WELL Building: What You Need to Know
Building according to WELL Building Standards offers developers and business owners a variety of benefits, including enhanced health and well-being for occupants, increased productivity, and long-term sustainability.
WELL building standards are primarily for commercial buildings, including offices, hotels, retail, and warehouses. They can also apply to educational, manufacturing, entertainment and recreational facilities. Both new and existing buildings can qualify for WELL-building certification and not all WELL features apply to all buildings, depending on the stage of construction.
WELL certification is a comprehensive approach that prioritizes human health, wellness, and productivity while offering strong returns on investment. It addresses both immediate comfort and long-term sustainability, making it valuable for businesses, employees, and communities alike.
Here are the key values of designing and constructing a WELL-certified building:
Improved Health and Well-Being
- Better indoor air quality: The WELL standard promotes clean air through proper ventilation, filtration, and the use of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials, reducing respiratory issues and allergies.
- Enhanced water quality: It ensures safe and accessible drinking water by setting high standards for filtration and monitoring, which reduces exposure to contaminants.
- Optimized lighting: By focusing on natural light and high-quality artificial lighting, WELL buildings improve sleep patterns and reduce eye strain, benefiting mental health and energy levels.
- Support for physical activity: WELL-certified spaces often incorporate features like ergonomic furniture, fitness areas, and stairway access, encouraging movement throughout the day and reducing sedentary behavior.
Increased Productivity and Employee Satisfaction
- Workplace benefits: Healthier environments lead to improved employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. Features like better air quality, comfortable temperatures, access to daylight, and reduced noise contribute to fewer sick days and higher cognitive performance.
- Mental health support: WELL buildings often have spaces designed for stress reduction, like quiet zones, biophilic design elements (use of plants and natural materials), and access to outdoor spaces, which can improve focus and reduce anxiety.
Attraction and Retention of Talent
- Employee well-being: In competitive job markets, a WELL-certified building can be a significant factor in attracting and retaining talent. Companies that invest in the health and comfort of their employees are seen as more desirable employers.
- Wellness programs: WELL certification often aligns with corporate wellness programs, reinforcing a culture of care and making it easier to implement initiatives that benefit workers’ long-term health.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
- Energy efficiency: Many WELL features overlap with sustainability goals. By optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and improving building efficiency, WELL buildings contribute to reduced environmental impact.
- Integration with green certifications: WELL often complements other sustainability frameworks like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). A WELL-certified building can also achieve LEED certification, enhancing both environmental sustainability and human health.
Financial Return and Building Value
- Higher property value: WELL-certified buildings can command higher market values and rental rates due to their appeal to health-conscious tenants and businesses.
- Operational savings: Investments in air quality, water efficiency, and other WELL requirements can result in long-term savings in energy and healthcare costs, as well as fewer employee sick days or turnover.
- Increased demand from investors: Investors are becoming more interested in properties that align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, and WELL buildings meet the “S” and “E” criteria, making them attractive for sustainable investment portfolios.
Regulatory Compliance
- Alignment with health regulations: WELL buildings are often ahead of regulations related to indoor air quality, water safety, and other health standards, making them well-positioned for future regulatory changes.
- Healthier buildings: WELL buildings, with their focus on health, air quality, and ventilation, are seen as more resilient to pandemics and other health crises.
Enhanced Tenant and Community Relations
Community engagement: WELL-certified spaces often incorporate features like community gardens, parks, or shared fitness facilities, contributing to a sense of belonging and social interaction.
Social responsibility: By adopting WELL standards, building owners demonstrate a commitment to the health and well-being of occupants and the broader community, enhancing their reputation and strengthening relationships with tenants or partners.
Discover the Wojcik Difference
If your business is looking for a commercial construction partner that goes the extra mile to deliver project on-time, on budget and that exceed expectations, call Wojcik Builders at 440-786-1776.