The impact of household energy efficiency measures on health: A meta-analysis

Maidment, Christopher; Jones, Christopher R.; Webb, Thomas L.; Hathway, Elizabeth Abigail; Gilbertson, Janet

doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2013.10.054

Cited by 106 publications

(90 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…Several environmental health studies on energy efficient retrofits have focused on measures of health [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] or housing conditions other than indoor air quality [20,23].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The majority report energy efficient homes are associated with health benefits [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24], although Sharpe and colleagues report higher physician-diagnosed adult asthma cases among those living in energy efficient dwellings [25]. A recent meta-analysis by Maidment and colleagues found a small, but statistically significant improvement in health associated with energy efficient housing, but also acknowledge the need for additional research in this area [26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Indoor air quality and occupant comfort in homes with deep versus conventional energy efficiency renovations

Wells

Berges

Metcalf

et al. 2015

Building and Environment

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Deep energy retrofits (DER) for residential housing have been proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; these result in ~50% additional energy efficiency compared to standard renovations, energy star (ES) renovations. However, the impact of increased energy efficiency on indoor air quality (IAQ) is poorly understood. We conducted a longitudinal study to compare IAQ and occupant comfort in 12 low income single-family homes renovated to a DER or ES standard. Quarterly visits were conducted for a median of 18 months post-renovation; IAQ was assessed in 4 rooms per visit for a total of 237 measurements. Multivariable regression models accounted for repeated measurements and controlled for house-and family-related covariates. In fully adjusted models, average difference (95% confidence interval) in IAQ parameters in DER homes versus ES homes were: temperature: -0.3 C (-1.2, 0.6); relative humidity: 0.4 % (-1.1, 1.8); carbon dioxide: 43.7 ppm (-18.8, 106.2); and total volatile organic compounds: 198 ppb (-224, 620). Residents in DER homes were significantly less likely to report their homes were comfortable, most likely due to initial difficulties with new heating system technology. We found no differences in IAQ between DER and ES homes; however, education is strongly recommended when incorporating new technology into residences.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Indoor air quality and occupant comfort in homes with deep versus conventional energy efficiency renovations

Wells

Berges

Metcalf

et al. 2015

Building and Environment

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Energy-efficient homes without mechanical ventilation have also been found to be associated with an increased risk of asthma in the United Kingdom [5]. However, a meta-analysis by Maidment and colleagues concluded that energy efficiency interventions led to a small but statistically significant improvement in the health of residents [6]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health and Wellbeing of Occupants in Highly Energy Efficient Buildings: A Field Study

Wallner

Tappler²,

Munoz³

et al. 2017

IJERPH

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Passive houses and other highly energy-efficient buildings need mechanical ventilation. However, ventilation systems in such houses are regarded with a certain degree of skepticism by parts of the public due to alleged negative health effects. Within a quasi-experimental field study, we investigated if occupants of two types of buildings (mechanical vs. natural ventilation) experience different health, wellbeing and housing satisfaction outcomes and if associations with indoor air quality exist. We investigated 123 modern homes (test group: with mechanical ventilation; control group: naturally ventilated) built in the years 2010 to 2012 in the same geographic area and price range. Interviews of occupants based on standardized questionnaires and measurements of indoor air quality parameters were conducted twice (three months after moving in and one year later). In total, 575 interviews were performed (respondents’ mean age 37.9 ± 9 years in the test group, 37.7 ± 9 years in the control group). Occupants of the test group rated their overall health status and that of their children not significantly higher than occupants of the control group at both time points. Adult occupants of the test group reported dry eyes statistically significantly more frequently compared to the control group (19.4% vs. 12.5%). Inhabitants of energy-efficient, mechanically ventilated homes rated the quality of indoor air and climate significantly higher. Self-reported health improved more frequently in the mechanically ventilated new homes (p = 0.005). Almost no other significant differences between housing types and measuring time points were observed concerning health and wellbeing or housing satisfaction. Associations between vegetative symptoms (dizziness, nausea, headaches) and formaldehyde concentrations as well as between CO2 levels and perceived stale air were observed. However, both associations were independent of the type of ventilation. In summary, occupants of the mechanically ventilated homes rated their health status slightly higher and their health improved significantly more frequently than in occupants of the control group. As humidity in homes with mechanical ventilation was lower, it seems plausible that the inhabitants reported dry eyes more frequently.

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“…increased thermal comfort and fuel poverty alleviation. Positive effects on occupants' physical and mental health have been investigated in several studies, based on self-reported health measurements (Gilbertson, Grimsley, Green, & Group, 2012;Gilbertson, Stevens, Stiell, & Thorogood, 2006), modelling studies (Hamilton et al, 2015;Wilkinson et al, 2009), or meta-analysis (Maidment, Jones, Webb, Hathway, & Gilbertson, 2014). However, if not implemented correctly, energy-efficiency interventions may result in negative unintended consequences, such as reduced indoor air quality, increased fuel poverty or a failure of the primary aim of the policy (Davies & Oreszczyn, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Participatory system dynamics modelling for housing, energy and wellbeing interactions

Eker

Zimmermann

Carnohan

et al. 2017

Building Research & Information

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The built environment is a key target of decarbonization policies. However, such policies often have a narrow objective and narrow focus, resulting in 'policy-resistance' and unintended consequences. The literature attributes these unintended consequences to a narrow financial focus, adverse incentives, and inadequate handling of knowledge, skills, communication and feedback gaps, but it provides little advice on how these complex interactions can be captured. This paper illustrates the development and application of an integrated approach to address these complex interactions with regard to housing performance, energy, communal spaces and wellbeing. In particular, it explores the dynamics created by these relationships with simulation modelling in participatory settings, and with a diverse group of stakeholders. The simulation results suggest that monitoring is key to improve the performance of the housing stock besides energy efficiency; and investments in communal spaces positively affect the adoption of energyefficiency measures and the wellbeing of residents. The evaluation results for participatory workshops show this approach was found useful by the stakeholders for supporting more integrated decision-making about housing. In future research, this approach can be implemented for policy problems in specific contexts.

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The impact of household energy efficiency measures on health: A meta-analysis

Cited by 106 publications

References 58 publications

Indoor air quality and occupant comfort in homes with deep versus conventional energy efficiency renovations

Indoor air quality and occupant comfort in homes with deep versus conventional energy efficiency renovations

Health and Wellbeing of Occupants in Highly Energy Efficient Buildings: A Field Study

Participatory system dynamics modelling for housing, energy and wellbeing interactions

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