Designing healthy buildings like a good ancestor: TEDx Talk 14.01.24

Matt Aspiotis Morley - Designing healthy buildings like a good ancestor - TEDx - 14.01.24

What connects evolution history with the healthy building movement?

Evolutionary history helps explain our innate connection to music & dance, need for social bonding, penchant for salty or sweet foods, empathy with certain four legged animals, and plenty more besides

That kind of zoomed out, deep time perspective can also provide a surprising amount of guidance on how to build better buildings today for the generations to follow

those responsible for our built environment can in other words make targeted design decisions influenced by evolutionary psychology and anthropology to ensure cross generational karma.

essentially this is how I feed my hero complex - helping residential real estate developers, hotels and offices create places and spaces that are healthy for people and planet

In addition to urgent de-carbonization for planetary health, right now that means answering specific human health concerns as well, such as 

 - non-toxic building materials 

- enhanced indoor air quality 

- maintaining a connection to nature indoors

-designing interiors for physical activity and mental wellbeing

Evolutionary timeline

No matter where we are on the evolutionary timeline - in any society, be it tribal or post industrial, some of us are drawn to child rearing, others to trading goods and services, caring for the sick, preparing food or passing on wisdom. 

While some (like me) feel a gravitational pull towards the physical structures we inherit, build, and ultimately leave behind. 

And So, now that i have you gathered around this large format campfire, let me tell you our  story…

Green building materials in new and existing buildings

We begin with the materials that go into building construction and interiors because If we get that bit wrong, those elements alone can be responsible for habitat loss, resource depletion and environmental damage even before the first foundation is laid 

To prevent that, we want less fossil-fuel based plastics in our flooring, more sustainable timber, and more locally sourced, recycled and biobased materials.

Building materials that impact human health

At the same time, on the human side, we are still playing wack-a-mole with a plethora of ‘chemicals of concern’ that quietly crept into our man-made building materials after the 19th century’s chemical revolution. 

Think of asbestos, formaldehyde, Lead, more recently still flame retardants, antimicrobials, and chemical off-gasses known as Volatile Organic Compounds.

Indoor air quality in building operations

The issue is low-grade piping, insulation, furniture, flooring, finishes, paints and adhesives that previous generations inadvertently buried in our buildings leaving behind a toxic inheritance

If allowed to accumulate indoors these substances can variously cause hormone disruption, cancer, respiratory problems, & Cognitive disfunction. The stakes are high basically. 

How do we avoid making similar mistakes in our new buildings and refurbishments?

Great-great grandparent test

As a first pass when looking at a fit-out materials list, i use the great-great-grandparent test - would they have recognized a given material? 

If not, i need to push the manufacturer for what’s called a Product Declaration showing exactly what’s in it, essentially like a material ingredient list, so we have some visibility on the possible health risks to people or planet

Life Cycle Analysis of materials

From there, going a level deeper, we can deploy a life cycle analysis to check how a material was extracted, what went into the manufacturing process, how it degrades or breaks down over time while in use, as well as what options exist for its reuse at the end of its life

Precautionary Principle

Thirdly, the precautionary principle - if in real doubt about a specific material, the responsible thing to do is leave it out, especially when dealing with a large volume order, for example the choice of flooring in a 1000-unit residential tower. 

So those three tools help ensure the materials going into a building are not creating an unhealthy indoor environment or causing damage to the natural world.

The building lifecycle

Of course Buildings, just like the materials that go into them, have their own lifecycle, from planning to design, construction, operation and in some cases eventual demolition

Although if you adopt a 100 or even 1000 year mindset in phases 1-3 you can delay demolition indefinitely, which means less waste, less carbon impact and more chance of making it into Wikipedia

So that in-use phase can extend on and on, our work therefore continues to make an indoor environment as healthy as possible.

Healthy indoor air - inspired by the International Well Building Institute WELL certification

Even before Covid hit, as part of a healthy building plan, we knew We needed to increase indoor ventilation rates, so circulating the air in a closed indoor space more often; upgrade air-conditioning unit filters to catch the smallest airborne particles and off-gasses, and install air quality monitors to help us ‘see’ the air quality and identify issues in real time.

Green healthy indoor air quality

Combined with a materials policy, these initiatives will give us something close to green healthy indoor air, maybe not as good as self-isolating in a forest treehouse but clearly these are solutions specifically for urban living..

Natural materials and biophilic design in indoor spaces

When we start prioritizing non-toxic, natural materials such as woods, stone, cork, wool, rammed earth, lime plaster and clay, they automatically bring an organic aesthetic back into our buildings right when our Dense urban environments feel increasingly disconnected from the natural world we evolved in.

Biophilia in architecture and interior design

Only recently with what is known as Biophilia are architects and designers rekindling that connection with nature by reintroducing elements of the wild back into our built environment in what equates to an aesthetic cross-breed: Part indoor, part outdoor.

Biophilic design is really just a butterfly emerging from its cocoon in design terms, it’s been right there all along, waiting for its moment

So we fill our interiors with all those natural materials and finishes as well as living plants, vertical gardens and hydroponics.

We deploy indirect representations of nature such as colours, fractal patterns, organic textures and shapes, but also sounds, scents, even smart lighting to replicate the ebb and flow of sunlight.

Research studies into biophilic design

In one of two studies I worked on with a research team at the University of Essex, after just 30-60 mindful minutes in a biophilic space, 74% of respondents felt an improvement in mood, 84% felt more productive and 87% reported lower levels of perceived stress.

Matt Aspiotis Morley - Designing healthy buildings like a good ancestor - TEDx - 14.01.24

Vitamin Nature for health and wellbeing

So a space loaded with 'Vitamin Nature' like this one provides enough sensory continuity with the natural world  to trigger many of the same mental health benefits as our brain on actual nature - at least until that next jog along the river. 

Green exercise for building users

Which is where our tale takes another twist, because green exercise / exercising outdoors means you get all the mental health benefits of being fully immersed in nature as well as the physical benefits of movement and exertion. Green exercise is like exercise squared.

Biophilic gym design in new and existing buildings

If a hard working post grad student at this medical university in Stockholm can’t get Outside in their break because it’s a snowy -5C, biophilic design can provide a solution

We converted an under-utilized waiting area of just 25m2 into a forest-themed fitness room using sustainable non-toxic materials with functional equipment for small group training sessions accessible to all staff and students

Why did one of the world’s leading medical universities ask me do that? Because the right dose of exercise has been proven to boost productivity and concentration, reduce anxiety, enhance feelings of self-esteem, and improve mood.

In other words, those around us benefit indirectly too, whether that be an employer or university in this case.

Not all of are focused on health and wellness

But I’m not here to sell you exercise - not all of us were 'born to run’, in fact our ancient instinct is to conserve energy & avoid unnecessary exertion. 

Based on UK averages, Somewhere around 85% of you in here, the non regular exercisers, are officially off the hook, Inertia is the norm.

There’s a catch however because from a deep time perspective, calories were generally scarce, so several hours of daily movement (hunting & gathering) were required to procure even a minimum calorie intake.

The birth of Agriculture and then industrialization broke that bond, unleashing untold numbers of comparatively cheap, low grade calories for our ready consumption.

A mismatch of modernity

There have only been 10-15 generations since industrialization but our ancestors spent around 10,000 generations in a Paleolithic environment. Our genes simply aren’t adapted to a world of calories on tap > it’s what’s known as a mismatch of modernity.

Lifestyle disease epidemic in public health

We’re now in the midst of a lifestyle disease epidemic in advanced economies with obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease responsible millions of deaths every year. 

So how can buildings help? 

Sitting is only part of the issue when it comes to inactivity, it’s movement that really matters.

Matt Aspiotis Morley - Designing healthy buildings like a good ancestor - TEDx - 14.01.24

Inactivity and movement in sustainable design

Some, indeed any physical activity is better than none and studies show going from an entirely sedentary lifestyle to just 60 minutes of moderate exercise per week can drastically reduce mortality rates. 

Active Design strategies as wellness features

'Active Design' strategies facilitate frequent movement snacks amongst building occupants - tiny bite size chunks of low level activity that might not otherwise happen  yet cumulatively make a real difference. 

In a workplace, I’m implementing environmental design 'nudges' that can assist in forming healthy new 'habits':  adjustable sit-stand desks can be a game changer for those with lower back issues, a standing meeting area is ideal for a 30-minute brainstorming, and a low reclined seating area helps take the load off tired feet.

This is about moving between different spaces for different types of work - be it collaborative, creative or deep concentration.

Promoting mental resilience in green buildings

Crucially though, full autonomy remains with the end user in this type workspace, there are no sticks - only carrots.

The individual is accountable for his or her own actions, because beyond the physical benefits, that’s also where inner, mental resilience is built, brick by brick, micro decision by micro decision

So When nobody is watching, what decisions do you make?

It’s not literally about the stairs, there’s a wider metaphor for life in there somewhere i’m sure but… if you let me loose...

Activated Stairwells

Active Design can also wage war with soulless, dull and neglected stairwells that nobody uses for fear of setting off a fire alarm.

Instead, for say a premium student accommodation building for example, we can design stairwells with wall murals, LED lighting, maybe a sound system and a funky playlist - whatever it takes to make the stairs a frequently used feature of the building, not just an emergency escape (although we do have to follow health and safety code too!).

Active Travel Facilities

An under-utilized Basement space or corridor can provide secure storage for a variety of bicycles, folding bikes, e-bikes and mobility options, ideally with charging stations, showers and lockers for wet running gear.

Investing in Such 'active travel' facilities increases the likelihood of more green healthy movement between home and work, be that jogging, cycling or anything else.

 It’s good for us, the planet and again also indirectly benefits the business or developer that made it all so convenient. 

Restorative spaces - quiet rooms

Specifically for mental wellbeing, An empty room in a forward thinking office can become a restorative space, or ‘quiet room’ like this one for cathartic venting, a moment of strategic rest during the workday, or a delicate 1-2-1 conversation. 

If We fill it with natural materials, an air purifier, nature sounds a d aromatherapy we start to see how powerful a joined-up, 360-degree experiential design approach can be…

Evolution-friendly building design adaptations

So as I see it, a healthy materials policy, purified indoor air, biophilic design, active design strategies and restorative spaces are all evolution friendly design adaptations for modern buildings aimed at reducing stress and anxiety, increasing physical activity, improving the quality of our indoor air and bringing nature back into our urban existence.

A deep time perspective on healthy buildings

When i think about what I do from a deep time perspective - of ancestors past, present and future - creating green healthy places starts to look like something of a family business, it’s all a matter of perspective.

Thankfully, Having a transcendent life goal like this, a 'Telos' in Greek, has given me real meaning and purpose going into the second half of my life, at least until i finally answer the call of the wild, find a mate and pass on my stair-loving genes.

Because Remember, continuity is everything, the House of Mother Nature always wins - this whole show will go on, with or without us, no matter how central we think we are to the plot.

