Defining Healthy Buildings
A healthy building isn’t just about the absence of illness. It actively fosters an environment where people can thrive. This includes factors like:
- Indoor air quality (IAQ): Ensuring clean, fresh air with proper ventilation, filtration, and control of pollutants.
- Thermal comfort: Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels for occupant comfort.
- Lighting and acoustics: Providing adequate natural light, minimizing noise pollution, and creating a pleasant ambiance.
- Active design: Encouraging movement and physical activity through features like stairs and accessible green spaces.
- Water quality: Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.
- Mental and social well-being: Designing spaces that promote connection, reduce stress, and support mental health.
Key Components of a Healthy Building
1. Humidity Control
Humidity plays a significant role in our comfort and health. Too much humidity can lead to mold growth and dust mite proliferation, triggering allergies and respiratory issues. On the other hand, low humidity can cause dry skin, irritated eyes, and increased susceptibility to infections. Healthy buildings employ humidity control systems to maintain optimal levels, typically between 30% and 60%. This can be achieved through dehumidifiers, humidifiers, or proper ventilation.
2. VOC Reduction
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released from various building materials, paints, cleaning products, and even furniture. These compounds can contribute to “sick building syndrome,” causing headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Reducing VOCs in healthy buildings involves careful material selection, proper ventilation, and the use of low-VOC or VOC-free products. Regular cleaning with green cleaning products can also help minimize VOC exposure.
3. Thermal Comfort
Healthy buildings strive to provide thermal comfort for all occupants, allowing for individual adjustments and preferences where possible. It’s influenced by factors like air temperature, humidity, air movement, and personal factors like clothing and activity level. This may involve zoning systems, operable windows, or personal comfort controls.
The Broader Impact of Healthy Buildings
Investing in healthy building practices isn’t just about creating a comfortable environment; it also has a significant impact on:
- Productivity and performance: Studies show that improved IAQ, thermal comfort, and lighting can enhance cognitive function, focus, and overall productivity.
- Health and well-being: Reducing exposure to pollutants and creating a supportive environment can lower the risk of illness, improve sleep quality, and boost overall well-being.
- Sustainability: Healthy building practices often align with sustainable design principles, leading to reduced energy consumption and a lower environmental impact.
What is the Well Building Standard?
In an era where health and sustainability are top priorities, the WELL Building Standard (WELL) is gaining prominence as a framework for creating healthier spaces. So, how can obtaining the WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) credential benefit your work?
Apply Evidence-Based Strategies: WELL is rooted in the latest scientific research. As a WELL AP, you’ll be able to integrate these evidence-based strategies into your designs and recommendations, creating spaces that optimize occupant health.
Optimize Building Performance: You’ll gain a holistic understanding of how building systems, materials, and operations impact human health, enabling you to design more efficient and effective solutions.
Increased Project Opportunities: As demand for WELL-certified buildings grows, having the WELL AP credential can give you an edge in securing projects.
