Health And The Built Environment Quiz

1. True or false: When a school moves from an older building to a new lighter, airier and energy efficient building designed to ensure the occupants are more productive, the students grades improve.

True

False

At Bristol Brunel Academy, the number of students achieving A*-C GCSE grades rose from 23% in 2007 to 90% in 2012 after moving to a healthier building

Explanation

At Bristol Brunel Academy, the number of students achieving A*-C GCSE grades rose from 23% in 2007 to 90% in 2012 after moving to a healthier building

2. In a study of patients recovering from gall bladder surgery, what was the difference in recovery between patients with a view of nature, compared to those who had a view of a brick wall?

Those with a view of nature experienced less complications during recovery than those with the view of a brick wall

There was no significant difference in the recovery of the patients

Those with a view of nature recovered faster than those with the view of a brick wall on average

On average, patients whose windows overlooked a scene of nature were released after 7.96 days, compared with the 8.71 days it took for patients whose views were of the hospital’s exterior walls to recover sufficiently to be released—a decrease of 8.5% (Ulrich, 1984). This adds up to nationwide savings of $93,324,031 for the US, based on average hospital stay and costs per diem.

Explanation

On average, patients whose windows overlooked a scene of nature were released after 7.96 days, compared with the 8.71 days it took for patients whose views were of the hospital’s exterior walls to recover sufficiently to be released—a decrease of 8.5% (Ulrich, 1984). This adds up to nationwide savings of $93,324,031 for the US, based on average hospital stay and costs per diem.

3. In a study by Singh et al. (2010), researchers investigated how moving from an old office building to a new, certified office building affected the number of hours staff reported sick due to asthma or respiratory conditions – what happened to the number of hours?

They didn't change

They reduced by 15%

They reduced by over 50%

Singh et al. (2010) found that overall, companies could expect an additional 39 hours of additional work from each employee per year, just by being in a healthy building. If the same statistics were applied to Skanska (assuming 5,200 staff and 1 day = 8 hrs), the result equals an extra 70 years of additional work per year

Explanation

Singh et al. (2010) found that overall, companies could expect an additional 39 hours of additional work from each employee per year, just by being in a healthy building. If the same statistics were applied to Skanska (assuming 5,200 staff and 1 day = 8 hrs), the result equals an extra 70 years of additional work per year

4. A daily walk in the park can reduce the risk of heart attack by:

20%

35%

50%

Studies have also shown that a daily brisk walk in a park can reduce the risk of heart attacks, Strokes and Diabetes by 50% and Alzheimer’s Disease by 25%

Explanation

Studies have also shown that a daily brisk walk in a park can reduce the risk of heart attacks, Strokes and Diabetes by 50% and Alzheimer’s Disease by 25%

5. Workplace research has shown that office plants can assist in boosting staff well-being by up to:

11%

28%

47%

The study, designed by the University of Exeter compared people’s effective output across different types of business space. The results showed that allowing staff to make design decisions in a workspace enhanced with office plants can increase well-being by 47%, increase creativity by 45% and increase productivity by 38%.

Explanation

The study, designed by the University of Exeter compared people’s effective output across different types of business space. The results showed that allowing staff to make design decisions in a workspace enhanced with office plants can increase well-being by 47%, increase creativity by 45% and increase productivity by 38%.

6. It has been calculated that the health benefits of living with a view of a green space are worth up to _____ per person per year

£80

£300

£450

This value was estimated according to scientific research, and consists in part by providing areas for people to exercise but also because simply looking at nature lifts people's wellbeing.

Explanation

This value was estimated according to scientific research, and consists in part by providing areas for people to exercise but also because simply looking at nature lifts people's wellbeing.

7. On average, indoor air pollutant levels are _____ times higher than outdoor pollutant levels

2-5

6-7

8-10

Indoor air pollutant levels are typically 2-5 times higher than outdoor pollutant levels. This is because indoor spaces are often more confined and less ventilated, leading to a buildup of pollutants from various sources such as cleaning products, tobacco smoke, and building materials. Additionally, outdoor pollutants can also enter indoor spaces through open windows or doors. Therefore, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and take measures to reduce indoor pollutants for a healthier living environment.

Explanation

Indoor air pollutant levels are typically 2-5 times higher than outdoor pollutant levels. This is because indoor spaces are often more confined and less ventilated, leading to a buildup of pollutants from various sources such as cleaning products, tobacco smoke, and building materials. Additionally, outdoor pollutants can also enter indoor spaces through open windows or doors. Therefore, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and take measures to reduce indoor pollutants for a healthier living environment.

8. During the heat wave in summer 2003, how many additional deaths in Europe were as a result of the higher temperatures and poor building design?

500

5000

20,000

At the time, the scale of the heat wave made it a natural disaster. Temperatures such as 38°C are likely to be common during summers beyond 2050.

Explanation

At the time, the scale of the heat wave made it a natural disaster. Temperatures such as 38°C are likely to be common during summers beyond 2050.

9. What % of their day does the average European resident spend indoors?

75%

80%

90%

The correct answer is 90%. This is because the average European resident spends a majority of their day indoors, whether it be at home, work, or other indoor activities. Factors such as weather conditions, work schedules, and lifestyle preferences contribute to this high percentage. It is important for individuals to find a balance between indoor and outdoor activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Explanation

The correct answer is 90%. This is because the average European resident spends a majority of their day indoors, whether it be at home, work, or other indoor activities. Factors such as weather conditions, work schedules, and lifestyle preferences contribute to this high percentage. It is important for individuals to find a balance between indoor and outdoor activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

10. How many estimated deaths each year are attributed to poor air quality in the UK?

21,000

28,000

53,000

A recent report highlighted that Britain was the third biggest contributor to Europe’s air pollution, with air pollution costing Britain £10 billion in lost time, clean up and chronic diseases

Explanation

A recent report highlighted that Britain was the third biggest contributor to Europe’s air pollution, with air pollution costing Britain £10 billion in lost time, clean up and chronic diseases