Building a healthy workplace with WELL, BREEAM or LEED
What are building standards?
Building standards are sets of regulations or guidelines used in the construction industry to ensure the quality, safety and sustainability of buildings. These standards can relate to various aspects such as materials, construction, energy efficiency and occupants’ health and wellbeing.
What building standards are there?
There are four important building standards for sustainability and wellbeing:
- WELL – Standard developed by the International WELL Building Institute with a focus on the health and wellbeing of individuals in buildings
- BREEAM – Sustainable building standard developed by the British BRE Group
- LEED – US equivalent of BREEAM (less popular in Flanders)
- GRO is the Flemish government’s guide to sustainable construction. It focuses heavily on circular construction.
Contact us for advice on WELL, BREEAM, GRO or LEED
What are the ten concepts of the WELL building standard?
- Air. With healthy indoor air, your employees feel better, less tired and more productive.
- Water. Clean drinking water prevents disease and improves wellbeing. Monitor your water supply and test it regularly to ensure its quality.
- Nourishment. A healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. The WELL guidelines support your employees in making the right choices.
Want to include nutrition as a structural part of your wellbeing policy? Discover Fit4Work. - Light. Light intensity and colour temperature control our metabolism and circadian rhythms. This affects our sleep, moods and productivity.
- Movement. Exercise and physical activity provide countless benefits. Get your employees excited about healthy exercise at work with fun and feasible projects. > Want to promote exercise through specific actions? Discover Fit4Work.
- Thermal comfort. Ensure a comfortable indoor climate.
- Sound. Good acoustics reduce noise nuisance and make it easier for your employees to concentrate.
- Materials. Reduce or prevent the spread of and exposure to harmful substances at work. Opt for healthier materials and maintenance products.
- Mind. Pay attention to your employees’ mental wellbeing.
- Community. Create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome.
Why opt for WELL Building?
WELL certification proves that your building and organisation are serious about wellbeing, sustainability and quality. The benefits go beyond simple acknowledgement:
- Your employees are happier, more productive and focused.
- You promote your organisation as a healthy and sustainable company.
- You enhance your organisation’s reputation.
- You increase your attractiveness as an employer.
- Your building increases in value.
WELL certification is the official acknowledgement of your commercial building’s commitment to sustainability and wellbeing.
Achieve certification with the help of our experts
How can you support your employees’ wellbeing at home, too?
When working from home, the environment is likewise an important contributor to wellbeing and performance. Have your employees apply these tips to ensure a quiet, productive home office:
- Open windows and doors regularly for natural ventilation.
- Add plants to your home office. They improve air quality and make for a pleasant workplace.
- Keep a reusable bottle of water within easy reach. This makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout your day.
- Ensure plenty of natural light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent glare and protect your skin.
- Walk around when on a call. Try replacing your desk chair with a stability ball.
- Keep temperatures between 20 and 25°C.
- Select a quiet area for your home office.
- Make good use of peaceful moments. Plan your work to avoid busier times at home if possible.
- Want to maintain your ability to concentrate? Take regular breaks and play music that enhances your focus.
- Encourage your employees to call colleagues more often instead of emailing. Hearing each other’s voices fosters a sense of connection and trust.
- Avoid synthetic fragrances such as scented candles or air fresheners at work. The volatile compounds can hamper concentration and lead to dizziness, especially in case of insufficient ventilation.
How can you achieve a healthy, safe and sustainable workplace in five steps?
Our experts will support you throughout the process:
- Ambition. Determine what you want your new or renovated building to achieve regarding health and sustainability. Our Accredited Professionals (APs) will support you in defining your goals.
- Advice. Your AP will bring together internal stakeholders, survey the needs of your employees and draft a proposal for your construction project.
- Plan. Define goals for your building. Your AP will help you to manage site meetings, draw up implementation plans, track progress and more.
- Construction and installation. Your AP will stay closely involved at the construction stage and during the installation of your systems. They will also investigate the materials used to ensure full compliance with health and sustainability requirements.
- Accreditation. Your AP will help you to prepare and apply for certification and provide guidance as needed.
Why choose IDEWE?
- Specific expertise – Our experts are familiar with your industry’s specific challenges and requirements. We can translate the principles of WELL, BREEAM or LEED into solutions that work for your organisation and support health and wellbeing.
- Guidance from A to Z – From ambition and analysis to execution and certification, we are there for you every step of the way.