Dive Brief:
- Global real estate firm CBRE has become the first office in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to achieve WELL office certification, according to Commercial Property Executive.
- The company's 30,000-square-foot space earned Gold certification under the WELL category for new and existing interiors and features natural light, sit-stand desks, noise attenuators and high indoor air quality.
- In 2013, CBRE achieved the world's first WELL-certified office designation for its Los Angeles headquarters and has three more office spaces in Canada pursuing certification.
Dive Insight:
The WELL standard, created by the International Well Building Institute, focuses on building features that impact the health and wellbeing of its occupants. According to the IWBI, the elements of the office environment that are most important are the ones that affect air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.
Mallory Taub, sustainability consultant at Arup in Boston, told Construction Dive earlier this month that the company is pursuing WELL certification for its Boston office. She said the growing attention to air and water quality, healthy food choices and general comfort plays a role in increased employee productivity.
Because the WELL standard is relatively new, compared to industry giants like the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification, there are many WELL "firsts" popping up in various parts of North America. In March, construction services company Structure Tone earned the first WELL office certification in New York City.
The company's Gensler-designed, 82,000-square-foot office was certified WELL Silver through the implementation of features like efficient mechanical systems, point-of-source water filters, healthy food availability, circadian lighting, fitness club membership discounts and sit-stand desks for all employees.
