Healthy Homes Start with Cleaner Air
22/09/2025
Indoor air is often overlooked – but it profoundly affects health. In this episode of Making Housing Better, Lee Reevell, Chief Innovation Officer at Healthy Homes Hub, speaks with Dr Douglas Booker, lecturer at the University of Leeds, co-founder of NAQTS, and Clean Air Champion, about why improving indoor air is vital for social housing.
In this episode:
Why indoor air quality is a “market failure” – and why housing providers must act.
Lessons from NAQTS’ school study on ventilation, ultra-fine particles, and VOCs.
How to align retrofit with health outcomes, avoiding unintended consequences like damp, mould, and overheating.
The Hestia project – a two-year collaboration bringing together universities, housing providers, and residents to deliver fairer, healthier retrofits.
Why the UK needs a national Indoor Air Quality Observatory to standardise monitoring and inform better policy.
Practical steps for housing providers:
Audit ventilation: Check extractor fans (especially cooker hoods) are working and venting outside.
Capture the golden thread: Keep clear records of building changes to understand ventilation impacts.
Engage tenants: Build trust and educate residents on how ventilation supports health.
Explore partnerships: Get involved in projects like Hestia to shape healthier retrofit programmes.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Member of the Healthy Homes Hub?
Industry Recognition and Networking:
Connect with a thriving network of over 350 housing organisations, including decision-makers, innovators, and leaders. Build partnerships that enhance your professional growth and create lasting business opportunities.
Showcase Your Expertise:
Demonstrate your impact by participating in exclusive case studies, webinars, and events. Highlight your contributions to creating healthier, sustainable homes, reaching a broad audience across the sector.
Influence Policy and Advocacy:
Be part of shaping housing policy through direct engagement with policymakers and advocacy efforts. Stay at the forefront of discussions driving meaningful change in the housing sector.
Access to Market Insights:
Gain access to Healthy Homes Hub’s regular newsletters, expert analysis, and resources. Stay informed about trends, regulations, and innovative practices that affect housing professionals.
Specialised Events and Workshops:
Take part in events like the Immersive Study Tours, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Visit groundbreaking projects and facilities to explore real-world solutions for healthier and more sustainable homes.
Exclusive Tools and Resources:
Only members can upgrade to Housing Sage, a cutting-edge AI assistant tailored to social housing professionals. Benefit from personalised insights, regulatory guidance, and innovative ideas to enhance your operations.
Collaboration Opportunities:
Contribute to Healthy Homes Hub’s mission by sharing best practices, participating in action learning programmes like the Retrofit Society, or co-developing solutions with academic and industry leaders.
