Health

Energy efficiency can improve health by creating healthy indoor and outdoor living environments with comfortable temperatures and humidity levels, and improved air quality.

• Energy efficiency measures have been linked to improved health, such as fewer respiratory illnesses.
• Targeted energy efficiency programmes can reduce doctor and hospital visits and save health costs. In New Zealand, a retrofit programme led to a 43% reduction in hospital admissions for respiratory conditions, while a similar programme in Ireland reduced the frequency of doctor visits by 50%.
  

The World Health Organization estimates that household air pollution was responsible for more than 3 million deaths per year in 2020. Energy efficiency policies, such as home energy retrofits and weatherisation programmes, can create conditions that support improved occupant health and well-being, particularly among vulnerable groups.

A review of 45 academic studies finds that 90% reported positive health impacts from energy efficiency interventions in buildings. The most frequently reported improvements are related to respiratory illnesses and general health, as well as mental health and life satisfaction.

Energy efficiency policies across the world have shown positive health impacts for the population. For instance, in a programme in Australia, 49% of participants reported better health due to efficient heating systems. In a South African programme, energy retrofits led to a 81% reduction in self-reported illness among households. Meanwhile, the evaluation of the Warm Up New Zealand Programme concluded that 90% of all benefits are health-related, with hospital admissions for respiratory conditions dropping by 43%, saving the country over USD 1 billion in health costs. In Ireland, in an analysis of the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme, participants report that the improved efficiency of their homes reduced the number of doctor visits by 50% and lowered hospital admissions by 40%.

In addition to physical health, energy efficiency can also lead to improvements to mental health, thermal comfort, and safety:

• Mental health

Studies show that thermal discomfort and fuel poverty have negative mental health impacts – such as anxiety, stress and depression – and that efficiency improvements can improve this. The impact on mental health may be enhanced if combined with financial support mechanisms and strong community engagement.

• Thermal comfort

Retrofits that include installing insulation are shown to enable occupants to raise indoor air temperatures to comfortable levels.

• Safety

Efficient public lighting can enhance safety perceptions. For instance, efficient streetlighting projects in Brazil and India reduced energy costs by up to 80%, improved visibility and perception of safer streets, and increased use of public spaces.

Lastly, improving efficiency has the most health effects among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing illnesses. Studies indicate that extensive renovations can lead to a 20% decrease in school absence for children with asthma and reduce by over 30% the mortality risk for those over 65 with a history of cardiovascular hospitalisation.

• Chengju, W., Juan, W., Norbäck, D., (2022), A Systematic Review of Associations between Energy Use, Fuel Poverty, Energy Efficiency Improvements and Health.
• IEA (2025), Blueprint for Action on Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions.
• Ministry of Economic Development New Zealand, (2012), Cost Benefit Analysis of the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart Programme.