Gezond Binnen sets out quality standards for childcare
Councillor Larissa Bentvelzen receives the Specification for a Healthy Indoor Environment in Childcare Facilities
A healthy environment is essential for the development of young children. During the Built Environment Climate Summit, the Gezond Binnen Foundation presented the Specification of Requirements (SOR) for a Healthy Indoor Environment in Childcare. During a special panel discussion, the document was symbolically handed over to Councillor Larissa Bentvelzen of Rijswijk Council.
Young children are particularly vulnerable
Children spend a significant part of their early years in childcare settings. Healthy indoor air, adequate ventilation and a comfortable temperature are therefore of great importance. Poor air quality, damp problems and high indoor temperatures can affect health, comfort and well-being.
Specific quality requirements
The Specification of Requirements provides a practical framework for local authorities, childcare organisations, property owners, designers and installers. It helps to ensure that health considerations are systematically taken into account in new-build projects, refurbishments and property management. Ventilation, air quality, thermal comfort and the prevention of damp and mould problems are central to this.
Larissa Bentvelzen, councillor for the municipality of Rijswijk:
I think it’s absolutely wonderful that three organisations from Rijswijk are joining forces for this initiative. With these Specifications, we are taking an important step towards a healthier indoor environment in childcare centres. This will benefit a great many children. We have a great deal of knowledge and expertise within our local authority. I find it particularly special that these organisations are pooling that knowledge and, in doing so, making a difference for children across the country. As Rijswijk, we have every reason to be proud of that.
A Rijswijk-based collaboration with national impact
By presenting the report to the councillor, Gezond Binnen emphasises the importance of cooperation between local authorities, childcare organisations and the construction and building services sectors. The initiative stems from the collaboration between three organisations based in the municipality of Rijswijk. Binnenklimaat Nederland, Kenniscentrum Binnenklimaattechniek and Gezond Binnen.
Remi Hompe, on behalf of the Gezond Binnen Foundation and chair of the Indoor Climate Technology Knowledge Centre:
A healthy indoor environment starts with our youngest generation. Children spend a lot of time in childcare settings, yet they are particularly vulnerable to poor air quality, inadequate ventilation and high temperatures. With these Specifications, we are translating knowledge and scientific insights into concrete quality requirements. Our aim is for local authorities and childcare organisations throughout the Netherlands to put these into practice.
From awareness to action
During the panel discussion entitled “Every child has the right to a healthy indoor environment”, representatives from the childcare sector, the government and other relevant organisations will discuss how healthy childcare buildings can become the norm. Gezond Binnen aims to encourage the transition from aspirations to concrete improvements.
Download the ‘Healthy Indoor Environment in Childcare’ Terms of Reference here