So it’s really just three acts: life, death and the stories of our ancestors.

Both I and the real estate industry  therefore, simply have to make this the performance of a lifetime. 

Key concepts in wellness real estate & healthy buildings

Heidis Garden Shop with biophilic design - check the moss wall installation!

What is a healthy building concept?

Healthy buildings refer to a structure that is designed, constructed, and maintained with the well-being of its occupants in mind. It is a space that promotes the physical, mental, and emotional health of the people who live or work in it.

Such examples of wellness real estate are designed to provide clean and fresh air, access to natural light, and comfortable temperature and humidity levels.

They also prioritize the use of non-toxic materials and incorporate features that enhance indoor air quality, such as proper ventilation systems and air filtration.

Additionally, well buildings often incorporate elements that support physical activity and wellbeing, such as designated spaces for exercise or access to outdoor areas.

Overall, a health-oriented building is one that supports the health and well-being of its occupants through thoughtful design and maintenance practices.

International well building institute ("WELL")

The concept of a well building has gained significant attention in recent years as people have become more aware of the impact of their built environment on their health.

The International WELL Building Institute has developed the WELL Building Standard, which provides guidelines and certifications for buildings that prioritize occupant health and well-being.

This standard focuses on several key aspects, including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. By following these guidelines, building owners and developers can create spaces that not only meet the needs of their occupants but also contribute to their overall health and well-being.

Typeform offices - an example of biophilic offices

What is 'salutogenesis'?

Salutogenesis is a concept that focuses on promoting health and well-being rather than solely focusing on the prevention and treatment of diseases. It emphasizes the factors that contribute to a person's overall health and their ability to adapt and cope with stressors.

In the context of the built environment, salutogenesis is closely related to the concept of healthy buildings or well buildings.

These elements of green buildings are believed to have a significant impact on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals.

By creating a conducive environment that supports health and wellness, healthy buildings aim to promote productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve overall satisfaction among occupants.

The concept of salutogenesis aligns with the principles of healthy buildings by recognizing the importance of creating spaces that contribute to the well-being of individuals.

It acknowledges that the built environment plays a crucial role in shaping our health outcomes and believes that by providing healthy and supportive environments, we can enhance people's ability to live a healthy lifestyle.

Salutogenesis emphasizes the proactive approach of promoting health rather than simply addressing disease, and this aligns with the goals of healthy buildings.

By incorporating salutogenic principles in the design and operation of buildings, we can create spaces that prioritize the health and well-being of its occupants.

What is Sick Building Syndrome ('SBS')?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) refers to a condition in which occupants of a building experience a range of health issues that are believed to be caused by the building itself. This can include symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.

The term "sick building syndrome" was coined in the 1980s when an increasing number of people were reporting these symptoms in relation to their workplace or other indoor environments.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on creating healthy buildings that prioritize the well-being of occupants.

These healthy buildings are designed with features such as good ventilation, natural lighting, and low levels of pollutants to minimize the risk of sick building syndrome and promote a healthier indoor environment.

The concept of a "well building" has gained traction, emphasizing the importance of designing and maintaining buildings that support the physical and mental well-being of its occupants.

What is the Harvard Healthy Buildings Program led by Joseph Allen at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard Healthy Buildings Program, led by Joseph Allen at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to improve the quality of indoor environments in buildings.

This program recognizes the significant impact that buildings have on our health and well-being, and seeks to create healthier spaces for occupants. By conducting research and providing evidence-based guidance, the program aims to transform the way buildings are designed, operated, and maintained.

Through the implementation of strategies such as improved ventilation, filtration, and lighting, the program aims to create healthier buildings that promote productivity, comfort, and overall well-being.

The Harvard Healthy Buildings Program is at the forefront of promoting healthy building practices and is making significant contributions to the field of public health.

What are the Foundations of a Healthy Building?

Inspired by the Joseph Allen model from the Harvard Healthy Buildings Program, here are a selection of foundations that contribute to creating a healthy building environment targeting enhancements to human health markers for the occupants.

These foundations include air quality, water quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, materials, ergonomics, biophilia, and health amenities.

Indoor air quality

Firstly, ensuring good air quality is essential for a healthy building. This involves proper ventilation and air purification systems to remove pollutants and improve indoor air quality.

Water quality

Secondly, maintaining clean and safe water is crucial for the health of the occupants. Regular testing and treatment of water sources are necessary to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Thermal comfort

Thirdly, providing thermal comfort is vital in a healthy building. Proper insulation, temperature control, and access to natural light contribute to creating a comfortable environment for occupants.

Lighting

Fourthly, adequate lighting plays a significant role in promoting productivity and well-being. Natural light and proper artificial lighting should be incorporated into the design of the office building.

Acoustic performance

Moreover, addressing acoustic issues is important for a healthy building. Noise control measures should be implemented to reduce noise pollution and create a peaceful environment.

Healthy materials

Using sustainable and non-toxic materials in construction helps create a healthy indoor environment by minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals.

Ergonomic design & active design

Furthermore, ergonomic design principles should be applied to promote comfort and reduce physical strain. This includes adjustable furniture, proper desk heights, and ergonomic tools.

Biophilia design & nature

Incorporating biophilic design elements such as plants and natural materials can have positive effects on mental health and well-being.

Health facilities and wellness amenities

Lastly, providing health amenities such as fitness areas or wellness programs encourages occupants to prioritize their health and well-being.

wework coworking spaces go big on air purifying indoor plants

The role of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) refers to the overall conditions inside a building that can affect the health, comfort, and productivity of its occupants. It encompasses various factors including indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, lighting, noise levels, and ergonomics.

IEQ is a broader concept than IAQ as it takes into account all aspects of the indoor environment that can impact the well-being of individuals.

While IAQ specifically focuses on the quality of the air inside a building, IEQ considers a wider range of factors that contribute to a healthy building.

IAQ primarily looks at factors such as the presence of pollutants, ventilation rates, and humidity levels. On the other hand, IEQ includes not just air quality but also factors like temperature control, natural lighting, noise reduction measures, and ergonomic building design.

The distinction between IEQ and IAQ is important because it highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to creating healthy buildings. Simply addressing IAQ alone may not be sufficient to ensure a high-quality indoor environment.

A holistic approach to IEQ considers multiple factors and their interaction to create a comfortable and healthy space for occupants.

While indoor air quality is an important component of IEQ, it is not the only factor to consider. A holistic approach that addresses all aspects of indoor environment is necessary to create truly healthy buildings.

What are 'VOCs' and 'PM' in indoor air quality data?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and can be found in indoor air. They are emitted from a variety of sources, including building materials, furniture, cleaning products, and personal care products.

VOCs can have both short-term and long-term health effects. Short-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure to low levels of VOCs has been linked to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and even cancer.

Particulate Matter (PM) refers to tiny particles suspended in the air that can be inhaled into the lungs. These particles can come from various sources, such as combustion processes, smoking, and outdoor pollution that seeps indoors.

PM can be categorized into different size fractions, with smaller particles being more harmful as they can penetrate deep into the respiratory and nervous system more. Exposure to PM can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to high levels of PM has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and premature death.

To maintain a healthy building environment, it is important to minimize the sources of VOCs and PM. This can be achieved by using low-emission building materials, choosing non-toxic cleaning and personal care products, and ensuring proper ventilation to reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants.

Regular maintenance and cleaning practices can also help in reducing the accumulation of dust and particulate matter. Implementing these measures can help create a healthier indoor environment for occupants and reduce the potential health risks associated with VOCs and PM.

What is the COGfx study into the benefits of healthy buildings on cognitive performance?

The COGfx research study is a groundbreaking initiative that investigates the impact of healthy buildings on occupants' cognitive function and productivity. Led by a team of researchers at Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between indoor environmental quality and human performance.

By examining various aspects of the built environment, such as ventilation, lighting, and thermal conditions, the researchers seek to identify the factors that contribute to a healthy building. The ultimate goal of medical research is to develop evidence-based guidelines that can be used to design and maintain buildings that promote occupant health and well-being.

The COGfx research study takes a comprehensive approach to understanding the effects of healthy buildings on cognitive function. It involves conducting controlled experiments in office spaces where participants are exposed to different environmental conditions.

These conditions are carefully manipulated to simulate various scenarios commonly encountered in real-world buildings. By measuring cognitive performance using standardized tests, the researchers can assess the impact of different environmental factors on participants' abilities to concentrate, make decisions, and solve problems.

The findings of the COGfx research study have significant implications for the design and operation of buildings worldwide. By demonstrating the positive effects of healthy buildings on cognitive function, this study highlights the importance of investing in indoor environmental quality.

It provides valuable evidence that can be used to advocate for better building standards and policies that prioritize occupant health and well-being. Ultimately, the COGfx research study aims to promote a shift towards healthier buildings that enhance productivity, satisfaction, and overall quality of life for occupants.

The big picture view - what role does the anthropocene play in the healthy buildings movement?

The Anthropocene is a term used to describe the current geological age, in which human activities have had a significant and lasting impact on the Earth's ecosystems. It is characterized by the rapid evolution of technology and the widespread industrialization that has occurred over the past few centuries.

This has led to significant changes in the natural environment, including increased pollution, deforestation, and climate change. These changes have had profound effects on the health and wellbeing of both humans and other species.

The rapid evolution of technology and industrialization has brought about numerous advancements and improvements in our daily lives. However, it has also come at a cost to our health and wellbeing.

The increase in pollution from industrial activities has led to a decline in air and water quality, resulting in respiratory and other health issues for humans. Additionally, deforestation and habitat destruction have led to the loss of biodiversity, disrupting ecosystems and potentially leading to the spread of diseases.

Climate change, another consequence of human activities during the Anthropocene, has also had significant effects on our health and wellbeing. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing patterns of precipitation can lead to increased risk of heat stroke, vector-borne diseases, and food insecurity.

These changes disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as those in low-income communities or developing countries.

PRADO restaurant lisbon with biophilic design

the chemical revolution

The chemical revolution refers to the significant changes that occurred in the field of chemistry during the 18th and 19th centuries. It marked a period of intense scientific development and discovery, leading to advancements in various industries and the understanding of chemical processes.

This revolution brought about major changes in manufacturing methods, agriculture, medicine, and everyday life. The use of chemicals became widespread, leading to both positive and negative impacts on society.

One negative impact of the chemical revolution is the role that harmful chemicals play in sick building syndrome. Sick building syndrome refers to a condition where occupants of a building experience acute health effects or discomfort due to the time spent in the building.

Poor indoor air quality, often caused by the presence of harmful chemicals, is a common factor contributing to this syndrome.

Chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and even personal care products can accumulate indoors and negatively affect the health and wellbeing of occupants.

These chemicals can cause respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation and minimize the use of harmful chemicals in buildings to prevent sick building syndrome and promote a healthy indoor environment.

