‘Healthy homes’ world record set by University alumnus
Posted on: 13 January, 2026
A University of the Built Environment alumnus has set a new world record for the most questions answered about home environment and wellbeing in one hour.
Jason Ratcliffe, aka The Wellbeing Surveyor, responded to 67 questions on issues ranging from ventilation and damp to indoor air quality, energy efficiency, noise, and light.
Partnering with Asthma + Lung UK, Mr Ratcliffe wanted to raise awareness of how homes affect breathing, sleep, concentration, and long-term health.
He said: “This is not about selling solutions. It is about public understanding, prevention, and giving people confidence to ask better questions about the places they live.”
The questions were sent in advance by students and staff from the University of the Built Environment – the event’s academic partner.
Questions included:
- Does cooking without ventilation affect indoor air quality?
- Are gas appliances a risk to indoor air quality?
- How does mould within the home impact your wellbeing?
- Can poor housing conditions worsen asthma symptoms?
- Does indoor air quality affect concentration?
- Can poor housing conditions affect productivity when working from home?
- What are your top tips for saving energy in the home?
With the help of interviewer Nicola Allen, Head of the School of Construction, Surveying and Engineering at the University of the Built Environment, Jason raced through the non-stop questions during a YouTube livestream on Tuesday 13 January.
He said: “Answering questions continuously for an hour was intense but incredibly rewarding. What stood out most was how many of the questions reflected everyday concerns people quietly live with in their homes.
He added: “It reinforced how important it is to make reliable, research-led guidance accessible, practical, and rooted in real life rather than technical jargon.”
The event was approved by the World Record Certification, which will officially confirm Mr Ratcliffe as the world record holder at a later date.
