Building Health and WELLness in a Post Pandemic World

02.10.21

| COVID-19, WELL rating system

Covid-19 has presented a number of obstacles in regaining normalcy and access to the majority of our built infrastructure.  As a result, sustainable building certifications have adapted to address the health and safety concerns associated with a post-pandemic environment.  In particular, International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has recently released a new WELL rating system to prioritize health and safety in a COVID-19 world – WELL Health-Safety Rating

WELL Health-Safety Rating

The WELL Health-Safety Rating System was a by-product of research and feedback from IWBI’s Task Force on COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections.  The transmission of COVID-19 in enclosed environments has highlighted the critical role that buildings play in supporting people’s health, safety, and well-being.  This being said, the WELL Health-Safety Rating is focused on the critical role of facility operations and management.

WELL Health-Safety Rating Scope

The rating systems includes 21 features across the following core areas:

  • Cleaning and Sanitization Procedures
  • Emergency Preparedness Programs
  • Health Service Resources
  • Air and Water quality Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Projects are required to meet a minimum of 15 features in the core areas mentioned above.

The WELL Heath-Safety Rating addresses multiple health threats that can be mitigated via facility operations and management strategies.  Such operational strategies serve to mitigate mold, Legionnaires’ disease and air and water quality contaminants.  In addition, the rating system focuses on emergency planning/operations and occupant communication/engagement to encourage awareness and participation in developing a healthy and sage environment.  Further strategies aim to support occupant and employee health.  The WELL Health-Safety Rating focuses on mental health during crises, sick leave policies and community immunity.

The WELL Health-Safety Rating is intended to support organizations in developing immediate and long-term focus on health and safety for their buildings.  The Stone House Group is available to help implement WELL strategies and earn WELL certification