Part 2: Harmonizing Humans and Habitats as a Structured Approach to Financial, Occupant and Environmental Well-Being

Nov 1

Welcome back! In Part 1, we explored the foundational elements of a structured approach to well-being and delved into how the WELL Building Standard® integrates lifestyle science with architectural design. If you missed Part 1, click here to catch up.

Next, let's explore the advantages of harmonizing humans with their environments by investigating how these well-being strategies enhance occupant health and satisfaction and drive significant value for property owners and developers.

Benefits of Harmonizing Humans and Habitats

Integrating well-being strategies into building design and commercial spaces offers numerous advantages. These benefits extend beyond occupant health and well-being and can be broadly categorized into three primary areas: Occupant Benefits, Property Owner and Developer Benefits, and Environmental and Sustainability Benefits.

1. Occupant Benefits

A structured approach to well-being strategies substantially enhances the daily experiences of building occupants, leading to better health outcomes and increased productivity.

Enhanced Health and Well-Being:

Improved Air Quality: Advanced filtration systems reduce harmful pollutants, promoting better respiratory health [1][2].
Optimal Lighting: Adjustable artificial lighting and ample natural light regulate circadian rhythms to enhance mood and sleep quality [12].
Ergonomic Workspaces: Ergonomically designed furniture supports proper posture, minimizes physical strain, and prevents musculoskeletal issues [2].
Mental Health Support: Biophilic design elements and quiet zones reduce stress and foster emotional resilience [3][4].

Increased Productivity and Satisfaction:

Adaptable Workspaces: Flexible layouts that accommodate varying team sizes and project needs promote collaboration and efficiency [5][6].
Shared Social Spaces: Communal areas encourage social interactions to enhance employee satisfaction and foster a stronger sense of community [5],[6][9].
Onsite Amenities: Fitness centers and relaxation spaces boost energy levels and reduce absenteeism [2][8][10].

2. Property Owner and Developer Benefits

Adopting well-being practices provides significant advantages for property managers and developers, enhancing their properties' appeal and financial performance.

Higher Property Values and Premium Rents:

WELL-certified buildings are perceived as high-end properties which enable owners to command premium rental rates and attract top-tier tenants [10][11].

Increased Occupancy Rates and Tenant Retention:

Health-conscious tenants are more likely to select and remain in WELL-certified buildings which reduces vacancy rates and turnover costs [10][11].

Operational Cost Savings:

Sustainable practices and energy-efficient systems lower utility and maintenance expenses to improve overall financial performance [7][11].

Competitive Market Advantage:

WELL certification differentiates properties in the competitive real estate market to appeal to health-conscious and environmentally friendly investors and tenants [7][11].

3. Environmental and Sustainability Benefits

A structured approach to well-being contributes to broader environmental sustainability goals, decreasing the building's ecological footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Sustainable Material Usage:

Utilizing sustainable, non-toxic materials supports global sustainability initiatives and minimizes environmental impact [4][11].

Energy Efficiency:

Advanced lighting and HVAC systems reduce energy consumption, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions [7][11][14].

Water Conservation:

Advanced water purification and usage systems ensure responsible management of water resources [7][11][13].

Biophilic Design:

Integrating natural elements into the built environment improves occupant well-being,

Recognizing the diverse advantages of harmonizing humans and habitats through the WELL Building Standard® lays the groundwork for developing healthier, more efficient spaces. To fully realize these benefits, property managers and developers must adopt a strategic approach to integration.

The following seven practical steps provide a guide to implementing WELL standards in your building projects.

Seven Practical Steps to Integrate WELL Standards

1. Perform an Assessment

Examine your building’s design and operations to identify areas for improvement.

Environmental Analysis: Assess lighting, air quality, acoustics, and other environmental factors [2][12].
Space Usage Audit: Evaluate current space utilization and identify opportunities to enhance functionality and flexibility.
Occupancy Surveys: Gather feedback from tenants and occupants to understand their health and well-being needs [8].

2. Develop a Comprehensive Plan

Create a strategic roadmap outlining the actions required to achieve, maintain or advance WELL Certification.

Establish Defined Goals: Set specific wellness goals based on the assessment findings [7].
Prioritize WELL Concepts: Focus on key WELL concepts that align with the occupants' well-being and the building's needs [3][4].
Allocate Resources: Ensure adequate resources and budget to support wellness initiatives [11].

3. Engage Stakeholders

Include all relevant parties to ensure the successful implementation of well-being strategies.

Leadership Buy-In: Secure commitment from senior leaders to prioritize wellness initiatives.
Collaborate with Experts: Engage designers, architects, and wellness consultants specializing in WELL standards [3][4][7].
Raise Occupant Awareness: Educate occupants about the benefits of WELL Certification and their role in fostering a healthier environment [8].

4. Implement Operational and Design Changes

Execute planned strategies to enhance the building's wellness features.