This context helps to explain how it came to pass that the buildings we inhabit for 90% of our lives (!) may in fact be having a negative impact on our wellbeing.

Only through some combination of new and existing buildings improving their building operations to impact human health in a positive sense, combined with efforts by the likes of US Green Building Council LEED and WELL certification for new buildings do we stand a chance of not just reducing the environmental impact of the real estate sector but converting it into a wellbeing contributor.

Green Healthy Places - healthy building consultants

Whether your concern be workplace wellbeing or health interior design, by integrating wellness features such as those described above, from monitoring features and a performance based system rating systems, to sustainable design, improve air quality, WELL building standard certification and efforts to improve air quality, followed up by post occupancy surveys, contact us at Green Healthy Places (part of Biofilico) to discuss how we can assist.

the Secrets of a Healthy Building: ‍9 Essential Principles for Optimal Wellness and Sustainability

Healthy buildings are designed to improve the well-being of their occupants. By contributing to global health, these buildings support sustainable development goals, operating across various pillars of health and underpinned by public health principles. They incorporate features that enhance air quality, natural lighting, and ergonomic design, which collectively promote a healthier lifestyle.

z 97, Barcelona (Batlleroig Architects)

the role of wellness real estate and healthy buildings

Healthy buildings are no longer a niche market or an afterthought in the construction and real estate industries. They have become a key consideration for developers, owners, and occupants alike, as the benefits of living and working in a healthy environment become increasingly apparent.

In this article, we will explore the importance of healthy buildings, the connection between well-being and sustainable buildings, and the nine essential principles for designing and operating a healthy building according to the Harvard C. Chan team's healthy buildings program at Harvard University focused on public health and health science.

We will also examine the role of a healthy building consultant, case studies of successful healthy building projects in London, and the future of healthy building science, indoor spaces that enhance occupant health and the concept of wellness real estate.

Introduction to healthy buildings and their importance

A healthy building is one that is designed and operated in a way that optimizes the health and well-being of its occupants while minimizing its environmental impact.

The concept of a healthy building has evolved from a focus on improving indoor air quality (poor indoor air quality has been referred to as Sick Building Syndrome in the past) to a more holistic approach that considers the myriad factors that affect human health and well-being in indoor spaces. Healthy buildings also play a crucial role in improving environmental health by reducing harmful air pollutants and contributing to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions

Research into healthy buildings

Research has shown that healthy buildings can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved cognitive function among occupants, making them a critical component of a modern, sustainable built environment.

The importance of healthy buildings is underscored by the fact that we spend approximately 90% of our time nowadays in indoor spaces. As our urban populations continue to grow and our awareness of the impact of the built environment on human health and well-being increases, the demand for healthy buildings will only continue to rise.

This has led to the development of building types, certification programs and building standards that specifically focus on the health and well-being of building occupants, such as the WELL Building Standard, that is aligned with the US Green Building Council (behind the LEED rating system). So how do these two concepts relate to each other?

Green Business District, Barcelona, Spain

The connection between well-being and sustainable buildings

There is a strong connection between well-being and green buildings, which offer significant economic, environmental, and health benefits. Sustainable buildings are designed to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing their efficiency, and these principles can also contribute to a healthier indoor environment for the building owners.

For example, energy-efficient buildings tend to have better

Sustainable buildings

Sustainable buildings often incorporate green building materials and practices, which can lead to better indoor environmental quality and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, toxins in materials released as VOCs reduce indoor air quality.

For existing buildings, specific requirements and considerations such as indoor air quality testing and post-occupancy evaluations are crucial to ensure they meet green building standards.

WELL Building Standard

The WELL Building Standard, developed by the International WELL Building Institute, is a certification program that merges the principles of sustainable building with those of human health and well-being.

WELL-certified buildings are designed and operated to support human health and wellness, ensuring the physical, mental, and social well-being of their occupants, while also promoting resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.

WELL certification and the International Well Building Institute

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a global organization that promotes the design and operation of healthy buildings through the WELL Building Standard.

This performance-based certification system measures the impact of the built environment on human health and well-being across seven categories: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.

By focusing on the factors that directly affect human health and well-being, the WELL Building Standard aims to create a healthier, more sustainable built environment that supports the overall health outcomes wellness of healthier buildings and its occupants.

WELL certification is awarded to buildings that meet the requirements set forth by the IWBI and demonstrate a commitment to promoting health and well-being.

To achieve certification, buildings must undergo a rigorous assessment process, which includes on-site testing, performance verification, and documentation review.

Once certified, WELL buildings must maintain their high standards through ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement.

Harvard’s 9 Principles of a Healthy Buildings, by Joseph Allen

The 9 essential principles for a healthier building

a. Indoor air quality

Indoor air quality is a crucial component of a healthier building, as poor air quality can lead to a host of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and cognitive impairment. Using high efficiency filter vacuums for cleaning surfaces regularly can help remove particles such as dander and allergens, addressing breathing issues and minimizing exposure to VOC, lead, pesticides, and allergens.

To ensure optimal indoor air quality, healthier indoor environments should be designed to minimize the entry and accumulation of pollutants, provide adequate ventilation, and incorporate air filtration systems to remove particulate matter and other contaminants.

b. Indoor environmental quality

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) refers to the overall comfort and well-being of occupants within a building, encompassing factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, and acoustics.

An office building or residential development should therefore be designed to maintain comfortable and consistent indoor conditions, provide ample natural light, and minimize noise pollution to create a pleasant and productive environment for its occupants. Excessive noise pollution can negatively impact mental health, leading to mental illness and decreased performance.

c. Green building materials and practices

The use of green building materials and practices is an essential component of a healthy building, as it helps to minimize the environmental impact of construction and reduce occupants' exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants.

Green building materials are typically made from renewable resources, have low embodied energy, and are free of toxic substances.

Healthy buildings should also incorporate sustainable construction practices, such as waste reduction, resource-efficient design, and environmentally friendly landscaping.

d. Occupant comfort and satisfaction

Occupant comfort and satisfaction are important considerations in the design and operation of a healthy building, as they directly impact the well-being and productivity of the people who live and work within the space.

By support occupant health and ensuring that buildings are designed to meet the needs and preferences of their occupants, healthy buildings can contribute to a more positive and enjoyable experience for all.

e. Energy efficiency and sustainability

Energy efficiency and sustainability are critical components of a healthy building, as they help to minimize its environmental impact and reduce operating costs.

Natural ventilation plays a crucial role in improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency by reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems. By incorporating energy-efficient technologies, such as high-performance insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and renewable energy systems, healthy buildings can significantly reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

f. Building maintenance and operations

Proper building maintenance and operations are essential to maintaining a healthy indoor environment and ensuring the longevity of the building itself.

The World Health Organization recommends national plans for noise indoor environment and provides guidelines for water safety plans and maintenance.

A healthy building should have a comprehensive maintenance plan in place that includes regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs to ensure that all systems are functioning optimally and that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

g. Wellness strategy integration

A wellness strategy is a comprehensive approach to promoting health and well-being within a building or organization.

Healthy buildings should integrate wellness strategies, such as providing access to fitness facilities, offering healthy food options, and creating spaces for relaxation and social interaction, to support the overall wellness of their occupants.

h. Design for human health and well-being

A healthy building should be designed with the health and well-being of its occupants in mind, taking into consideration factors such as ergonomics, biophilia, and accessibility.

By incorporating design elements that promote physical activity, social interaction, and connection to nature, healthy buildings can create an environment that supports the mental, emotional, and physical wellness of its occupants.

i. Community engagement and connectivity

A healthy building should foster a sense of community and connection among its occupants, as well as with the surrounding neighborhood.

This can be achieved through the creation of communal spaces, the promotion of social events and activities, and the integration of the building within the larger community through partnerships, collaborations, and shared resources.

Wittywood healthy building, Barcelona

The role of a healthy building consultant

A healthy building consultant is a professional who specializes in the design, construction, and operation of healthy buildings.

These experts have a deep understanding of the factors that affect indoor environmental quality and occupant well-being and can provide valuable guidance and advice to building owners, developers, and architects on how to create and maintain a healthy building.

By working with a healthy building consultant, building owners can ensure that their projects meet the highest standards of health and well-being, while also achieving their sustainability goals.

Healthy building strategies for residential real estate

For residential real estate, healthy building strategies can include incorporating natural light and ventilation, using non-toxic building materials, and providing access to outdoor spaces, such as balconies or gardens.

Residential developments can promote a sense of community and well-being by offering shared amenities, such as fitness centers, community gardens, and social spaces.

Healthy building strategies for office buildings

In office buildings, healthy building strategies can involve providing adjustable workstations, access to natural light, and proper ventilation to ensure a comfortable and productive work environment.

Office buildings can also promote well-being by offering spaces for relaxation and social interaction, such as break rooms, outdoor terraces, or communal dining areas, and by providing access to on-site fitness facilities or wellness programs.

Case studies: Successful healthy building projects in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona in Spain has seen a plethora of successful healthy building projects in recent years, demonstrating the growing demand for wellness real estate in our home city. We previously wrote extensively about this subject in a separate blog post here.

One of the latest examples from the prolific architect studio Batlleroig is the One Parc Central development in @22 Poblenou that is targeting LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum. The 52m high tower has 12 office and three basement floors, 258 parking spaces for cars, motorbikes and cycles, as well as a focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency and an abundance of natural materials used in construction.

Conclusion: The future of healthy buildings and wellness real estate

The future of healthy buildings and wellness real estate is bright, as more people become aware of the impact that the built environment has on their health and well-being.

As demand for healthy buildings continues to grow, it is likely that we will see increased investment in research, innovation, and the development of new technologies, materials, and design strategies that support the creation of healthier, more sustainable buildings.

By prioritizing the health and well-being of occupants, the real estate industry can play a significant role in promoting a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

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Further Reading

• Thermal Comfort In A Healthy Building Strategy

• Posts In Offices

• Biophilia In Healthy Buildings

• Posts Tagged Well Building

• Posts Tagged Green Buildings

• Sustainable Office Space

• Employee Health Wellness With Wellable

• Posts Tagged Biophilic Design

• Architecture For Health - Buildings Designed For Wellbeing

• Cognitive Performance And Sound In A Healthy Building Interior

• Posts Tagged Urban Planning

• Posts Tagged Well

• Operating Smart, Green & Healthy Buildings

• The Role Of Sleep In Healthy Buildings & Workplaces

• Posts Tagged Healthy Materials

• Posts in green buildings

• Biophilic Buildings - The Eco-Friendly Concept Of The Future

• Embodied Carbon In Sustainable Real Estate Esg

• Sustainable Design Consultants

• How To Create A Healthy Indoor Environment

• What Is Circular Economy In Regenerative Real Estate?

