Improving the energy performance of homes and buildings is often discussed in the context of decarbonisation and energy savings. But recent analysis shows the benefits extend far beyond this - delivering measurable improvements to health, easing pressure on the NHS, and providing long-term value for the built environment sector.

The NHS Health Dividend

A recent paper, published by government-funded science programme ClimateServices for a Net Zero Resilient World (CS-Now), suggests that retrofitting England’s homes could save the NHS almost £1.8 billion by2050.

These projections are grounded in health outcomes measured using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), a metric which combines life expectancy with wellbeing. The data shows that relatively simple interventions can have substantial impacts on public health, which also extends to all building stock as healthier indoor environments mean reduced risks for occupants, whether in homes, workplaces, or shared spaces.

The Evidence in Numbers

Replacing Gas with Electric Cookers

Shifting from gas to electric cooking delivers the largest health improvement identified in the study. It is estimated to add 64mortality QALYs per 10,000 people, alongside 11 morbidity QALYs per 10,000.

When scaled across millions of households, this change alone could equate to £170 million in NHS savings through improved air quality and reduced respiratory risks.

In commercial kitchens and catering facilities, the same principle holds—removing combustion sources improves indoor air quality and supports staff wellbeing.

Switching to Heat Pumps

Replacing gas boilers or electric heaters with air source heat pumps (ASHPs) is also associated with significant benefits. The modelling estimates 6–17 mortality QALYs and 7–22 morbidity QALYs per 10,000 people could be achieved.

For the NHS, this represents potential savings of £0.3–0.9 billion. In offices, schools and other commercial properties, the health and comfort improvements from cleaner heating are similarly relevant.

Combined Measures

When interventions are implemented together, such as fabric upgrades, ventilation improvements and electrification, the combined effect rises to 160 mortality QALYs per 10,000 people. In financial terms, the impact for the NHS is a saving of £1.8 billion.

While the modelling centres on the housing stock, the wider building estate can expect parallel benefits in reduced absenteeism, enhanced productivity, and healthier indoor environments.

A Commercial Perspective

These findings highlight that the case for retrofit is not only environmental but also economic and social. For developers, landlords, asset managers and investors, the implications are clear:

• Cost and impact – targeted interventions such as electric cookers and heat pumps provide significant health gains at relatively low cost compared with large-scale structural works.

• Energy security – electrification reduces reliance on volatile gas markets, providing more predictable long-term operating costs.

• Policy alignment – retrofitting supports net-zero and ESG commitments, while delivering outcomes that resonate with government priorities around public health and fuel poverty.

The Bigger Picture

Retrofitting should be seen through a wider lens than carbon and cost alone. The evidence demonstrates that these measures directly influence the environments people live, work and learn in - shaping health outcomes, wellbeing and comfort. As highlighted in our previous exploration of ventilation, design choices can make a critical difference to how occupants feel and function within any building.

By positioning retrofit as both an energy strategy and a public health measure, the sector can unlock a stronger narrative - one that resonates with investors, clients and policymakers alike. This is about creating places that are more resilient, healthier and ultimately more valuable over the long term.

Looking Ahead

Seen in this broader context, retrofit is not just an energy efficiency measure but a long-term investment in healthier buildings and stronger communities. Electrifying cooking and heating, combined with fabric improvements and carefully considered ventilation, provides benefits that extend well beyond lower bills.

For those designing, funding or managing buildings, the opportunity is to create spaces that deliver comfort, wellbeing and resilience as standard. The evidence is clear, and the case is compelling: retrofitting our buildings, whether homes, offices or community facilities, is about supporting people as much as places.

For commercial property owners and investors, the message is equally strong: healthier buildings mean lower running costs, stronger ESG credentials, and higher asset value.

Retrofit is not just an energy upgrade - it is a health and wellbeing strategy for people, workplaces and communities.

For more information on how Green Building Design’s services can help you create healthier, more energy-efficient and resilient buildings, get in touch with us today.