Over the last 6 months, a number of our clients have been asked if their products meet the WELL Building Standard™. The new WELL Building Standard™ looks to be a real gamer changer. With companies such as Mirvac, Lendlease, Dexus, Grocon, Frasers and Macquarie Bank getting in on the action, WELL looks set to have some considerable influence on the Australian construction industry.
Globally, there are hundreds of WELL projects currently certified or under registration. Starting off predominately in the US and China, projects are now emerging in at least 30 countries. In Australia, there are currently 36 projects; most focus on commercial buildings, although a pilot program is in place to expand this to other building types.
The WELL Building Standard™
WELL is a global rating tool, launched in 2014, that focuses exclusively on the health and wellbeing of building occupants. WELL is a performance based system for measuring and certifying buildings across seven categories, or ‘concepts’, of wellness. These concepts include Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind.
WELL focuses on better health and wellness outcomes, leading to improvements in things like employee productivity, engagement and retention. It’s about creating workplaces that look after the health and wellbeing of the people through initiatives that are evidence-based and scientifically researched.
According to Lucy Pullin, Development Manager of Mirvac, “a WELL building is designed, constructed and maintained to improve the health, wellness, happiness and productivity of its users”.
WELL is organized into a number of typologies: Core & Shell, New & Existing Interiors and New & Existing Buildings. For companies to keep their WELL certification, they need to be re-certified every three years.
We’ve listed the SEVEN CONCEPTS that make up the WELL Building standard™
AIR – concentrations of some pollution indicators can be 2-5 times higher indoors compared to outdoors so it’s important to have optimal indoor air quality. This can be achieved by addressing things like material selection, ventilation, filtration and moisture control.
WATER – improving water quality and accessibility to high-quality water promotes productivity; for example, being dehydrated by just 2% has been shown to impair cognitive performance.
NOURISHMENT – WELL certified workplaces encourage better eating habits by providing access to wholesome foods and by offering guidance on healthy food production, preparation and mindful eating.
LIGHT – lighting systems which optimise access to natural daylight and support the body’s circadian rhythms increase alertness, promote sleep and enhance job performance.
FITNESS - initiatives like interior and exterior fitness activities and activity-based working, encourage staff to keep moving and provide opportunities for them to integrate physical exercise into everyday life.
COMFORT – A noisy or distracting office, an atmosphere that is too hot or cold, or a work setting that is not ergonomic can impact productivity. By addressing these issues, organisations can create a more comfortable and productive workplace.
MIND – organisations can help support individuals' cognitive and emotional health through design, technology and treatment strategies. Approaches include wellness awareness, connection to nature, adaptable spaces and altruism.
And who wouldn’t want to work in this type of environment…
But how can product manufactures help with creating a WELL environment?
Not all the WELL criteria requirements may be relevant to your business, it will depend on what you are manufacturing or selling, so we’ve listed a number of things to consider when you are working with a project team undergoing WELL certification.
- VOC reduction
- toxic material reduction and safety
- non-reflective and sound reducing surfaces
- ergonomics
- acoustics
- active furnishings
Alignment with Green Star and WELL
So, how do the Green Star and WELL certifications work together? Construction companies and end users may want to go for both ratings so the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has partnered with the WELL Building Institute to promote health and wellbeing in the design, construction and operations of buildings, fitouts and communities in Australia. The two organisations are working together to align the two rating systems and the GBCA have produced a guide to assist project teams with this – the Green Star & WELL Building Standard™.
Product manufacturers will see similarities between the two rating tools, in terms of VOC reduction, ergonomics and reduction in toxic materials.
KEY TAKEWAYS
Here are key takeaways about the WELL Building Standard™ and some important considerations for product manufacturers and retailers:
- WELL is focused on the health, happiness and wellbeing of building occupants
- Synergy exists between Green Starand WELL certification
- When designing and selecting product materials, choose materials that are low in emissions (VOC and formaldehyde)
- Toxic material reduction is important so ensure that banned substances listed in the WELL standard are not found in your products or do not form part of the manufacturing proces
- Enhance material safety by minimizing the impact of hazardous building material ingredients on indoor air quality
- If you have an ecolabelled product (GECA, AFRDI GreenTick or Global GreenTag), ask your certification scheme if your product meets WELL requirements
- Consider products to assist the project team in meeting the comfort and ergonomics requirements
Links to additional information and resources
Australian projects that are registered for WELL Building Certification
WELL: Healthier people through better buildings (video)
Sourceable article by Shelley Meagher: Green Infrastructure and the WELL Building Standard™