The Built Environment Unit was started in 2015 with the mission to promote health and wellness through environments where individuals live, learn, work, worship, and play in Harris County, Texas. The Built Environment Unit accomplishes this mission by building and improving current programs and leading and participating in numerous projects.

The Built Environment (BE) Unit was launched in January 2015, as part of an effort to address health through policy and decision making processes in Harris County, Texas. Learn more about the BE Unit’s objectives below.

Studies show the built environment affects human health. For example, it can influence rates of physical activity, impact levels of fruit and vegetable consumption, and change human exposure to air pollutants. As a result, public health experts work alongside planners, developers, engineers, and transportation authorities to help design our communities in a way that prevents disease and improves health. 

Learn more about the built environment and how it impacts health.

The BE Unit has developed multiple toolkits to guide organizations, planners, public officials and public health practitioners through understanding the benefits and strategy behind Health Impact Assessments, rapid Health Impact Reviews (HIR), and Safe Routes to School. The team can also provide expertise and guidance on initiating HIAs or HIRs for your project or community plans by contacting the BE Unit at the email or phone number listed above.

• Health Impact Toolkit - Coming Soon
• Safe Routes to School Toolkit - Coming Soon
• Healthy Development Guide Coming Soon

The following links provide subject-specific resources and materials.

• General Built Environment Resources
• Assessment and Analytical Resources
  • Measuring the Build Environment
  • Assessing the Evidence Base
• Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Resources
• Health Impact Review (HIR) Resources
• EST Resources
• Community Engagement Resources
• Climate and Health Resources