SUSTAINABILITY FOR WELLNESS
A SHIFT TOWARDS HEALTHY BUILDINGS 1. Changing work culture. 2. Changing views. 3. Changing how we eat and feel. 4. Changing how we get around.
WHY SUSTAINABILITY? •
We spend 90% of our time indoors.
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The building where we live, work, learn and relax profoundly impacts our health, well-being and productivity.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT •
Invest in people for return on investment.
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The ultimate goal should be to create a positive human experience.
WHAT IS WELL? •
WELL measures, verifies and monitors building features that impact health and wellbeing.
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IWBI developed the WELL building standard, and GBCI provides certification.
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This is a holistic approach.
DEVELOPMENT OF WELL IWBI undertook a comprehensive expert peer review process, which included three phasesa scientific, medical and building expert review- and culminated in the release of the WELL Building Standard.
WELL is made up of features that address seven concepts:
AIR THE ISSUE
THE IMPACT
THE SOLUTION
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Concentration of pollution indicators can be 2-5 times higher indoors as compared to outdoors. Polluted air is the number on cause of premature mortality, contributing to 200,000 premature deaths in United States annually.
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WHO estimates that 12.7% of deaths could be prevented by improving air quality. Decreased air pollution could • • • •
Reduce respiratory and cardiovascular diseases Reduce health-care costs Increase workforce productivity Increase life expectancy
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Material selection Ventilation Filtration Moisture control Maintenance and operations Source of concern protection Construction purposes
WATER THE ISSUE
THE IMPACT
THE SOLUTION
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Research indicates that thirsty individuals who drink water prior to performing a mental task have faster reaction times than those who do not drink water.
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Performance testing
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Treatment
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Maintenance and operations
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Hydration promotion
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Being dehydrated by just 2% has been shown to impair cognitive performance. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women consume 2.7L and men consume 3.7L of water each day.
NUTRITION THE ISSUE
THE IMPACT
THE SOLUTION
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Fruits and vegetable intake is associated with increased productivity and job performance.
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Mindful eating
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Healthy portions
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Food Production
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Access to healthy foods
Increased nutritional knowledge has been shown to promote healthy eating and especially fruit and nutritional intake.
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Food preparation
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Allergies and alternatives
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Transparency
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Environmental cues and influencers
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Over half of world’s adult population is overweight or obese. Poor nutrition is a major contributor to preventable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity.
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LIGHT THE ISSUE
THE IMPACT
THE SOLUTION
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Circadian design
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Glare control
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Daylighting
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Color quality
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Visual acuity
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Activity based lighting levels
Disruption to the body’s circadian rhythm are associated with chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and depression
Studies have shown proximity to windows and productivity, especially when windows offer an opportunity to connect with the outdoors.
FITNESS THE ISSUE
THE IMPACT
THE SOLUTION
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Exterior active design
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Interior active design
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Activity based working
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Physical activity spaces
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Awareness and habits
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Physical activity programs
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23% of the world’s adult population are failing to meet international exercise and physical activity guidelines. Individuals who are insufficiently activity have a 20-30% higher risk of mortality.
Worldwide, if physical inactivity was reduced by 10% and 25%, over 533,000 and 1.3 million deaths, respectively could be avoided every year.
COMFORT THE ISSUE •
THE IMPACT
• Work related musculoskeletal disorders result in over 2.5 billion in medical and other associated costs.
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Distracting noise can contribute up to a 66% decline in performance.
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An office that is too hot or too cold can cause a drop in productivity by 9%.
Maintaining optimal thermal comfort can maximize productivity and decrease typing errors.
THE SOLUTION •
Ergonomic
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Acoustics
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Thermal
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Olfactory
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Accessibility
MIND THE ISSUE •
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THE IMPACT
Mental, neurological, • and substance use disorders account for 14% of disabilities worldwide. Poor mental health is linked to poor health outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes and to poor health behaviors such as smoking, disordered sleep patterns, and physical inactivity.
Individuals who feel a great sense of psychological support from their organization have greater attachment to the organization.
THE SOLUTION •
Stakeholder engagement
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Transparency
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Wellness awareness and protocols
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Connection to nature
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Adaptable spaces
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Altruism