• Key concepts in wellness real estate & healthy buildings

Sustainable building data - 2050 Materials

Welcome to episode 61 of the green & healthy places podcast in which we explore the themes of wellbeing and sustainability in real estate and hospitality.

Phanos Hadjikyriakou is co-founder and Ceo of 2050 materials, an online database of sustainable building products and intelligent tools that help architects and designers in their efforts to create low-carbon, circular buildings and interiors.

In this podcast we discuss the genesis of the company, the unmet need it addresses in real estate and the sustainability problems it tries to solve, such as toxic building materials and those that are especially damaging to the environment when viewed from a Life Cycle perspective, considering its extraction, use phase and disposal options at its end of life.

We also cover some of the many sustainable building material certification systems as well as how Artificial Intelligence could start to leverage this type of database to propose sustainable, healthy solutions to architects and designers in the not too distant future.

Check out 2050-materials.com while you’re listening along!

https://app.2050-materials.com/

FULL TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS COURTESY OF OTTER.AI - EXCUSE TYPOS!

Matt Morley

First of all, thank you for making the time to join us today on the podcast. Pleasure to have you here.

Why don’t we talk about the genesis of the business? So how did 2050 materials start as an idea? And what’s that journey been like, from the initial concept through to where you’re at today?

Data on Real Estate Supply Chains

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Yeah, great. So I guess that goes back a little bit to my background. I’m an engineer by training. And I would say I’m pretty much a data person in my brain, I was working basically in the financial sector, helping investors align their portfolios with different climate strategies, and essentially giving them different kinds of data on climate change risk.

2025 Materials Principle

The whole idea behind 2050 Materials started when I was working with a few very large real estate investors who started talking about supply chains and supply chain emissions and embodied carbon in the portfolios and in the buildings they owned. I come from a family of architects and people working in materials distribution.

So that sparked my interest, what I figured out very quickly is that what investors were starting to ask for and talk about, everything related to supply chain and material impact, is something that the people on the ground, the designers, the contractors, the building materials suppliers, simply did not have the right data to deliver on sustainability performance.

So I thought that, first of all it’s a big problem, secondly, it’s a big opportunity to fill that gap with a solution. I generally have an affinity for innovation within the material sector. I just think it’s very cool when you see a new material that you can actually touch and feel. And there’s a story behind where it comes from and what it’s been made of. And also if you can add the impact data to it. And that, for me makes it very interesting.

Much More than a Sustainable Building Materials listing Site

Matt Morley

So let’s look at that. Because obviously, on one level, what you’ve developed is, if you like a database of materials, that for someone like me, who’s involved in real estate, primarily interiors, less the construction side, there’s a constant search for new innovative materials that not only look good and fit into a particular space that we’re trying to propose to a developer, but also that are doing some good or and certainly doing less harm to the environment.

Then there’s another level to all of this, from what I can see, it’s a bit more than just becoming an online collection of materials, right, there’s more depth to it that I think is really where it starts getting interesting. Can you talk to us about those calculations and about that extra level of detail that you’re able to get into around the body carbon and the impact of the materials? The platform provides simplified metrics to help designers quickly assess the impact of materials.

Moving to a Low Carbon Construction Industry

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Well, let’s start from the assumption that we need to transition to a low carbon economy and to Climate Neutral economy. And the construction sector, whether you’re an interior designer, or an architect, or just work in the built environment, the impact your work has is actually massive. And our thesis is that data is the key to getting to a stage where we are designing and eventually building buildings in line with the climate emergency.

Now, the interesting thing about this space is that there’s an abundance of data that shows impacts of specific products and materials in the sector. The problem is that that kind of data is all around the internet, usually in PDFs, and usually in a format that’s very technical. So it’s usually what’s called the lifecycle assessment or an environmental product declaration that states these kinds of values.

Unfortunately, the assessment and the output of these reports are meant to be read by a specialist in the sector. And what the reality is, you need designers and architects who are not specialists in the sectors to still be able to access and understand that data.

So something that’s often, let’s say, misconception of a lot of people when they land on our platform, is that we do a lot of assessment of existing product. In fact, all we do at this point is gather existing data from different sites, we digitize it so that it’s actually accessible on the platform. And you don’t have to look through 1000s of PDF files to extract the information you need.

And then finally, we, and probably most importantly, we actually simplified to the extent that it keeps its accuracy, but it’s actually understandable by a non specialists. So what that means is that we filter out the detail that is probably unnecessary to most designers and architects, so that we quickly give them the numbers they need in order to make an assessment. And we put that at the forefront of the platform, providing easy to consume data on the sustainability performance of building products.

3rd Party Certifications for Sustainable Materials

Matt Morley

Just as a note, I would say I’m totally on board with that approach. I think there’s absolutely no issues in relying on established third party certification systems, whether it’s an environmental product declaration, or a healthy product declaration, or something like that, declare a red list to the cradle the cradle, for example, those are the gold standards, and when you have a little bit of knowledge about this space, then I think you can leverage that, you’re standing on their shoulders.

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, what we always say is that we are trying to democratize these kinds of sustainability assessments, and that exactly pointing to the fact that yes, we do have Sustainability Consultants and specialists using the platform. But what we are building the platform for, or the person, or the stakeholder we’re building the platform for is actually the average designer, architect, contractor, who is having conversations with a customer or with a colleague around sustainability.

They need to start understanding this kind of data without going back to university and getting a degree in this. The platform is built for designers and architects to use data during the design and specification phases, simplifying metrics for easy understanding and use in this context.

The Evolution of Sustainability Data on Sustainable Building Materials

Matt Morley

It's interesting, if you tried to do this, five years ago, 10 years ago, you probably wouldn't have had quite so many materials, right? So it's a sign of where the industry is at now that you're able to have such a wide collection, I think it's, it's the right time, because it is now becoming the choices quite expensive. And it's becoming actually sometimes harder to filter through that. But why don't we take a step back?

I understand that perhaps not everyone may not understand the context, which is that there are unhealthy versions or unsustainable materials going into our built environment, both from the construction and then the interior fit out.

So from your perspective on the inside of this industry, like what are the main dangers there? And what are what are we? What are you battling against presenting these more sustainable healthy materials? And what's the problem here with the unhealthy buildings?

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

That's an interesting question. So I would say, let's look at human health. First, when it comes to coming into contact with harmful substances and pollutants, we actually come into contact with those in our daily lives more frequently than we realize. So that might be from building insulation that's, that's packed with flame retardants, to chemicals in our food packaging, in might be wet paint that's emitting VOCs, volatile organic compounds.

So all of these things actually contribute or can contribute negatively to human health and cause things like asthma and a bunch of other health issues. There's definitely there's definitely, let's say, a very imminent health issue that is fixed when you start looking at more sustainable products. But I would say that a big driver of health is also just global health and looking at climate climate issues.

I would say that, yes, in the short term, we want to avoid, for example, vocs emissions in our buildings, because we, we don't want to have respiratory diseases in the long term. And it's not even that long term. If we don't stop emitting as much carbon from the construction industry, then we all of our lives, I believe will be impacted from climate impact. I would split the two things into let's say, direct human health today and then long term health for us. For our kids for, for basically everyone who is living.

Matt Morley

Well “green and healthy places” is the name of the podcast. I think that connection between green as in good for the planet, and healthy, good for us, or in this case, good for the people spending time in a space, then the yin and the yang interact, I think is fundamental.

Do you think there's, is there an element of perhaps sustainability being more applicable to the building materials themselves? Just in terms of the quantities involved for concrete and steel, for example, versus say the interior fit out? Where perhaps it's more to do with health? Or is that is that dichotomy to generalist?

Environmental Impact of a Building Over its Whole Lifespan

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

I think traditionally, you know, I think concrete and steel is obviously the two materials that kind of get the spotlight, especially when we're talking about carbon emissions. And that's because the industry as a whole is producing a lot of carbon emissions. So if you look at a building, it's an interesting case study, actually, because if you look at the buildings materials, you would see that yes, most of the carbon emissions of a new building is in the foundation and the frame. So usually carbon, usually concrete, and steel and aluminium.

Unfortunately, if you actually look at a specific time span, let's say 50 years of a commercial building that hosts officers, say in central London, the reality is that the fit out the change of fitouts. And the frequency of change of fitouts, actually can cause up to four times the emissions of the of the envelope of the building.

So if you take, for example, an office in central London that has new desks, new chairs, new cabinets, new flooring every, let's say, two to six years, which is the average time of fatal change, then all of those emissions related to the products and the materials that go into the, the interiors are actually much larger than the building itself. And of course, all of this has, has a certain assumption. So if we were to reuse a lot of those products, then of course, we would reduce the impact.

But as it stands today, where most of those things are either thrown in the landfill, or let's say down cycled over big extent, fitouts are massively important. So I know it's not an extremely helpful answer, because it might, it would be nicer if we could focus on a couple of a couple of sectors.

But I think what this kind of research is starting to show is, truly, if you work in the built environment, whether you are doing fitouts, or interior design or residential project, or you're a structural engineer, or anything else, your work really matters, like it really matters to be able to have access to this kind of information and to do your part in reducing emissions.

Value and Purpose in Prioritizing Sustainable Building Materials

Matt Morley

I find at some point, it becomes more about your values, or the values of your business and what you're trying to do in your work that pushes one designer or someone working in this space to consider both equally. And sometimes there are decisions to be made. And you know, what materials are better for the planet and not quite so good for their human health or vice versa? It can often be quite complicated.

I think that's why platforms and software such as what you've developed is, is important so that at the next level of detail, then when we're actually on the website looking into some of these materials, doing our research, how are you helping users to kind of make some calculations beyond just Oh, that's a green certified material, but then in terms of its actual impact once it's applied, in terms of the quantities and the scale, and where it's coming from.

So in terms of those details, is there a way you're able to help your users to factor those into the into the equation?

Circular Economy Design Metrics in Building Materials

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Yeah, absolutely. And your question comes at a good timing, because we’ve launched the tool to do a lot of the things you just mentioned very recently, and users can trial it and try it out for free to start with, essentially what this tool allows you to do is get anything that you would find on the library and make a list of it.

And this can be done at any stage of the design process or it can be done really early stage where you’re not really thinking yet about designs and quantities and you just want to understand more or less what it means, what are the forecasted footprint of my building with me.

Once you have a bill of quantities and you really have a data list of everything you’re about to procure. What we are doing is we collect the data of the products that are on the library within this tool once you’ve selected it as a user.

We show, of course, the total carbon footprint, as well as some numbers, like the embodied carbon per meter squared of gross internal area and do some comparisons of that number to industry benchmark as well as some of the recommended numbers in the industry, we actually go a step beyond just focusing on carbon, we calculate currently a couple of circularity metrics, like the weight of the recycled content in the products that you’re selecting.

And the recyclable contents are kind of how much of the products and the materials that you’re specifying may actually be possible to recycle or reuse at the end of life. And I guess, one thing that that became important when we’re developing this tool, with a few large offices is we we initially were thinking that designers will use this tool solely based on actual products that are available in the market.

