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The WELL standard is a road map created to promote wellness for building occupants. Until recently, it has only been applied to commercial settings. Here we share ways to use WELL as inspiration for your capital projects to help improve the health and well-being of your community.
What is the WELL Standard?
The WELL standard was introduced by the International Well Being Institute (IWBI) in 2014 to create a more people-centric approach to building. The standards continue to evolve as new research findings are discovered but still focus on the original 10 concepts:
- Air
- Water
- Nourishment
- Light
- Movement
- Thermal comfort
- Sound
- Materials
- Mind
- Community
What is the WELL Standard Residential Pilot?
The introduction of the residential pilot has taken a novel approach specific to residential buildings with the goal of achieving the following:
- Improved air and water quality
- Using safer materials
- Promoting safety and privacy
- Encouraging healthier eating habits
- Boosting activity and daily movement
- Providing good lighting and optimized sleep
- Elevating in-home accessibility
- Optimizing productivity and energy
It is the only third-party verified certification program addressing occupant health and well-being in all residence types, including multifamily condo buildings.
How Can Condo Boards Use WELL Standards to Inspire Capital Projects?
There are a number of ways you can apply the concepts of WELL Standards to capital projects including:
Improved air quality
- Using low volatile organic compound paints, sealants, adhesives, flooring materials and insulation for all renovations
- Installing an ionized air system and monitoring air quality
- Moisture management and humidity control to reduce mould and mildew
Sleep and privacy
- Using sound proofing materials
- Installing noise-reducing flooring in common areas such as gyms and party rooms to maintain quiet in private units
- Reconsidering locations for amenities to reduce noise travel that can impact privacy and sleep
Good lighting and nature
- Introducing daylighting in areas such as gyms, lobbies, sheltered parking areas, etc.
- Using natural sustainable materials
- Introducing plants in common area design
- Adding a water feature to the lobby or entry
- Creating calming outdoor areas such as a garden roof
- Low glare workstations for staff
Activity and daily movement
- Considering amenities and opportunities for wellness such as safer stairwells, a walking circuit on the rooftop, quiet meditation rooms, etc.
- Installing a bike share station or improving bike storage
- Holding community fitness classes, activities, and events
Thermal comfort
- Building envelope insulation and glazing improvements to both promote daylighting and maintain energy efficiency
- SMART thermostats in units
- Using SMART window technology
Can Condo Boards Apply for the WELL Residential Pilot?
Yes, if your condo board is interested in achieving WELL Certification you can register with IWBI here. A team member will contact you to discuss whether the program is something you wish to pursue. IWBI recommends registering at the beginning of your project to ensure standards are integrated in the early stages.
WELL standards offer an opportunity to understand the path to a healthier, happier community. Whether you use these ideas as inspiration, or choose to reach out to IWBI, working with a property management company can help make achieving your goals easier and more cost-effective.
The condo experts at CPO Management Inc, a full-service property management company in Toronto and the GTA, has the experience you need to create a healthier residence for your community. Reach out to us today to learn more about our condo services.