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

The impact of energy efficient housing interventions on occupant health, both positive, and negative, is well documented, both in the evaluation of programs such as Decent Homes and Warm Front , and in clinical studies . In light of the UK’s legally binding target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by the year 2050 , there is a desire to increase the number of energy efficient domestic retrofits, making understanding the relationship between these home improvements and occupant health imperative. This paper will discuss the limitations of the existing research in this field, before demonstrating through empirical research that intersections between health and domestic energy use can be viewed amongst an alternative population of householders, and within a broader, non-linear constellation of practices. To conclude, the implications of these findings for simultaneously reducing domestic carbon dioxide emissions and improving occupant health will be discussed.