Well Building Standard: A Post-Covid Necessity

As the world grapples with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, there's a growing recognition of the critical importance of creating healthier indoor environments. The concept of the Well Building Standard (WELL) has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a comprehensive framework to prioritize human health and well-being in building design and operations. In the wake of the pandemic, the adoption of the Well Building Standard has become not just a preference but a necessity.

The Well Building Standard, developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), focuses on enhancing the health and wellness of building occupants through evidence-based design and operational strategies [1]. It covers various aspects of building design, including air quality, water quality, lighting, nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being. By addressing these factors, the Well Building Standard aims to create indoor spaces that support physical health, mental clarity, and overall productivity.

One of the primary considerations in the post-Covid era is air quality. The virus has highlighted the importance of proper ventilation and filtration systems in indoor spaces to reduce the risk of airborne transmission. The Well Building Standard emphasizes the implementation of advanced HVAC systems, as well as the use of natural ventilation whenever possible, to ensure optimal air quality and circulation [2]. Additionally, the standard encourages the use of air purification technologies and the minimization of indoor pollutants to create a healthier indoor environment.

Another crucial aspect of the Well Building Standard is promoting mental well-being. The pandemic has taken a toll on people's mental health, with increased stress, anxiety, and isolation becoming widespread concerns. In response, the Well Building Standard includes provisions for creating spaces that foster social connection, relaxation, and stress reduction. This may involve incorporating biophilic design elements, such as indoor plants and natural light, as well as providing dedicated areas for meditation and mindfulness practices [3].

Furthermore, the Well Building Standard recognizes the importance of promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits. With sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices contributing to various health issues, including obesity and chronic diseases, it's essential for buildings to support active living and nutritious eating. The standard encourages the design of spaces that facilitate physical activity, such as fitness centers and walking trails, as well as the availability of healthy food options in cafeterias and vending machines [4].

In the aftermath of the pandemic, businesses and organizations are reevaluating their priorities when it comes to building design and operations. The Well Building Standard offers a roadmap for creating healthier, more resilient indoor environments that prioritize the well-being of occupants. By implementing the principles of the Well Building Standard, building owners and operators can not only enhance the health and productivity of their occupants but also contribute to a safer and more sustainable future for all. As we navigate the challenges of the post-Covid world, embracing the Well Building Standard is not just a choice—it's a necessity.

The Ten concepts in WELL v2

WELL Building Features:

1. Air Quality: Ensuring optimal air quality is paramount in the post-Covid era. WELL emphasizes advanced HVAC systems, natural ventilation, and air purification technologies to minimize indoor pollutants and reduce the risk of airborne transmission.

2. Water Quality: Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to human health. WELL promotes measures to enhance water quality, including filtration systems and regular testing, to ensure the availability of safe drinking water for building occupants.

3. Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and promoting well-being. WELL encourages the use of natural light, as well as energy-efficient lighting design, to create spaces that are conducive to productivity and comfort.

4. Nutrition: Healthy eating habits are essential for overall health and wellness. WELL encourages the availability of nutritious food options in building facilities, such as cafeterias and vending machines, to support healthy dietary choices among occupants.

5. Fitness: Regular physical activity is key to maintaining optimal health. WELL promotes the design of spaces that facilitate physical activity, such as fitness centers and walking trails, to encourage occupants to stay active throughout the day.

6. Mental Well-being: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of supporting mental health. WELL incorporates design elements and amenities that promote relaxation, social connection, and stress reduction, such as biophilic design and dedicated spaces for meditation.

7. Thermal Comfort: Maintaining comfortable temperatures is essential for occupant well-being. WELL addresses thermal comfort by providing systems that allow occupants to control temperature settings within their environment, ensuring comfort and productivity.

8. Sound Environment: Noise pollution can negatively impact health and productivity. WELL includes measures to mitigate noise disturbances and enhance acoustical comfort, such as sound-absorbing materials and strategic building layouts.

9. Materials: Exposure to hazardous materials can pose risks to human health. WELL promotes the use of non-toxic building materials and furnishings to minimize indoor air pollution and create healthier indoor environments.

10. Community Engagement: Building occupants' well-being is influenced by their connection to the surrounding community. WELL encourages community engagement initiatives, such as volunteer programs and partnerships with local organizations, to foster a sense of belonging and social responsibility among occupants.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, embracing the Well Building Standard is not just a choice—it's a necessity for creating healthier, more resilient indoor environments that prioritize the well-being of occupants.

Sources:

1. International WELL Building Institute. (n.d.). WELL Building Standard.

2. Allen, J. G., et al. (2020). Improving indoor environments: reducing Covid-19 transmission through ventilation upgrades. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 62(12), e685-e688.

3. World Green Building Council. (2020). Health & Wellbeing in Homes.

4. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2015). The Well Building Standard: Research brief.