Measuring the wellbeing benefits of interior materials
Measuring the wellbeing benefits of interior materials: Research programme WISER (Wellbeing: Improving Satisfaction of End users in Refurbishment (IP 20/12) was written by K Livesey and published by BRE on 13 August 2012.
The internal environment of buildings has been shown to be a major contributor to the quality of life of occupants. Health and wellbeing is affected both by direct physical impacts, such as the effects of allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and more subtle psychological effects such as those acting on mood, emotion and motivation.
This 12-page Information Paper offers an introduction to wellbeing in buildings and presents the findings of a BRE Trust project, ‘Measuring the wellbeing benefits of interior material selection’, which focussed on end users’ wellbeing beyond the scope of indoor air quality.
The objective of the project was to put occupants at the heart of the sustainable refurbishment and refit of buildings. BRE's WISER data-collection tool and Five golden rules guide enable decision makers to choose materials for refurbishment and refit projects that support the wellbeing of occupants. During the project, BRE uncovered a demand from built environment professionals, who complained there was a lack of clear, comprehensive, accessible information in this area.
You can download the Information Paper at: https://www.brebookshop.com/details.jsp?id=327000
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 2019 Wellness and biophilia symposium.
- All about wellness.
- Assessing health and wellbeing in buildings.
- BRE articles.
- BRE wellbeing research paper competition.
- BREEAM.
- Building related illness.
- Building Research Establishment.
- TG10 2016 At a glance, wellbeing.
- Thermal comfort and wellbeing.
- WELL and BREEAM align.
- WELL Building Standard.
- Wellbeing.
- Wellbeing and creativity in workplace design - case studies.
- Wellbeing considerations for property managers.
- What we know about wellbeing.
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.