Computer modelling can simulate realistic scenarios where measurement data is not available, and model past and future climate and retrofit scenarios.   

To help us understand how changes to buildings might affect people’s health in the future, we are developing an integrated modelling tool to assess the co-benefits of moving to net-zero carbon emissions. This includes using a building stock model to represent the different types of homes found in the West Midlands and Oxfordshire, and time-use surveys to establish people’s general daily patterns. Together with outdoor environmental (e.g., air quality) modelling, this enables us to understand people’s exposures to air pollution and temperature throughout the day, which is used in collaboration with our health economic modelling framework to build a population-level picture of associated health effects.  

The modelling tool will also incorporate ways of evaluating various net-zero policy interventions, covered in theme four.