On the 1st of March 2025, I had the honour of participating in Planetary Health Day — a day dedicated to celebrating and advancing solutions that support the wellbeing of both people and the planet. Held here in the Blue Mountains, the event brought together an inspiring community of individuals, organisations, and local businesses, all working toward a healthier and more sustainable future.

 

As part of the day’s program, I presented a talk on Passive House principles, highlighting how this internationally recognised building standard can play a transformative role in protecting planetary health. Passive House design is not just about creating energy efficient buildings; it is about creating homes that are healthier, more comfortable, and significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

 

We explored how applying these principles dramatically improves indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency and how the Passive House principles can be adapted for retrofits and renovations, making it possible to upgrade existing homes for greater sustainability and livability without needing to start from scratch.

 

The response from attendees was incredibly positive. Many were excited to learn that better-performing homes are within reach and do not have to compromise on beauty, affordability, or connection to nature. It was heartening to see so much curiosity and enthusiasm around building better for the future.

 

Planetary Health Day reminded me just how powerful community-led change can be. By raising awareness and empowering people with practical knowledge, we can collectively make a significant impact — not just on the houses we live in, but on the health of our communities and our environment.

 

I am grateful to have been part of this important event and look forward to continuing to support others on their journey toward creating healthier, more sustainable homes.