So meaning, you know, x brick by this kind of supplier or this kind of manufacturer, what we’ve developed now is we’ve developed an extra layer where it’s generic data for a specific type of product or type of material.

So something that says, for example, a clay brick from the UK without necessarily specifying who the manufacturer is. So that kind of gives a workflow that allows you to, if you’re starting by just considering materials in the beginning, you can choose your materials. And then once you get into the specification process, or if you want to see whether there is an applicable product in your area, to actually go into the product selection process during the specification phases.

Yeah, and one thing I did not mention, but you did actually in your question is, of course, the impacts that we show, you know, they show the manufacturing emissions of the product. So what’s in lifecycle assessment terms is called the A 123 lifecycle stages. But the interesting thing about setting a platform like the one we have is, we have the project location.

And we have the manufacturing location of each of those products in the library, which means that we can quite accurately calculate what the estimated carbon emissions are of transporting those materials.

So one of the things that you can do in the tool is you can pick a bunch of products from the, from the platform that are, let’s say, from China, or a London project, and you’ll see in the breakdown of emissions per category, that the transportation emissions exceed everything else, versus selecting local materials.

And I think there’s an interesting opportunity there to see, you know, what kind of products maybe does make sense to ship from a little bit further away, even though they might not be available locally versus other ones, which, of course, would outweigh the benefits.

Matt Morley

For anyone who’s done a project before with a sustainability or a healthy materials component to it. The reality is this type of detailed conversation, almost every material and it becomes a major headache pretty quickly, you’re constantly evaluating or trying to get to this type of information about not just where materials from how it was produced the impact of extracting it, and its raw format, then in terms of the manufacturing, production, then the transport, and its end of life, as well as it’s in use phase.

And combining all of that is really complicated, because it’s just, you’re trying to move fast, you’ve got climate pressure. And so I think for anyone who’s perhaps, you know, feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by this amount of information in its platforms like this, like your library that help ease that pain, and I think that’s what I what I see here, which is, it’s very easy to be drowned in the information.

We need to make decisions as quickly as possible once the project starts, there’s just no, there’s no time to lose. And I think you’re helping to smooth out that process. That’s really where I see that the sort of main benefit in terms of using this. So once you’re, once you’re building into the library, like what process are you using to screen or to filter materials?

What are you looking for as a sort of, oh, that’s suitable or that’s not suitable? Have you got your own internal benchmarks in terms of where you do or don’t accept the material?

Sustainability Standards for Materials on the Platform

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

That's a really interesting question. So first of all, I guess we live in a constant state of research within 2050. So we are always on the lookout for new new products, new materials, especially when they come from smaller companies that are just popping up whether it's a startup or a company that's been operating for a few years and we just have not seen it before.

But having said that, there is a very important point to be made about how we work. So we do not police what kind of product or manufacturer makes it on the platform, we actually want to have as many products as possible appearing there and we don't have a specific requirements for products to get on the platform, what we enforce as a library is that there needs to be some level of documentation that provides transparency on the impact of the product.

So, if you go to a library, you can look up concrete and you will find very heavily emitting concrete products and concrete manufacturers, we want to have these products, we understand the sector, at least for now still needs a lot of these products, what we ensure is we essentially put transparency over some some abstract assessment of what is a sustainable material or not, because there are no sustainable materials, in my opinion, there are materials that are suitable and can generate the Sustainable Design and there are materials that are non suitable, and the specific data related to each material does not necessarily give the answer to that.

So in short, anything can land on the platform, what we ensure when we onboard the product is that there is some level of transparency related to the impact of the material or the product is causing.

Matt Morley

Sounds like a very pragmatic and practical approach. So some degree of thinking on the part of the user is still recommended, you know, we're still going through that mental process of, of evaluating and arbitrage right, trying to decide which which one is the best in this case, and it may not be the most sustainable, as you said.

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Yeah, I guess that's, that's one of the things that initially, you know, you start and you are very ambitious, that you will give the perfect answer to everyone and point them to exactly the one thing and they don't have to spend any time thinking. Quite honestly, we very early this very early on, we decided, you know, the specialists are the designers, they are the architects, they know how to do the research to find the right kind of product or material.

So we are not trying to replace their their specialization and the work they know how to do, what we're trying to do is replace a process that would currently take something close to three or four or five hours to compare a few products to something they can do with essentially 10 clicks within two minutes.

Matt Morley

What is the business model going forward? Is it going to eventually be some kind of a paywall so that you pay for access to the materials or the materials suppliers, manufacturers paying to be listed? How do you how do you set things up from a commercial perspective?

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Yeah, so from a commercial perspective, we essentially list the way that we list products is is an important point as well. So we partner with essentially every certification body that is out there that certifies building material products, and furniture and all of that. And we on board the basic data that the certification bodies have.

So out of so we populate the platform, even without charging anyone really. So it's free for designers, it's free for suppliers. We currently do charge and work with suppliers when they want to have access to those pages, to enhance them to add data sheets to add better pictures to add more technical information that would help a designer actually finalize a specification or a procurement decision.

So that's currently how we work. On the project side of things, as I mentioned the beginning, there's a couple of projects that you can create as a user for free now, but that's going forward something that we would like to charge on a per project basis, obviously, as clients or regulators demand these kind of reports.

Evolving the Sustainable Materials Industry in Future

Matt Morley

That makes sense. Okay, and looking forward them to the next, say, five to 10 years. Where are you seeing this industry around healthy and sustainable materials evolving? Like what are the main sort of trends that you can see taking place that you expect to continue over the next five years or so?

A Data Driven Approach to a Climate Neutral Construction Industry

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Yeah, so I've said this a couple of times. I think, for us, you know, the key to moving towards the direction of Climate Neutral construction sector and design sector is the data. And that's why we've had so much focus on the data. I mean, moving forward, I think what's really interesting about data is we are starting to have some pretty amazing stuff that's happening on on the AI front and on the generative design front.

I think that more and more, we're starting to see solutions that can make suggestions and generate designs for architects and for interior designers that would allow them to meet certain goals. And again, I don't think we'll, we I, I don't see a scenario where architects are no longer needed or anything like that. I think this kind of doomsday thinking is really not something I agree with.

What I see is similar to all of the hype that's happening right now with Chat GPT, where you ask it questions, and you can have it give you a lot of suggestions, an architect can have very specific tools where they say, I'm trying to achieve a net zero building in central London for this kind of client, and it needs these XYZ specifications. And then a tool would be able to give you five different scenarios of designs, material products, that would actually allow you to get there.

Then again, it's up to you as a designer, or as a specialist to kind of do the next step and, and move from there. So I personally think that data alongside the whole AI revolution that's happening right now is going to open, amazing doors and something that to the mission that we have as 2050 of democratizing these kinds of assessments and understanding very much contributes to

Matt Morley

Yeah, that's a big idea. I like that one. And in terms of how the business evolves over the next 12 months, 24 months, like, what's the as an additional functionality expanding the, the depth and breadth of the library materials? And what are you working on this next year?

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Yeah, so we have, we are constantly working on onboarding more products. So currently, we are testing a very big push, which will expand your database to include almost every product that has an EPD globally. So that kind of does a big jump from around 4000 products to something like 50,000 products. So from a library perspective, we expect to have something in the next couple of months that is much more complete and uncover actually a lot more markets and the UK, which we've been focusing on.

On the product development side, we have some really exciting features and product pipeline around the projects tool. So currently, you're able to select you know, individual materials and make a list of your, of your materials that make up your projects. We're very much moving towards the direction of allowing, allowing people to create assemblies and see within a specific assembly what is best, and then allow them also to have some functionality of of saving their own assemblies.

Because a lot of designers architects, they reuse a lot of the designs they've done.

So our goal is to move towards a direction where you can actually start building your internal library of systems and assemblies that you're able to very quickly build projects with and also get quick assessments.

Matt Morley

Fascinating. sounds really interesting. Well, I'll be I'll be very happy to watch as you evolve over the next year, and hopefully, five or 10 years is growing the business. So listen, thanks so much for your time. Where can people find out more about the business where you what social media you engaging with at the moment?

Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Yeah, I think thanks a lot. Also for the time, people can just search for 20 Quickly materials on Google on LinkedIn. We're very active on LinkedIn, with content and educational articles and all of that stuff. And then the platform is is easily accessible and free on https://app.2050-materials.com/

what is wellness design in a healthy buildings and wellbeing interior strategy

Casa Biofilico, Barcelona

a basic introduction to Interior design for wellness

The role of interior design in enhancing building occupant wellness and creating a healthy indoor environment is increasingly recognised as being a fundamental part of a healthy building strategy, indeed without it there would be a complete disconnect between the intent of wellness architecture and the occupant experience of the interiors themselves.

Why? Simply put, because the design of an interior space can have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of its occupants, from the air they breath to the light that enters their eyes, the sounds they experience, the feelings evoked by being in a specific room and so on. We see this as a major trend in the wellness residences and lifestyle real estate space in particular.

what are wellness design services?

Wellness design is a concept that emphasizes creating spaces that promote the health and wellbeing of their occupants. This approach considers not just the physical design of a space, but also its impact on the emotional, social, and mental health of its users.

To achieve this goal, our role as wellness designers working for real estate developers and hotel groups focuses on five key facets that we will cover in more detail in the rest of this article before covering other topics such as biophilic design for mental and physical wellness, active design as a promoter of physical health, natural light and multi-sensory design.

The five facets of wellness design are generally agreed to be:

1. health and fitness

2. safety and security

3. accessibility

4. functionality

5. comfort and joy

Indoor-outdoor gym design by Biofilico

Health and fitness in healthy building design and interiors

Health and fitness are fundamental components of wellness design. Creating spaces that encourage physical activity and healthy behaviors is a cornerstone of this approach. In real estate and interiors, wellness design can be achieved through the inclusion of fitness amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, and outdoor spaces that promote exercise and movement.

healthy living habits

In addition to promoting physical activity, wellness design also emphasizes healthy living habits. This can include the use of natural materials to limit the baseline levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air, as well as the incorporation of and soft promotion of healthy food options in communal spaces such as office canteens; biophilic design concepts to foster a greater sense of connection to nature indoors or in a dense urban environment; meditation rooms and quiet rooms for mental health and wellbeing practices; and active design to promote low levels of movement throughout the day be that by taking the stairs more often or using a standing desk.

Safety and Security in wellness architecture

Safety and security are critical elements of wellness design as spaces that are conspicuously safe and secure provide a sense of comfort and peace of mind for occupants. Techniques can range from enhanced security systems, such as surveillance cameras and smart phone enabled access control systems, to the inclusion of emergency response plans.

More subtle design techniques aimed at creating a sense of emotional and mental safety in interior spaces includes the use of calming colors, restorative soft lighting (especially after dark), and textures that promote a sense of comfort such as wool.

