Covid-19 has changed the role of buildings transforming them into workspaces and classrooms overnight. Not least has it laid bare the stark housing inequalities that exist in Europe and revealed the urgency of providing sustainable, healthy and affordable housing where all citizens can thrive.

With Europe standing on the cusp of a Renovation Wave that will tackle the climate crisis by decarbonising our building stock, policymakers have an real opportunity to invest in healthy and sustainable buildings. In the recent Energy Efficiency First Principle (EE1) Guidelines, the European Commission has already identified energy efficiency in our buildings as one of the key solutions across sectors that will help achieve climate neutrality. Furthermore, the guidelines also recognised human health as one of the most important co-benefits of energy efficiency.

This year’s Healthy Homes Barometer aims to contribute to this important discussion with data on indoor climate, its impact on health and life satisfaction and the economic benefits of investing in healthy buildings.