A relatively inexpensive but effective assault on the twin epidemics of type 2 diabetes and heart disease could come from the emerging sustainable building industry, says experts in New Zealand.

In a first-of-its-kind study in New Zealand, Susan Bidwell and her research partner, Dr Anna Stevenson, pulled together international findings on how to make a building healthy and the benefits of that. One example is the design and location of stairs in an office building.

Studies of sedentary workers using the stairs over several weeks or months, found significant health benefits. “Blood pressure, cholesterol level, respiratory condition, reduction in fat, heart rate — all were improved as a result of doing no more than climbing stairs.