Healthy Buildings Network Launch Event
"By the time you are 70 you will have spent 63 years indoors..."
A healthy building supports both human health and environmental sustainability. It ensures clean air, comfortable conditions, natural light, and is free from harmful contaminants. The Healthy Buildings Network unites experts across disciplines to develop innovative, practical solutions for healthier built environments.
HBN Leeds Founders: Dr. Marco-Felipe King, Dr. Martín López-García, and Dr. Irene Mussio
Event Schedule
Registration and Coffee
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
Welcome by Network Directors
Dr. Marco-Felipe King, Dr. Martín López-García, Dr. Irene Mussio
Keynote Addresses
- Dr. Henry Burridge
- Prof. Cath Noakes
11:05 AM
12:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
Lightning Talks
Seven speakers sharing innovative research and insights
1:00 PM
2:15 PM
Coffee Break
Panel Discussion
"Interdisciplinary Approaches to Healthy Building Solutions"
Moderated by Dr. Doug Booker
2:45 PM
3:45 PM
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Henry Burridge
Imperial College London
The value of research in monitoring and air quality interventions: schools as an exemplar
Dr. Burridge shared insights from the SAMHE project, emphasising innovations in school air quality monitoring and implications for public health and building design.
Prof. Cath Noakes OBE
University of Leeds
Healthy Buildings for Public Health
Prof. Noakes discussed how indoor air quality directly impacts public health, highlighting the role of building design in controlling airborne diseases, drawing from her extensive experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lightning Talks
Dr. Elisabeth Yang
University of Leeds
The Kingdom of Babes
Dr. Doug Booker
NAQTS
Justice in the built environment
Dr. Hua Zhong
London South Bank University
Thermal Comfort in Energy Efficient Buildings
Dr. Philip Webb
Health and Welbeing 360
Elephant In The Room
Dr. Ailish Graham
University of Leeds
Estimating People’s Exposure to Smoke from Peatland Fires in Indonesia
Dr. Irene Mussio
University of Leeds
Behavioral Economics in Building Design
Dr. Hilary Potter
University of Leeds
Learning About LAHRI and What it Can Do For You
Panel Discussion
"Interdisciplinary Approaches to Healthy Building Solutions"
The panel explored how collaboration across disciplines can lead to innovative solutions for healthier buildings. Our distinguished panelists shared insights from their diverse backgrounds, highlighting the importance of considering multiple perspectives when addressing complex challenges in the built environment.
Key discussion points included the integration of technical solutions with social considerations, balancing sustainability goals with health outcomes, and ensuring that research translates effectively into practical applications for industry.
Panelists
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Jane Dickinson
Sustainability Services, University of Leeds
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Dr. Katy Wright
Sociology & Social Policy, University of Leeds
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Dr. Paul Hutchings
School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds
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Prof. Henry Burridge
Imperial College London
Moderator
Dr. Doug Booker
CEO, NAQTS
Dr. Booker expertly guided the discussion, drawing on his background in both academic research and commercial applications in the air quality field.
Event Gallery
Welcome Session with Network Directors
Keynote Presentation by Prof. Cath Noakes
Panel Discussion in Progress
Networking Session During Lunch
Lightning Talk Session
Audience Q&A Session
Key Takeaways
Interdisciplinary Collaboration is Essential
The complex challenges of creating healthy buildings require expertise from multiple disciplines—engineering, public health, social sciences, and beyond. Breaking down silos between different fields was identified as a critical success factor.
Health and Sustainability Must Work Together
Discussions highlighted the need to integrate health considerations with sustainability goals. Creating buildings that are both environmentally friendly and health-promoting requires careful balance and innovative approaches.
Research Must Translate to Practice
Bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation emerged as a key challenge. Discussions explored how to ensure that cutting-edge research findings make their way into building design, construction, and management practices.
Human Perspective is Crucial
Beyond technical solutions, the event emphasised that truly healthy buildings must consider occupant experiences, behaviors, and needs. Engaging with building users and incorporating their perspectives is essential for successful outcomes.
Join Our Network
Be part of our growing community of researchers, practitioners, and innovators working together to create healthier, more sustainable built environments.