Building for a Healthy Life is the country's most widely used design tool for new build residential and mixed use developments. Building for a Healthy Life is endorsed by NHS England, Homes England, Home Builders Federation, Living Streets and the Urban Design Group.

Building for a Healthy Life is cited in the government's National Planning Policy Framework (2021).

Paragraph 133 states, "Local planning authorities should ensure that they have access to, and make appropriate use of, tools and processes for assessing and improving the design of development. These include workshops to engage the local community, design advice and review arrangements, and assessment frameworks such as Building for a Healthy Life."

Streets for a Healthy Life is the companion guide to Building for a Healthy Life.