Building design elements devised to meet the WELL standard are attractive to most tenants, so WELL buildings can be expected to command higher rents, Kat West, WELL certified project manager at Jones Lang LaSalle, told GlobeSt.com.
WELL-certified buildings are designed to benefit specific bodily systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal systems, West pointed out. In a WELL-certified space, the water, air, and food in the space are designed to optimize human health.
WELL is a new rating system so the achievement of WELL certification is still extremely prestigious. By investing in WELL-certified buildings, companies can show a strong message that they care about employee well-being and will be able to use real estate as a recruiting tool, West said.
Optional features such as sleep pods may give companies in WELL-certified buildings a competitive advantage when working on deadline-driven projects she added. Offering healthy foods and exercise equipment could improve employee health and lower healthcare costs by combating chronic, lifestyle-related diseases.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2017
Trump infrastructure task force suggests arbitration to speed projects
Permitting process could be reduced from 10 years to 2 years under the proposal.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2017
2017 National Energy Codes Conference includes code boot camp, PNC Tower tour
The DOE-sponsored event will be held in Pittsburgh July 17-20.
Codes and Standards | Apr 10, 2017
Congressional hearing on skills gap includes look at construction industry
Strategies to boost ranks of construction workers include mentoring programs, increased safety measures, trade group support, and outreach to school counselors.
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.
Codes and Standards | Apr 5, 2017
Updated AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook released with significant enhancements
Updates provide guidance on how design and construction pros and emergency managers can work together to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Codes and Standards | Apr 4, 2017
Global standards for indoor environmental monitoring under development
Systems and sensors guidelines will be aligned with major green standards.
Codes and Standards | Apr 3, 2017
New standard test method for static loading and impact on exterior shading released
The method provides a standard lab procedure evaluation of ice and snow loads and impacts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 30, 2017
WELL enters strategic partnership with developer of standards and assessment tools
GIGA’s RESET standard and data collection will be integrated into the WELL standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2017
Climate-specific code changes target energy savings for tropical zones
Hawaii considers updated 2015 IECC tailored to its climate.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2017
Safety concerns over wood-frame construction raised after Raleigh apartment fire
The unfinished building was destroyed in a five-alarm blaze.