Now that the first group of office fitouts to receive WELL certification has been completed, the business case can be analyzed.
A few of the early adopters completed fitouts for less than $1 per square foot in additional costs. For the others, the cost to achieve WELL certification ranged from $1 to $4 per square foot, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute.
The costliest items for most tenant fitout projects were noise reduction in an open office environment, enhanced HVAC filtration and zone control, and increased employee access to healthy food by replacing vending machines with cafés and kitchens.
The WELL standard focuses on seven key elements of a healthy building—air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. Other initiatives by early adopters included subsidies for a bike-share program, discounted fitness facility memberships, and new sit/stand desks and tables.
Early adopters will now track the potential benefits of WELL—improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and reduced turnover.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Apr 19, 2017
Embracing the WELL Building Standard: The next step in green
When you consider that 90% of our time is spent in buildings, how these environments can contribute to workplace productivity, health, and wellness is the logical next step in the smart building movement.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 18, 2017
Hanging Gardens-inspired CLT residential development proposed for Birmingham
Garden Hill will provide an ‘oasis-like residence’ for Birmingham’s growing, multicultural student population.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 14, 2017
Nature as therapy
A famed rehab center is reconfigured to make room for more outdoor gardens, parks, and open space.
Green | Apr 14, 2017
Sunqiao looks to bring agriculture back to Shanghai’s urban landscape
Vertical farms will bring new farmable space to the city.
Sustainability | Apr 13, 2017
How to make a concrete bunker livable
SOM’s design for New York’s second Public Safety Answering Center leans on strategically placed windows and the outdoor environment.
Green | Apr 11, 2017
Passivhaus for high-rises? Research demonstrates viability of the stringent standards for tall residential buildings
A new study conducted by FXFOWLE shows that Building Teams can meet stringent Passivhaus performance standards with minimal impact to first cost and aesthetics.
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2017
Product-specific EPDs seen as key aid to earning green building credits
The product-specific EPDs allow designers to more quickly earn a LEED v4 credit in the Materials & Resources category.
Sustainability | Apr 4, 2017
Six connected CLT towers create an urban forest in India
The mixed-use towers would each rise 36 stories into the sky and connect via rooftop skybridges.
Green | Mar 29, 2017
Copenhagen Zoo and BIG unveil yin yang-shaped panda habitat
The new habitat will sit between two existing buildings, including the Elephant House designed by Norman Foster.
Green | Feb 10, 2017
Radical proposal would transform Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive and create new lakefront park space
Over 70 new acres of public space would be created between Ohio Street and North Avenue.
