For a healthier future, it is necessary to change the approach to modern construction

• The current INDOOR GENERATION spends 90% of its time indoors.
• The air inside buildings can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. However, 77% of the population is unaware of this according to a YouGov survey.
• The most polluted room in the house, in terms of air quality, is often the children's room.
• A new study by VELUX examines how important natural light and fresh air are for our health.

The YouGov survey, which is part of the INDOOR GENERATION study, was conducted across 14 countries and revealed how about 16,000 people perceive their lives and what contributes to their health. It showed a disturbingly false perception among the vast majority of people (77%) who believe that indoor air is cleaner or equally polluted as outdoor air. The perception deviated the most from reality among the responses of Czechs, who scored the worst among all respondents. Only 9% of Czechs and 17% of Slovaks are correctly informed about the ratio of indoor to outdoor air pollution. The survey also revealed insufficient understanding of the importance of natural ventilation.

From previous surveys, we know that Europeans consider the quality of their home environment to be more important than healthy eating or physical activity. However, the current YouGov survey revealed a very low level of knowledge about how to actually create a healthy home.

Peter Foldbjerg, Director of the Daylight Energy and Indoor Climate department at VELUX, says: "Public buildings are just as important as private housing. Many offices have been designed with windows that cannot be opened, or with inadequate ventilation, leading to decreased employee performance and increased absenteeism. Old and polluted air remains in buildings with no possibility of exchange. Despite compelling research demonstrating the positive benefits of daylight and ventilation, there is currently no legislation that would bring about positive changes."
"In the framework proposal focused on buildings, which was adopted by the European Parliament on April 17, it was approved that all technical systems in buildings must be designed to optimize health and comfort in buildings. However, to promote a holistic approach to construction, we need much more. The health benefits stemming from improving the interiors of our homes are scientifically proven. However, we have a long way to go before we understand that these changes are not just 'nice'. If we do not take further action, we may jeopardize our own health," he adds.

"The research indicates that we cannot forget about a healthy environment inside our private and public buildings. Given the enormous amount of time we spend in buildings, the amount of harmful substances that children and adults are exposed to daily is concerning. In recent years, the main trend has been energy-efficient buildings. Indoor air pollution has become an unintended consequence of this. The solution is very simple. The way forward is to change thinking right from the design of buildings. For too long, we have prioritized energy efficiency while overlooking factors that affect human health. We now want to encourage architects and those who carry out home renovations to prioritize basic human health needs and thus reduce the number of people living in unhealthy spaces. We believe the best way to do this is to raise awareness of small changes that everyone can make, which can have a real impact on indoor air quality and health. The result of these changes will also be a positive effect on gross domestic product (GDP) due to higher attendance rates in schools and workplaces and fewer doctor visits," adds Peter Foldbjerg.

Below are tips for customers planning a construction project, whether private or public, who would like to adhere to the principles of a circadian house.

• For adequate ventilation and fresh air in the home, it is good to ventilate at least twice a day.
• Placing windows at different heights ensures optimal conditions for intensive chimney effect.
• Ample daylight in the living areas of the home will be secured by orienting rooms where customers spend most of their day towards the south.
• Healthy air in the home is also supported by limiting sources of moisture.
• When cleaning, it is good to pay special attention to the cleanliness of carpets, or better yet, to have none.

More at www.theindoorgeneration.com

Sources:

• People spend 90% of their time inside buildings (WHO Europe 2013 report, US Environmental Protection Agency)
• Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air (EPA, Aarhus University, CBST)
• Living in damp and moldy homes increases the risk of asthma by 40% (IBP Fraunhofer)
• The air in children's rooms is the most polluted in the entire house (Danish Building Research Institute/Danish Eco Council/University of Copenhagen)
• The Circadian House, Principles and Guidelines for Healthy Homes, the VELUX Group 2013

YouGov Survey

The survey for the INDOOR GENERATION study was conducted in March and April 2018 by YouGov. It was carried out among approximately 16,000 homeowners in Europe and America (UK, USA, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain).

About VELUX
For 75 years, the VELUX Group has been improving living conditions for people around the world by providing daylight and fresh air through roof windows. Our product range includes roof windows and products for the illumination of flat roofs, as well as a wide range of decorative elements and blinds, shades, installation solutions, and smart home controls. These products contribute to ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment indoors for work, study, play, and enjoyment. We operate globally - selling and manufacturing in over 40 countries and employing around 14,500 people worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, whose shares are held by several foundations and the family. For more information, visit www.velux.cz.