Accessibility in mindful design of interiors

Interior spaces that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities is essential to promoting inclusivity and wellbeing. In real estate and interiors, wellness design can be achieved through the use of universal design principles, such as wide doorways, non-slip flooring, and accessible fixtures.

For example, in some of the residential gyms we designed for Alpine Start Development in Dallas, Texas, consideration had to be taken for the American Disability Act (ADA) guidelines around wheelchair access to each major group of equipment, be that cardio machines or strength machines, to allow for a wheelchair user to roll up alongside at least some of the equipment without obstruction.

outdoor workspace design concept by biofilico for HERO natural foods, Switzerland

In addition to physical accessibility, wellness design also addresses social accessibility. This can include communal spaces that promote social interaction and connection, such as shared outdoor spaces in a workspace such as the concept design we created for HERO natural foods global headquarters near Zurich in Switzerland, or communal kitchens.

Functionality as a feature of wellness design

Buildings and interiors consciously designed with functionality in mind promote efficiency, productivity, and ease of use. In commercial office real estate and interiors, translating this wellness design concept requires flexible floorplans and spaces that can be easily adapted to different uses, as well as the incorporation of smart technologies to facilitate it all.

For example, in our podcast interview with Nicholas White of the Smart Building Collective, he referenced the Hausmanns Hus by Hathon in Norway - a private family office who managed to create a building that can adapt to almost any size tenant and still provide them with accurately metered energy readings related to their exact portion of the floorplate, which in turn allows the tenant greater control over their sustainability and ESG efforts.

Comfort and joy in wellbeing design

Buildings, interiors and spaces that promote occupant comfort and joy provide a sense of emotional and mental wellbeing for their occupants, this however can be a notoriously difficult concept to pin down as it is often a subjective response. Nonetheless, many of the major healthy building and wellness real estate certification systems such as WELL and Living Future include this concept in their points system.

Partly for this reason and partly due to our own strongly held belief in the power of wellness design and biophilia to deliver such a tangible response from occupants of a space, we continue to include ‘comfort and joy’ in our wellness design services list.

In real estate and interiors we are working with comfortable and ergonomic furnishings, as well as the incorporation of artworks, sculptures, plants and representations of nature, or indirect biophilia.

organic interiors and healthy materials

One way interior design can enhance occupant wellness is through the use of natural materials. Studies have shown that materials such as wood, stone, and plants can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation but we argue that there is a far more visceral, intuitive response hidden within such research groups.

As humans we are hard-wired to gravitate towards natural materials with texture, a patina of age, and the beauty of wabi-sabi imperfections far more than to industrial, all-too-perfect finishes. When such natural materials are also non-toxic materials and low VOC then they have the additional effect of improve indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues.

active design interiors and human-centric design

The layout and functionality of a space can also impact occupant wellness. Spaces that promote movement, such as standing desks and walking meeting rooms, can improve physical health and reduce sedentary behavior.

Additionally, creating spaces that promote social interaction and connection, such as communal areas and shared kitchens, can improve mental health and foster a sense of community.

matt morley of biofilico

biophilic design and natural light in interiors

Incorporating natural light and views of nature can also improve occupant wellness by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. This can be achieved through the use of large windows, skylights, and the inclusion of indoor plants.

Spaces maximized for biophilic design benefits aim to make the most use of the natural daylight available, allowing it to filter through into the core of the building’s floor plate.

Smart lighting systems with LED bulbs can provide different light tones and intensities during the day to follow the body’s natural 24hr cycle. A combination of natural daylight, task lights (e.g. desk lamps or bedside lamps), uplighters (e.g. standing lamps) and ceiling lights on a smart system will all help create an interior designed for wellbeing.

multi-sensory design for wellbeing

In addition to promoting comfort and joy, wellness design also addresses the impact of the built environment on sensory experiences. This can include the use of materials that promote tactile engagement, such as natural stone and wood, as well as the incorporation of sensory elements, such as sound and scent. This is also known as multi-sensory design and is a pillar of our own type of experience-based design interventions in the built environment.

In conclusion, wellness design is a holistic approach to real estate and interior design that promotes the mental and physical health and wellbeing of its occupants.

By focusing on the five key facets of health and fitness; safety and security; accessibility; functionality; and comfort and joy, wellness design can create spaces that promote physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing be that in residential, office or leisure real estate settings.

The Mental Empowerment office Gym with Katharina naumann

In episode 57 of the Green & Healthy Places podcast in which we discuss the themes of wellbeing and sustainability in real estate and hospitality today, I’m in Germany talking to ex-sprinter Katharina Naumann who is behind a new office gym concept focused on mental empowerment.

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if you are interested in the wider subject of healthy co-work offices in general see our article here and for our thoughts on ergonomic furniture in a healthy office see here

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Transcript courtesy of Otter.AI (excuse any typo errors!)

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Talking mental fitness at work

Matt Morley

Welcome to the show. I'd love to start with a little background on how you made the transition from an Olympic athlete, from elite level sports, to the world of business coaching and mental fitness.

Katharina Naumann

Yeah, thank you for the invitation!

There were two reasons for me. So first of all, I had a very negative experience in my first job after my studies. At that point, I just had finished my career as an athlete and suddenly, I found myself sitting full time behind a laptop, which sounds for many people very normal but it was quite a shock for my body.

Imagine that I was used to training about 10 times per week before that, and now I was sitting eight hours a day, just not moving anywhere. So of course, this caused some physical and also mental stress for me.

I had a very well trained body but I will never forget what it felt like to lose all my muscle tone. It really didn't feel right or healthy at all.

So after six months, I found myself in a very bad condition, especially mentally. I decided to quit, and to look for a job which not does take place in front of the screen all the time. Eventually I decided to start a training program to become a personal and business coach.

I now combined fitness training with life coaching, to help people become mentally and physically healthy and hopefully happy!

Finally, I knew from my athletics races that mental empowerment is so very important to reach goals. There are a lot of mental techniques that I want to carry further into society, I think mental empowerment should actually be a subject taught at school! I know my kids would love that.

At an emotional level there is no difference between the nervousness or stress we feel doing sports to the nervousness or stress we may experience at work. But while the athlete will relieve that stress while moving, the employee remains seated and has no way out.

Matt Morley

Yeah, that's really interesting. Okay, so you were training 10 times per week, in terms of hours, just to give us an understanding of how that dominated your life, what did that equate to?

Katharina Naumann

Yes, I trained like 10 times a week as an athlete doing the physical training stuff and the mental part was actually not not included in this, that was extra, working with a coach on psychology and mental empowerment.

Matt Morley

And the mental empowerment, that then becomes the transition in a way, right, from the world of athletics to the world of work? That's the bridge between the two for you?

mental empowerment in the workplace

Katharina Naumann

Yes. So I really got to know how important the mental empowerment is, it doesn't matter what goal you want to reach, you know, and even it's a goal at work, yes, just to do a good presentation or something like this, you need to be mentally empowered.

mental health as an entrepreneur

Matt Morley

Yeah, I sympathize with that as after eight years now working as an entrepreneur by myself, which is almost as stressful, in a sense, as working in a big company where you have to deal with the politics of being part of a much wider network of staff.

When you're solo and building your own business, then that comes with its own challenges in terms of mental empowerment, and there's no one around to help unless we go and look for a coach or we find people who can play that role for us like, like an ex-boss, or an elder who we can rely on for help and advise occasionally.

I think that's actually one of the techniques that I've used in the past or had to do for myself, because otherwise, it's a very lonely path as an entrepreneur.

Having a corporate structure, having a team around you, obviously has challenges too, but I think can also be very, very rewarding. Obviously one needs to know how to navigate and sail through those waters, because no one teaches you that part. It’s all soft skills.

Goldkern mental coaching services in Munich, Germany

So your services as a mental empowerment and fitness coach based in Munich, what type of services are you offering? And then who are you working with as clients?

Katharina Naumann

Yeah, at the moment, I'm training teams in one or two day workshops about how a healthy life would look like for them, and I also coach one to one people to help them find a better, healthier and happier life.

So many companies now realize that mental health is suffering in Germany, already 20% of the population suffer from some kind of mental stress issue each year.

Matt Morley

And do you see that as having changed greatly from the pre COVID times? Everyone's talking a lot more open now it seems about mental health at work, it was a far less common subject just 2-3 years ago.

mental wellbeing at work post-Covid

Katharina Naumann

Now is the moment where mental health should be destigmatized and as a society we need to look for solutions for these issues. So many people struggled with post Covid mental issues. We not only talk about real mental illnesses. Everybody handled the Covid time differently.

So there is the type of people who are introvert for example, and actually like to stay at a safe home and they are now struggling much more to get back to the office and into the community, they are forced to get out of the comfort zone now.

Then there are the extrovert people, for example, who felt a deep hole while staying at home. And they are also not happy by now.

The opportunity for a company is now to integrate a new, healthier and more flexible working flow. Most companies recognized that online work, remote working really works as an alternative to being in the office every day.

So a nice way now would be to keep some of with the tools that made the life easier during the pandemic while going back to the best of work life before Covid too.

I always see this at my time management workshops. The online meetings are planned from hour to hour and without any opportunity for course. So you don't need to be a coach to recognize that this won't work in the long run.

Also the working conditions are very far away from nature, from our essence as human beings able to use body and mind so much more. This makes me sad, actually. And this is part of my mission to empower people.

mindful techniques in the workplace

It is wrong to put mental techniques like meditation, for example, in an esoteric corner and ignore them - many very successful people like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and so many more, are or were meditating every day as part of a successful morning routine.

My belief is that offices should, when space allows, provide a place for this to happen during short moments of the employee work day, perhaps with some stretching and gentle movement opportunities as well.

the mental performance office gym

Matt Morley

Well, that neatly opens the door to my next question about the project that we've been collaborating on over the last few months, the idea of you setting up your own studio, whether that be a temporary pop up space within an office building in Munich, where you live, or perhaps taking on your own studio space and realizing that vision by yourself for office workers nearby.

What I found interesting when we first started speaking was from the beginning, you were very clear that this was not a gym in the typical sense. You envisage more of a ‘mental gym’. This is about mental and physical wellness, and we need a space that can represent that at that vision of wellbeing both in the mind, the body and the soul to some extent.

Katharina Naumann

Yeah, I was thinking about a way to really empower people mentally and physical in the daily lives. Yes, this is very important that it it helps in the daily lives because just subsidizing a fitness studio membership is not enough. It’s the easy way out,. a way to check the box, but not the most effective solution.

I am creating a place where the employees can practice mental and physical tools that are helpful also at work, not just for their own fitness levels or personal wellbeing. It is much more effective to do these exercises three or four times a week just for 20 minutes, then training once in a gym for two hours per week.