Enhance Air Quality: Install advanced HVAC systems with high-efficiency filtration and ensure regular maintenance [1].
Optimize Lighting: Maximize natural light through architectural design and install adjustable artificial lighting systems [12].
Incorporate Biophilic Elements: Introduce natural materials, indoor plants, and green walls to foster a connection with nature [3][4].
Promote Movement: Design accessible stairways, flexible workspaces, and on-site fitness facilities to encourage physical activity [9].
Support Mental Health: Create relaxation areas, quiet zones, and incorporate elements that enhance mental well-being [8].

5. Track and Assess Progress

Monitor the impact of wellness initiatives regularly and adjust as needed to ensure success.

Routine Inspections: Regularly check that wellness features function as intended [2].
Feedback Mechanisms: Use surveys and feedback tools to identify areas for improvement and gather occupant input [8].
Performance Indicators: Monitor key metrics such as occupant satisfaction, productivity levels, and absenteeism rates [9].

6. Pursue, Achieve, Sustain WELL Certification

Demonstrate your building's commitment to wellness by obtaining and maintaining WELL Certification.

Documentation: Submit comprehensive documentation of all strategies, whether planned, in-progress or completed, along with their outcomes [7].
Third-Party Verification: Engage in the WELL Certification assessment conducted by accredited professionals to verify compliance [7].
Continuous Improvement: Use the certification process to refine and enhance wellness practices to align with evolving standards [8].

7. Nurture a Culture of Wellness

Embed wellness into the organizational culture to sustain the benefits of a structured approach to well-being.

Ongoing Education: Provide resources and regular training to inform occupants about wellness practices [8].
Healthy Behaviors: Encourage and reward behaviors that promote health and well-being [8].
Achievement Recognition: Celebrate successes and milestones in wellness initiatives to maintain momentum [7].

These practical steps are informed by the principles and guidelines established in the WELL Building Standard® and supported by industry best practices.

Conclusion

In today’s rapidly evolving and increasingly health-conscious world, integrating human well-being with the built environment has become more than a trend—it's a necessity. The WELL Building Standard® offers a comprehensive framework for creating spaces that nurture productivity, sustainability, and health.

Throughout this blog, we've explored how purposeful design and strategic management can transform buildings into vibrant habitats that benefit both occupants and the environment. From optimizing lighting to enhancing air quality to promoting mental health and fostering community, a well-being-focused approach provides actionable strategies that deliver tangible benefits.

By adopting these practices, developers and property managers can enhance the quality of life for occupants while also realizing substantial financial and environmental benefits. Prioritizing well-being in building design can result in higher property values, improved tenant satisfaction, lower operational costs, and a stronger market position. These standards will become increasingly essential for successful property development and management. Embracing a structured approach to well-being is an investment in the future that ensures healthier, happier, and more sustainable environments for all.

So, don’t be afraid to take the next step towards transforming your spaces to create environments where humans and habitats harmonize to thrive together in a balanced and sustainable future. It may be the easiest way to drive business goals while also nurturing humans and nature.

References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Report to Congress on Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2. EPA/400/1-89/001C, 1989.
N. Ildiri, H. Bazille, Y. Lou, K. Hinkelman, W. A. Gray, and W. Zuo, “Impact of WELL Certification on Occupant Satisfaction and Perceived Health, Well-being, and Productivity: A Multi-Office Pre- Versus Post-Occupancy Evaluation.” Journal of Building and Environment, 2022.
S. R. Kellert and E. F. Calabrese, The Practice of Biophilic Design. Terrapin Bright Green, 2015.
T. Gray and C. Birrell, "Are biophilic-designed site office buildings linked to health benefits and high-performing occupants?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 11, no. 12, pp. 12204–12222, 2014.
E. S. Bernstein and S. Turban, "The impact of the 'open' workspace on human collaboration," Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, vol. 373, no. 1753, Art no. 20170239, 2018.
J. Kim and R. de Dear, "Workspace satisfaction: The privacy-communication trade-off in open-plan offices," Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 36, pp. 18–26, 2013.
International WELL Building Institute, https://www.wellcertified.com.
International WELL Building Institute, "Groundbreaking Study Finds WELL Certification Boosts Occupant Satisfaction and Perceived Health, Well-being and Productivity." 2022. https://www.wellcertified.com/research.
M. Nieuwenhuis et al., "The relative benefits of green versus lean office space: Three field experiments," Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 199–214, 2014.
MIT Center for Real Estate Research, The Financial Impact of Healthy Buildings: Rental Prices and Market Dynamics in a Commercial Office, 2021.
World Green Building Council, The Business Case for Green Building: A Review of the Costs and Benefits for Developers, Investors and Occupants, 2013.
T. A. Legates, D. C. Fernandez, and S. Hattar, "Light as a central modulator of circadian rhythms, sleep, and affect," Nature Reviews Neuroscience, vol. 15, no. 7, pp. 443–454, 2014, doi: 10.1038/nrn3743.
S. Watson and J. Kwon, "The Impact of Water Provision on Hydration and Cognitive Function in Office Workers," Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 62, no. 9, pp. 755–761, 2020, doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001911.
F. Zhang, R. de Dear, and P. Hancock, "Effects of moderate thermal environments on cognitive performance: A multidisciplinary review," Applied Energy, vol. 236, pp. 760–777, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.12.005.

Nicole Nole