach to improving occupant health. However, whilst a significant body of research confirms the health benefits of energy efficiency improvements, some studies also raise concerns about the potential for detrimental impacts on health. Consequently, health concerns could either support or oppose efforts to encourage greater adoption of energy efficiency measures. Whilst these issues have secured the attention of academics, policymakers and professionals, the adoption of energy efficiency measures remains largely at the discretion of owner-occupiers. Therefore, this paper will examine the role owner-occupiers’ health concerns play in inspiring, informing and evaluating improvements including energy efficiency measures. The paper draws upon thirty-one in-depth qualitative interviews and walk-through tours with owner-occupiers who have recently undertaken home improvements. With a view to capturing diverse health concerns and priorities the sample includes a range of household profiles and home improvement projects. These interviews will be analysed to determine how owner-occupiers describe the intersections between their health concerns and the process of home improvement, from initial intentions, through implementation to final outcomes. These findings will subsequently be compared to determine if and how the influence of health concerns varies depending on the individuals or home improvement measures involved, potentially providing insights into how the appeal of measures beneficial to both health and the environment could be broadened. The paper concludes by making recommendations regarding opportunities for policy-makers and professionals, from either the health or construction sectors, to influence greater owner-occupier adoption of home improvement measures, in order to realise a healthier, more sustainable future for UK housing