By providing a space in the office, for example in the lobby or an unused meeting room, allows the employees to choose if they need some stretching one day or a 20 minutes meditation, or more intensive 1-on-1 support from my team.

We have planned morning and lunch routines, one to one coaching to solve psychological concerns and group sessions to get the background knowledge for these techniques that are applicable to their productivity and happiness at work.

So over the time of three or four months. during our pop-up in an office building in Munich, the employees will be able to stay in a healthy routine both mentally and physically. The benefits will be less mental anxiety, more confidence handling difficult situations using these mental tools, and also self confidence.

Of course, if the company wants to keep this pop up place apart from it, this won't be a problem. The pop up is composed of natural materials, and the most discreet and technical way, I think, yes, we made a good job.

Reinventing the office gym membership

Matt Morley

The part that really interested me is that gap between what is often a very easy task for a company for a business to do, which is to provide access for staff to the local gym, they tick the box that way, I’ve even recommended it to clients as a healthy building consultant in the past! It certainly gets you the credits you need in your healthy building certification scheme.

The issue though, is that you don't really know who's using it, how often, what they do when they get there, and therefore how much benefit it’s actually having on their lives.

People who enjoy exercise are probably doing it already anyway so offering a more bespoke solution for office workers makes complete sense in theory- the challenge is that creating a dedicated space within an office can also be a big step for a business, even for a large corporation.

I think that is the strongest point in your pitch and the proposition that you just made - the idea of it being specifically about not just getting people to exercise more but also to be healthier, happier, less stressed and more productive. By offering this on-site and with a curated experience, there is a far higher chance of making a meaningful impact on the lives of employees who might not ever make it to a local gym, even if the membership is free!

How to really make an impact via workplace fitness

Matt Morley

Basically I don't know if someone running an hour extra week is going to be more productive or that much happier at work… maybe not so much. So the idea of creating something specifically for the office environment, rather than just saying that access to gyms, or exercise in general, is going to do the job.

Your proposal is that we need to think a bit harder, and commit to tailor making a concept specifically for office workers.

What type of mental. preparation training will you offer and what type of physical training practices combine best with that? What do you recommend for office workers, is it more about mobility or neuromuscular activities focused on reaction times or 30-minute High Intensity training sessions for example?

Katharina Naumann

The connection is actually most of many people go for training just because it is yes. In the daily plan to get it done. I did my sports today, but often it is even more stressful on the body if you go for a run 10 kilometers after a hard day at work.

Actually everyone is able to feel about the body needs intuitively but many have lost that connection and that is what I want to bring back to people, so they know what type of activity to do for every situation, then they know what they actually need for this moment.

Movement and active design in the workplace

It doesn't have to be very complicated, we are made to walk, run, lift and carry things. So the most important thing is to integrate more movement in the first place into the daily lifestyle, all kinds of movement, to bike to work, take the stairs, work at a standing desk, take movement breaks.

functional fitness in office gyms

After that, the next important training I recommend is the functional whole body workout, just with bodyweight, or with some medicine balls and light weights. It trains the whole body together, and it is easy to integrate some mobility and balance exercises too.

I'm not a fan of training each muscle separate at a machine like most of the fitness studios offers, these movements are not very natural, and they miss out to train the interplay of our muscles.

Also, explosive strength training should be not ignored. This is what you need when you don't want to fall when older.

Office workers all have in common that they often have a stiff neck, or they also have very often low back pain because the abs are not strong enough. So they need core training and mobility training.

An office gym for mental wellbeing

Matt Morley

We're talking ultimately about typically, like 10 to 15% of the population who actually use a gym, right? That I think Germany is one of the highest in, in Europe in terms of gym membership. So not everyone's going to be interested in this but by adapting it and making it more accessible you open it up to a wider segment of the working population.

These classes you're describing are not so much about how fit anyone is, you’re not promising weight loss but rather mental wellbeing right?

Katharina Naumann

Yeah, it’s about feeling good and doing what your intuition tells you, whether that be movement, healthy food, meditation or mobility exercises for example.

Matt Morley

I guarantee you that type of internal dialogue is not happening for many people while at work. I think that's a real benefit that you can answer such questions for office workers who perhaps do not necessarily see the connection between a lack of movement in their life or too much of a particular food at lunchtime and a general lack of energy and positivity in their mental life. By taking a more 360 degree approach as you do, then you can really make more of an impact.

Katharina Naumann

I think that's it yeah, a way to handle our lives more healthier than we do at the moment by developing positive habits.

Matt Morley

This looks like the future of fitness at work. for me I think it's a very different concept you have here, it’s what workplace wellness needs!

So if people want to read more about what you're doing, what's the best way for them to contact you?

Katharina Naumann

They can find me on LinkedIn here and my business Goldkern here.

Sustainable Rooftop: A Key Element in Green Healthy Building Design — Biofilico Wellness Interiors

Why Green & Healthy building Rooftops?

Roofs can take up to 15-35% of the total land area of a city, making them a vital surface in urban settings (“Urban”). This often underutilized area of a building envelope can provide smart, healthy, and environmentally friendly design options that are increasingly being executed across cities.

The implementation of green roofs within a sustainable building strategy, for example, can provide benefits such as:

• a reduction of Urban Heat Islands

• increased energy efficiency

• improved rainwater management

• improved biodiversity

• the provision of amenity spaces

Compared to conventional roofs, green roofs have lower burning heat load and lower temperatures. They also include materials not found on conventional roofs, which contribute to their environmental benefits. Additionally, the installation of green roofs requires experienced roofing contractors to ensure proper setup and maintenance.

Green roofs are the most holistic and multifaceted design strategy for these surfaces, but other considerations such as cool roofs, the incorporation of rooftop gyms or exercise areas, and solar panels are a few examples of smart rooftop design that contribute to a healthy building or sustainable building strategy.

Sustainable building rooftops Reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect

One of the most important influences that rooftops can have is a reduction of Urban Heat Islands (UHI). This phenomenon describes the prevalence of higher temperatures that arise in dense, urban regions, due to the presence of man-made surfaces with higher heat retaining properties than those in natural environments.

Out of the entire building envelope, roofs are subject to the highest amount of solar irradiance, making their albedo properties the most important to curb the effects of UHI (Costanzo).

With the rise of temperatures across the globe comes the rise of heat related deaths. Increased respiratory disease, heat stress, reduced productivity, discomfort, and mental health challenges can all also occur due to increased warming (Swain).

With UHI compounded with the rising temperatures, the physical health and wellness of those residing in cities becomes more dire—making it an essential problem to address.

The most common strategies to reduce UHI on roofs is to implement cool or green roof strategies. Cool roofs use highly reflective coating such as white paint to reduce heat absorption, while green roofs implement plants and other vegetation, which acts as insulation and a cooling mechanism for the building and surrounding microclimate.

Additionally, green roofs and cool roofs can reduce the energy demand for air conditioning by keeping the interior temperature cooler and lowering energy bills.

Increase Energy Efficiency via green roofs

The implementation of smart roof design has the potential to greatly increase building energy efficiency. For one, green roofs can reduce building cooling loads and therefore increase HVAC efficiency. Also, Solar panels can be implemented on roofs to grow renewable energy use.

When used in tandem, green roofs and solar panels can be implemented on the same roof and provide dual benefits. Reducing energy consumption through green roofs can also help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Generally, roofs are dark, heat absorbing surfaces that have the potential to raise building temperatures and increase cooling demands. Plants and greenery naturally reduce the temperature of roofs and add an insulation layer, diminishing the amount of hot and cold air affecting the building’s temperature, further regulating it.

In addition, the cooler microclimate created by rooftop greenery can increase the efficiency of rooftop HVAC systems (“Green Roof Benefits”).

In addition, solar panels can be placed on rooftops to act as a renewable energy source for a building. Although usually thought of separately, if a green roof and solar panels are used together, known as a biosolar roof, the benefits increase.

Like rooftop HVAC systems, solar panels work more efficiently in cooler climates, making the combination of vegetative cooling and solar panel energy creation a beneficial, symbiotic relationship (“Green Roofs-Solar”).

Improve Rainwater Management on green rooftops

Rainwater management and collection is a commonly mentioned concept in many building certification and rating systems, and can be improved through the implementation of green roofs. Impervious surfaces and hardscapes cause excess water runoff, which can disrupt natural hydrology and ecosystems, as well as contaminating water bodies with pollutants.

Green roofs reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and delay the time at which runoff occurs, resulting in decreased stress on sewer systems at peak flow periods. Pervious surfaces that allow for water absorption, capture, and reuse can be implemented through green roofs and through the incorporation of surfaces such as porous pavement or grid pavers.

Green roofs can capture the water as it falls, and filter out its pollutants naturally, reducing the burden on sewer systems and avoiding flooding, as well as preventing toxins from entering water bodies. It has been found that green roofs can hold 70-90% of the rain that falls on them in the summer, and 25-40% in the winter (“About”).

Once captured, this water can be redistributed throughout the building such as in irrigation, toilets, and other non-potable uses.

The use of green roofs and pervious landscaping can greatly impact rainwater management and reduce water demand within buildings.

One study done by researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that green roofs retain around 80% of fallen water, while traditional roofs captured closer to 24% of rainfall (“Green Roof Benefits”). However, when designing roofs for rainwater capture and reuse, it is essential that loads are calculated, and proper sealing of the building envelope is executed to avoid any leaks.

Improve Biodiversity with a green rooftop

Cities are barren compared to the natural world, and therefore provide fewer habitats for flora and fauna. Implementing green roofs within urban regions is a way to use often underutilized spaces to increase the presence and diversity of species within the built environment. Green roofs contribute to creating green space in urban areas, supporting biodiversity and improving the urban environment.

Increasing biodiversity in cities can not only improve the health of those ecosystems themselves, but also the systems that function around them–such as the hydrological or nutrient cycles. In addition, from a mental health standpoint, the visual presence and interaction with a diversity of species can be positive for human well-being (“About”).

Plants, especially native species promote the livelihood of birds, insects, and butterflies and restore the ecological cycles that are often disrupted in cities. In addition to providing an immediate habitat for animals, green pockets can provide places of respite for animals and provide more closely connected habitats for migrating birds and other species that would otherwise be fragmented by cities (“About”).

In addition to greenery, when solar panels are implemented as well on biosolar roofs, they can provide additional landscape diversity. The panels provide shade and protection, as well as a place for water runoff, creating a wetter side and a drier side. The implementation of PV can therefore cause a “habitat mosaic”, attracting a wider variety of flora and fauna and further increasing biodiversity (“Green Roofs-Solar”).

nike rooftop activation barcelona

Provide Amenity Spaces with a healthy building rooftop

In addition to the ecological benefits of green rooftops, they can also provide social and mental health benefits for building users. Strategies such as rooftop gyms and community gathering spaces can provide further benefits. Green walls can also contribute to urban greening by providing additional green infrastructure and improving air quality.

