The living environment where people live has a significant impact on their health. RIVM, in collaboration with TNO, created a tool to gain more insight into how healthy the living environment is. This tool provides an overview of aspects such as space for movement, greenery, and amenities in the area. It also covers air quality, noise, and safety. This tool is designed for those working on a healthy living environment in villages and cities. They can make concrete choices that are beneficial for the health of residents in those specific areas.
Municipalities, provinces, GGD Municipal Health Service (Municipal Health Service)’s, advisory and design agencies, and developers can work with the basic set of indicators. First, they map out the existing situation of a living environment. Then they determine which actions and measures have the most influence on making the environment healthier. Once the measures have been implemented, the effect can be assessed. This makes the living environment measurably healthier.
Getting started with area development
The basic set of indicators is available on the website gezondeleefomgeving.nl (external link), along with the application ‘Area Check (external link)’. The overview of indicators provides a broader perspective on health and maps out (underexposed) components. It also allows for comparison between two areas (neighborhoods, districts, or municipalities in the Netherlands).
A healthy living environment as a solution
A healthy and green living environment is beneficial for peoples health in many ways. The negative impact of air pollution, noise, and climate change is minimized. The environment encourages movement, relaxation, and mental recovery. A healthy living environment also provides cooling during heat and fosters social connections in the neighborhood. In a healthy living environment, everyone can participate.