In today's competitive market, businesses increasingly prioritize their employees' and customers' health and well-being. This has led to a growing interest in sustainable and healthy building practices, and the WELL Building Standard has emerged as a leading framework for achieving these goals.
What are WELL Building Standards?
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact(1) human health and well-being.(2) It goes beyond traditional green building standards by focusing on ten key areas:
Air: Ensuring clean indoor air quality.
Water: Providing access to clean and safe drinking water.
Nourishment: Promoting healthy food choices and access to nutritious meals.
Light: Maximizing natural daylight and minimizing glare.
Movement: Encouraging physical activity through design features like stairs and bike racks.
Thermal Comfort: Creating a comfortable and healthy indoor temperature.
Sound: Minimizing noise pollution and creating a peaceful environment.
Materials: Using non-toxic and sustainable building materials.
Mind: Creating spaces that reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
Community: Fostering a sense of community and connection within the building.
How WELL Building Standards Benefit Business Owners:
Improved Employee Health and Productivity: By creating a healthier and more comfortable work environment, WELL-certified buildings can lead to increased employee productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved overall well-being.
Enhanced Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to employee health and sustainability can enhance a company's brand image and attract top talent.
Increased Property Value: WELL-certified buildings can command higher rents and attract more desirable tenants.
Reduced Operating Costs: By incorporating energy-efficient and water-saving features, WELL-certified buildings can help reduce operating costs.
WELL vs. LEED: Key Differences
While both WELL and LEED aim to create sustainable and healthy buildings, they have distinct focuses:
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of renewable resources.
WELL: Prioritizes human health and well-being within the built environment, addressing factors that impact occupant health and comfort.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
Feature | LEED | WELL |
Primary Focus | Environmental Sustainability | Human Health and Well-being |
Key Areas | Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Material Selection, Site Selection | Air Quality, Water Quality, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community |
Certification Process | Primarily based on points earned for meeting specific prerequisites and credits | Focuses on performance-based standards and measurable outcomes |
It's important to note that WELL and LEED are not mutually exclusive. Many buildings can achieve both certifications, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to sustainability and human health.
How CoilSafe Plus Supports WELL Building Standards:
CoilSafe Plus, an antimicrobial siloxane coating for HVACR coils and equipment, can significantly contribute to achieving WELL Building Standards, particularly in the Air category:
Improved Indoor Air Quality: By protecting HVACR coils from corrosion and microbial growth, CoilSafe Plus helps ensure the efficient and hygienic operation of HVAC systems. This leads to improved indoor air quality by:
Preventing the growth of mold and bacteria on coil surfaces, which can release harmful spores into the air.
Minimizing the release of particulate matter from corroded coils into the air stream.
Maintaining optimal airflow by preventing coil fouling and ensuring efficient heat transfer.
Energy Efficiency: CoilSafe Plus helps improve the energy efficiency of HVAC systems by preventing coil fouling and maintaining optimal airflow. This can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs, aligning with WELL's focus on sustainability.
By incorporating CoilSafe Plus into your HVAC maintenance strategy, you can improve your equipment's performance and longevity and contribute to creating a healthier and more sustainable building environment that aligns with WELL Building Standards.
Contact us today to learn how CoilSafe Plus can help you achieve your WELL Building goals.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
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