Why better homes are better for everyone

At reimagined habitat, we believe a home should do more than just look good — it should support your health, reduce your environmental footprint, and feel great to live in. And it turns out the science agrees.

A study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine highlights just how closely our buildings are linked to both human health and climate change — something we've been talking about for years.

So, what did the research find — and what can we learn from it?

Buildings and Emissions: More Connected Than You Think

The article points out that buildings account for 43% of CO₂ emissions in the United States. A big part of this comes from electricity use — mostly from heating, cooling and lighting. And here in Australia, the story is similar.

That means every decision we make when designing a home — from which direction it faces to what kind of windows we use — plays a role in shaping not just energy use, but climate impact.

Homes and Health: It's All Connected

Uncomfortable, poorly insulated homes don’t just burn more energy — they can also make us sick. The research shows that things like mould, drafts, poor heating, and poor ventilation are linked to everything from asthma and allergies to mental health problems.

These issues disproportionately affect vulnerable people: families on tight incomes, elderly residents, people living with chronic illness — people who need a healthy home the most.

But when homes are built (or upgraded) to higher performance standards, like net zero or Passive House, the benefits are huge:

✔ More stable indoor temperatures

✔ Healthier indoor air

✔ Less mould and damp

✔ Better sleep, less stress, and improved wellbeing

A Smarter Way to Build

While it’s true that high-performance homes can cost a little more upfront, the long-term savings — both financial and personal — are substantial. Better comfort. Lower bills. And fewer trips to the doctor.

The article also reinforces what we already know: improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort pays off, especially when we combine smart design with sustainable materials and a deep commitment to long-term liveability.

Not Just a House — A Better Way to Live

At Reimagined Habitat, we build homes that support life — real, everyday life. That means:

🌿 Using materials that are safe, durable, and low in embodied carbon

🌞 Designing homes for sunlight, ventilation, and natural comfort

🌀 Prioritising good ventilation for fresher, healthier indoor air

🚶‍♀️ Encouraging walkable, connected living wherever possible

Homes should support your health, not work against it. And they should be built to meet the challenges of our changing climate — not just tick a box.

The Takeaway

A high-performing home isn’t just about reducing bills — it’s about creating a space where your family can thrive.

Better buildings really do mean better outcomes. And the more we talk about this — in research, on the news, and around the kitchen table — the more momentum we build towards a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future for all.

Want to learn more?

Explore how we design homes with health and comfort at their core.

🔗 Book a free design consultation — or visit our Net Zero Habitat range to see what’s possible.

Because good homes don’t just shelter us — they shape how we live.

📚 Source: The Built Environment, Climate Change, and Health – AJPM