The University of Wolverhampton and the BECCI project recently hosted an Environmental Health Housing Futures 2020 mini conference showcasing environmental health challenges and solutions within the UK housing industry.

Key industry speakers at the event included Carl Taylor from Accord Housing Association and Dan Bourke from EnviroVent Ltd. The event also attracted speakers from several universities, discussing the environmental health considerations in student accommodation; David Lown from the University at West England, Dr Zena Lynch from the University of Birmingham and Andrew Stott from the University of Wolverhampton (EnTRESS).

BECCI Project Researcher, Dr Pablo Perez, gave a thought provoking and insightful presentation focused on energy efficiency in buildings; outlining industry trends and identifying possible unintended environmental health consequences of improvements.

Dr Paul Hampton, BECCI Project Director, said: “Sadly, approximately 2.5 million households in the UK are in fuel poverty which is reflected by the inefficiency of our housing stock as the majority of buildings are EPC rated D. As many Brits struggle to afford to heat their homes, this can lead to implications on our health and in the worst case, even death. Statistics reveal that around 80% of the existing dwellings in the UK will still be in use in 2050, supporting the need for us all to consider a combination of both retrofit and new build construction methods.”

Glenn Barrowman, BECCI Project Manager, added: "The mini conference covered a wide range of topics surrounding environmental health and provided a platform for vital interaction between local authorities and industry on future UK housing requirements. The delegate interaction made for a thoughtful and inspiring day."

Speakers pictured left to right: Glenn Barrowman (BECCI project), Dan Bourke (EnviroVent), Carl Taylor (Accord Housing Association), Dr Dan Appasamy (University of Wolverhampton), Dr Zena Lynch (University of Birmingham), Dr Pablo Perez (BECCI project), Andrew Stott (EnTRESS) and Dr Paul Hampton (BECCI Project).