Attending the recent Canary Connections events in London and Manchester provided a valuable opportunity to meet developers, consultants, asset managers, and planners who are actively shaping the future of our cities.
Across both events, one theme became very clear: indoor environmental quality is becoming a central part of building performance.
While energy efficiency and carbon targets remain essential, it is increasingly recognised that healthy indoor environments are just as important for long-term value, occupier wellbeing, and the resilience of buildings.
Indoor air quality is no longer a niche consideration. It influences occupant health and comfort, productivity in workplaces, tenant satisfaction and retention, and the long-term performance of assets. Moisture and mould risk continues to be one of the most complex challenges in this area. Mould growth is primarily driven by excess moisture and influenced by ventilation, building condition, and occupancy patterns, highlighting the need for a holistic approach rather than isolated fixes.
Several insights emerged from discussions with industry professionals. Prevention is always more cost-effective than remediation, so early risk reviews during the design phase can prevent expensive post-completion problems.
Ventilation strategies need to reflect actual building use rather than design assumptions, and moisture should be treated as a systems issue, influenced by fabric performance, heating regimes, and user behaviour. Evidence is also becoming more important, with measured data helping to resolve disputes and demonstrate compliance.
Freshbreeze supports the built environment by turning environmental complexity into clear, actionable insight throughout the building lifecycle Our work includes indoor air quality and mould investigations, air quality assessments for planning, construction dust monitoring and management, odour risk assessment, environmental statement and EIA inputs, and EPC and building performance reviews.
Reflections from London and Manchester highlighted the openness of conversations and a shift in perspective across the sector. Environmental factors are increasingly seen as fundamental components of building performance rather than just planning requirements. Moisture and mould risk repeatedly came up, reinforcing that joined-up thinking is essential rather than quick fixes.
There is also a growing willingness to collaborate, with developers, consultants, and asset owners aligning around shared goals: creating buildings that genuinely support the people who use them, embedding indoor air quality into design and operations, and using data-driven approaches to manage risk and improve performance.
Looking ahead, buildings will increasingly be judged not only by their design or energy rating but by how well they protect the health and wellbeing of occupants. Indoor air quality is moving from a compliance topic to a strategic priority, and collaboration across the supply chain will be key to delivering healthier, more resilient urban spaces.
The Canary Connections events reminded us that progress in the industry often begins with conversation. When discussions focus on health, performance, and resilience, the benefits extend to developers, tenants, and the wider community. Freshbreeze will continue to champion practical, evidence-driven approaches to indoor air quality and environmental risk management, ensuring the next phase of urban development delivers buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also healthy, safe, and resilient.
Muhammad Rajput, M.Sc, CEnv, MiENVsc, AMIAQM
Director Consultant Air Quality
Freshbreeze Environmental Ltd
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