Estate Living Magazine Precinct Living - Issue 33 | Page 48

BUILDING WELL
FOR LIVING WELL
In an urban world where we are increasingly paying attention to our physical and
mental health needs, the buildings that we occupy can be designed and managed
in ways that help us improve our health and wellbeing. The WELL Building Standard
provides indicators that can be used by the designers, owners and managers of
buildings to create a healthier built environment.
WELL is a system for measuring, certifying and monitoring
the impact of buildings on the health and wellbeing of their
occupants. In addition to factors such as air and water quality,
aesthetics and lighting in buildings, it also pays attention to
the choices available for healthy living, such as fresh fruit and
physical activity, and the support that is provided for occupants’
mental health.
It is based on scientific and medical research and literature on
subjects such as architecture, medicine, environmental health
and human behaviour, and builds on existing international
and government standards and performance indicators. It
was launched in 2014 after a lengthy development process by
professionals who personally implement health and wellness
practices in their lives. Its development included a scientific,
practitioner and medical peer review.
WELL has over 100 performance indicators within the themes of
air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. All are
designed to make buildings healthier places for working, living,
learning and playing.
Air
With air, among the factors that WELL looks at are how well
the building is ventilated, whether air filtration effectively
cuts the amount of pollution entering the building, and the
avoidance of potential sources of pollution such as tobacco
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smoke or emissions. The levels of common pollutants such as
formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and radon have to be kept
below certain levels, which – among other things – entails
choosing paints and building materials carefully. Entrances
can be designed to prevent harmful substances coming in
with people, for example through grilles or grates that capture
particles from shoes, as well as air seals such as revolving
entrance doors. Pests, allergens and bad smells can be
controlled with chemicals that do not worsen indoor air quality.
High-touch surfaces need disinfection schedules, and cleaning
products have to meet stringent standards.
Poor air quality can diminish productivity and cause sick building
syndrome, in addition to acute effects such as headaches,
fatigue and upper respiratory illnesses. Improving air quality in
buildings therefore has significant health benefits for occupants.
Water
With water, WELL requires an evaluation of the building’s water
source, and the installation of adequate filtration. Limits are
imposed on the concentration of certain organic and inorganic
contaminants, and water quality should be tested
periodically to make sure that standards are
maintained. All occupants should have easy
access to water, which can be promoted
through drinking fountains indoors
and outdoors.