In2Air Project: Retrofit Health Outcome Evidence Model
15/09/2025
Host: Jenny Danson, Co-founder and Chief Executive, Healthy Homes Hub
Guests: Dr Kay Rogage, Assistant Professor, Computer & Information Sciences & Dr Dani Baguley, Research Fellow, Geography & Environmental Sciences, both from Northumbria University with Colin White, Principal Housing Delivery Officer from Newcastle City Council
How do retrofits affect the air we breathe? The In2Air study is testing this by monitoring 90 homes before and after energy-efficiency works, tracking indoor air quality (IAQ), energy bills, and resident health. The goal: evidence-based retrofit that balances carbon savings, comfort, and healthier lives.
Key insights from the episode:
Retrofitting without ventilation can unintentionally worsen IAQ, fuelling damp and mould.
Real-home monitoring shows wide variation between households — behaviour matters as much as the building.
Housing Providers don’t need more dashboards; they need a minimum dataset that drives action.
Residents engage best with clear, plain guidance and follow-ups, not just a handover pack.
A repeatable data protocol is being developed so others can adopt the approach.
Useful links:
Practical steps for housing providers
Build IAQ and ventilation checks into retrofit briefs.
Collect a minimum dataset: PM, CO₂, temperature, humidity, energy, and resident surveys.
Replace generic packs with personalised handovers and 6–8 week follow-ups.
Offer simple, accessible guidance for different resident needs.
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