Better Building [Edition #14]

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IN THIS EDITION [3 min read]

?? Healthy building design beginning to take root globally

??? Push for standardized air quality legislation

? Workplace consultants reshaping the office experience

THIS MONTH IN BETTER BUILDING

Healthy building design and the adoption of WELL strategies are redefining success for modern-day businesses.

The 2023 Annual Report from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) showcases a significant surge in the adoption of WELL strategies worldwide, emphasizing the growing recognition that healthier buildings translate to healthier businesses and communities. With nearly 1 billion square feet added in 2023 alone, WELL standards are now implemented across nearly 5 billion square feet globally, with over 150 Global 500 and Fortune 500 companies embracing its principles. This underscores the profound transformation underway, indicating a shift towards prioritizing human health in building practices.

This movement signifies not just a change in practice but a potential to change lives, highlighting the impact of WELL on organizational performance and societal well-being. Beyond sheer square footage, IWBI's achievements in 2023 include advocacy efforts to influence policymakers towards health-centric building policies and deepening partnerships with influential bodies like the U.S. Green Building Council.

For businesses and communities alike, the growing adoption of WELL signifies a broader recognition of the link between human health and organizational success. By embracing WELL standards, companies not only prioritize the well-being of their employees but also position themselves as leaders in social sustainability, enhancing their ESG strategies and resilience. As WELL celebrates nearly a decade of existence, its rapid uptake across diverse sectors worldwide signals a fundamental shift towards healthier, more sustainable built environments, with implications for the health, productivity, and prosperity of individuals and societies.

Find the full IWBI report here.

THIS MONTH IN AN IMAGE

Workspace Woes: Gensler research shows office workers find themselves struggling to strike the perfect balance between productivity and office presence.

INDUSTRY NEWS

IMPORTANT

AIR NEGLECT: Air quality experts from around the world are calling for urgent legislation on indoor air performance standards, highlighting the neglect of indoor air quality amidst growing concerns over public health. In a recent paper, a team of over 40 air quality specialists has proposed standards for ventilation rates and three key indoor pollutants: carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and PM2.5. They highlighted the lack of legislated indoor air quality standards in most countries, particularly concerning the concentration levels of indoor air pollutants in public spaces.

INTERESTING

BEYOND NEUTRAL: Denver's upcoming Populus hotel sets a new standard in eco-conscious hospitality, aiming to not just be carbon-neutral, but carbon-positive. By focusing on on-site solutions like planting trees and utilizing eco-friendly building materials, Populus represents a shift towards sustainable development in the hospitality industry. With plans for renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and community partnerships, Populus demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship that could inspire similar initiatives globally.

INSPIRING

TRANSFORMING WORKSPACES: With a growing push for enticing work environments, specialized workplace consultants are reshaping office spaces to meet evolving employee desires. From testing different color schemes for productivity to implementing facial recognition for personalized services, these consultants are responding to a surge in demand from companies looking to enhance their physical workspaces in the wake of the pandemic. With a focus on human-centric design and data-driven solutions, this emerging niche within the industry is poised for exponential growth, reflecting a shift towards more vibrant, employee-focused work environments.

OTHER VERY GOOD READS

?? Dubai’s ‘Sustainable City’ was supposed to start a trend. It hasn’t yet

?? How this design firm is spearheading the sustainable building movement

?? Ranked: The countries with the most air pollution in 2023

UPCOMING EVENTS

Schools Clean Energy and IAQ Summit

June 11-12, 2024 | Denver, CO