ide sufficient clean, cool, outside air without allowing the ingress of external pollutants, whilst at the same time providing an adequate air change rate to remove these various pollutants. One major challenge we face in the UK is that of balancing the need for more airtight, energy efficient houses with the need for adequate ventilation. We need to ensure that new homes are not only energy efficient, but also provide optimal ventilation rates for good internal air quality. In many parts of many cities, mechanical ventilation and air purification is becoming a necessity because of air pollution. All the more reason to get rid of diesels and electrify our transport systems as soon as possible. Thermal Comfort © UKGBC This is perhaps where the biggest changes have to happen, and soon. For years, the worry in northern climes was keeping warm; more and more, over-heating is becoming a problem. In recent years, we have seen a marked rise in the incidence of overheating, particularly in the new build sector. As the frequency and severity of heatwaves is predicted to increase due to climatic changes, addressing this issue is vitally important. Although most evidence on the impacts of overheating on health is based on outdoor temperatures, with less information regarding safe indoor temperatures. But even this UKGBC report does not get into detail about what comfort actually is, and how it is much more than just an issue of regulating temperature. Moisture Moisture in our homes is generated by activities such as cooking, drying, washing, bathing, and breathing. It is important to control moisture levels because too much moisture in homes can increase growth of bacteria, house dust mites, and mould, all of which represent health risks. Furthermore, dampness could also cause degradation of materials, further polluting the air in buildings. All of these can result in problems with respiratory systems, for example infections or exacerbation of asthma. It used to be that the biggest problem related to moisture was having too little of it; many leaky old homes actually had humidifiers to raise the level. Now, as homes are more tightly sealed, we have the opposite problem. We also keep building with materials that actually promote mould growth, and even our building codes get it wrong when it comes to dealing with moisture in our walls. Noise As we live more closely together, noise isolation becomes more important. And again, we are just beginning to really learn about how much of an effect it has on us. Unwanted noise in homes can be at best a nuisance, but at worst can cause longer term health issues. In the short term, unwanted noise can cause activity disturbance, speech interference and disturb rest, relaxation and sleep. In the longer term there is evidence of more insidious health effects, because the presence of noise can cause increased levels of stress hormones, increasing the risk of cardiovascular effects (heart disease and hypertension). This is an issue that can be addressed relatively easily in new construction, but that so often is a problem because of quality issues; the architect can specify a wall with a terrific STC rating but just a little gap, a little bit of missing caulk can ruin it. Design This is such a hard one. People need a kitchen that promotes healthy eating and family interaction: According to research, eating together as a family on a regular basis has some surprising effects. When sharing a meal together family bonds become stronger, children are better adjusted, family members eat more nutritional meals, they are less likely to be overweight, and they are less likely to abuse alcohol or drugs. Eating together can be encouraged by making the dining area pleasant (e.g. with views out and good daylight) and more accessible from the kitchen (compared to the living area) in order to nudge people to sit around the table rather than in front of the TV. Space should be designed for accessibility as residents age; bedrooms should be quiet and promote healthy sleep; they should be big enough to avoid overcrowd