Outdoor exercise has been proven to have additional benefits when compared with traditional exercise, such as greater mood improvements, decreases in anxiety and increases in the desire to be active. Due to the mental and physical health benefits from both nature exposure and exercise, the combination of the two provides even greater gains (Loureiro).

Implementing exercise spaces and gyms on rooftops is an impactful way to improve the health and wellness of building users, while avoiding building footprint increases. Rooftop gardens can provide amenity spaces and enhance the sustainability of urban areas.

In addition, publicly accessible rooftops can provide places of respite and locations to gather as a community. Community gardens can be placed to encourage building users to spend time outside in nature, provide educational opportunities, improve nutrition and food awareness, and reduce the local community’s food footprint (“About”).

Finally, aesthetic roofs with various amenities can encourage occupants to utilize the space for events and social gatherings, further promoting community, connection to the outdoors, and overall wellness.

Sources

“About Green Roofs.” Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, https://greenroofs.org/about-green-roofs

Costanzo, V., et al. “Energy Savings in Buildings or UHI Mitigation? Comparison between Green Roofs and Cool Roofs.” Energy and Buildings, Elsevier, 12 May 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378778815003527.

“Green Roof Benefits.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, https://www.nps.gov/tps/sustainability/new-technology/green-roofs/benefits.htm.

“Green Roofs and Solar Power – Biosolar Roofs Are Smart Green Infrastructure.” Livingroofs, 29 Oct. 2019, https://livingroofs.org/green-roofs-solar-power/.

Loureiro, Ana, and Susana Veloso. “Green Exercise, Health and Well-Being.” ResearchGate, Springer, Aug. 2017, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308099577_Green_Exercise_Health_and_Well-Being

Swain, Sunanda SwainSunanda. “Urban Heat Island Effect: Causes, Impacts and Mitigation.” Blogging Hub, 4 June 2019, www.cleantechloops.com/urban-heat- island-effect/.

“Urban Roofscapes: Using ‘Wasted’ Rooftop Real Estate to an Ecological Advantage.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 25 July 2008, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/urban-roofscapes-ecofriendly-rooftops/.

Healthy Materials Advocate - Parsons School of Design

We recently completed the Parsons School of Design certificate in Healthier Materials & Sustainable Building. So how is the Parsons Healthy Materials Lab ‘making buildings better’?

What is a healthy building material?

The basic premise behind the Healthy Materials Lab is that building materials can negatively impact occupant health by a number of routes, primarily:

• ‘volatilization’ of chemicals in those building materials (a.k.a off-gassing of Volatile Organic Compounds) most commonly in wet-applied materials and composite wood products

• chemical degradation of materials due to exposure to water or sunlight, thereby releasing chemicals from the material into the indoor air'

• abrasion can do much the same thing as materials are scuffed or rubbed while in use, releasing chemicals into the air

• oxidation of materials such as burning or rusting, a process that can release harmful substances into the indoor environment

• leaching, as materials dissolve into liquid such as water, for example as occurs in lead pipes

• climate change has a negative impact on outdoor air quality, that in turn finds its way into our buildings, especially when inadequate ventilation system filters are in use

These chemicals can then get into the body via a number of routes, such as:

• inhalation

• ingestion

• hand-to-mouth ingestion (having touched a dirty surface)

• absorption through the skin or hair follicles

• breastfeeding

• placental transfer meaning babies can be exposed to chemicals even before they are born

In terms of the impacts on our health, there are are number of main risks to be aware of, including:

• asthmagens - asthma

• carcinogens - cancer

• endocrine disruptors - infertility

• preterm birth via exposure to VOCs, formaldehyde, benzene and particulate matter (PM)

• autism via exposure to environmental factors such as air pollutants and mercury

• obesity via exposure to PFC (perfluorinated chemicals), flame retardants and phtalates

To counter balance what can seem a disturbingly long list of health risks, as wellness interior designers and healthy building consultants we can and indeed should demand ever greater transparency from material manufacturers.

If we don’t know what’s inside a product, or even worse, if a manufacturer doesn’t know everything that’s in their own product, based on the Precautionary Principle it has to be classified as a risk for the health of the interiors or entire building in question.

In practical terms, this means giving health a seat at the design table, right up there alongside form and function.

We are, in short, talking about a fundamental shift towards healthy design strategies, whilst maintaining the aesthetics, quality and durability of traditional design.

It is not one or the other, but rather an expanded interpretation of what good design means. Human and planetary health need to be part of that process.

What work is the Healthy Materials Lab doing?

Fundamentally the lab is there is ‘make buildings better’ as their tagline states succinctly. Their aim is to raise awareness about toxic chemicals in building products while providing a range of resources for designers and architects, like us, to educate themselves on how to create healthier indoor environments, be they offices, homes, gyms, education or healthcare facilities.

These include both online and in-person classes at Parsons on healthy materials for buildings and interiors, educational events, content creation and dissemination of digital information via their media communications channels, such as the Tools & Guides to ‘help designers architects, homeowners and developers make more informed choices about building materials and health’.

https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides

The Lab also has a particular angle on affordable housing as many of the worst examples of sick buildings are found in poorer neighborhoods, the team therefore looks to empower communities living in poverty to remove toxic substances from their built environments.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE WITH A PROFESSIONAL INTEREST IN THIS URGENT TOPIC

Healthy Materials Course / Program Description:

Developed by education experts at Parsons’ Healthy Materials Lab, this online certificate program has been created to provide designers, architects, developers, contractors, management companies and facilities personnel with material health information, consolidated in one educational offering that will build their capacity to positively transform their practices with human health at the forefront of their decisions.

It is composed of four self-paced online courses, which lead to a certificate in Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building.

The first and second courses provide an introduction to key topics in the field of materials and health for those with general or more specialized interests.

The third and fourth courses are geared towards professionals in the built environment, and those concerned with making a positive impact in product specification, installation, and maintenance.

The goal of the program is to empower practitioners to make change with the knowledge that healthier buildings lead to healthier lives.

The program is intended to both complement existing Parsons degree programs and serve as continuing education for professionals.

healthy buildings vs sick building syndrome

What are the cognitive health benefits of green healthy buildings?

Source: THE COGFX STUDY https://thecogfxstudy.com/study-1/

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

Unexplained feelings of fatigue, irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or headaches when spending long days in an office or home can be signs of an unhealthy indoor environment.

Although the immediate symptoms may be deemed ‘light’, the long-term effects can include respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. 

This is the story of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and how its counterpart, healthy buildings, are fighting back in the post-Covid era.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Leaving aside any external factors such as lack of sleep, any existing ailments, poor nutrition, low level dehydration, or simply a hangover (!), indoor environmental quality (IEQ) has a tangible impact on our energy levels, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing yet, pre-Covid at least, was largely overlooked outside of certain progressive workplaces.

For more on this, see the Harvard Cognitive FX study on IEQ in green buildings, where IEQ is defined as being made up of - reduced levels of Volatile Organic Compounds, access to daylighting and views, smart lighting systems, and thermal comfort.

IEQ is suddenly top of the agenda in the form of enhanced indoor ventilation, air purification strategies, healthy interior materials and enhanced cleaning protocols. 

Its sub-group, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), is focused specifically on measuring indoor air to monitor occupant exposure to Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon iodide (CO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3) and Fine Particulate Matter (dust).

Healthy materials
The main source of circulating interior toxins come from what we can loosely call ‘unhealthy’ materials, i.e. those that off-gas chemical toxins into the air during their lifecycle, which to be clear, can mean during the production phase, the in-use phase and the end-of-life phase!

That new paint or furniture smell isn’t a good sign in other words, especially as the after-effects can linger for months if not years due to steady erosion (friction and wear) during the use phase, photo degradation from sunlight and volatilization (natural degradation off-gassing). 

VOCs chemical off-gasses

These chemicals can then be inhaled, absorbed via the skin or ingested by building occupants. Much of this can go unnoticed of course… until it doesn’t. The eventual health impact depends on the dose, frequency and duration of the exposure to such chemicals as well as each occupant’s personal genetic make-up and health condition.

Health risks in building interiors

Chemicals brought into interiors can be asthmagens, carcinogens and hormonal disruptors, so the risk is not to be taken lightly. And that’s before considering issues such as mold, flame retardants (found in old furniture) and pesticides, as well as outdated building materials such as asbestos or lead paint, even certain type of nail polish and perfumes will negatively impact indoor air quality.

This should not be the case in a brand new skyscraper but remains all too common in the affordable housing sector for example - think of how peeling paint and poor maintenance in an old building originally constructed using low grade materials could compound over time to create a severe case of Sick Building Syndrome for occupants

Common toxins to avoid in building materials and products

Unhealthy materials and toxic chemicals can be found in many different interior sources. Most commonly in insulation materials, paints and coatings, adhesives, furniture and fabrics, flooring and ceiling panels. 

Although there are many different toxins that reside in building materials, some of the most common include VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), SVOCs (Semi-volatile Organic Compounds), Lead and HFRs (Halogenated flame retardants). 

Healthy building glossary

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and SVOCs (Semi-volatile Organic Compounds) become gaseous at room temperature, can be ingested or inhaled, and pose health risks even with minimal amounts of chemicals.

Lead is most commonly found in paints and can impair cognitive function—a trait that is especially dangerous for young children. 

HFRs are commonly ingested through dust particles, inhaled or skin contact and can be found in furnishings and electrical devices. 

Active Travel in Healthy Buildings

An interview with James Nash, founder of Active Travel Score

https://activetravelscore.com/

What is active travel?

Active travel is any traditional or any non-motorized transport that isn’t cars, trains, public transport, or buses, for example, so any small, lightweight, possibly motorized way of getting around like an E-scooter, but also running, walking, or cycling to / from a building.

The journey started for me around about 15-16 years ago. When I was at university, I did a business management degree. And going into my final year, when I was into it, I went to Vienna of all places, and I was just struck by how popular cycling was there. And obviously, everyone thinks of Holland being bike friendly. But I was surprised. And it's the first time I'd seen a bicycle rental system on the street. So I just thought “bikes”, yeah, this is going to come to the UK at some point. And it just stuck in my mind.

Then as part of a final year project, I had to come up with a business idea. So myself and six others in our group, if you like at university, and our final year, had to do quite a business idea, and ours was coming up with a bicycle parking product, which we designed. The two of us left university and we decided to set up a business selling bicycle parking products. And we did that for the best part of 10 years. And that grew.

Most obviously, the kind of uptick we saw in cycling across the UK over the past. Sort of, we've seen it for about 15 years now. But then it got to the point about four or five years ago when we saw the opportunity for a certification within active travel. So we launched what was cycling school and is now active school.

My other business is Bike Dock Solutions as a product seller of bike racks and bicycle parking products. And we notice that day in day out, we were giving advice to architects on how to best layout cycle facilities are active travel facilities within commercial and residential buildings, off the large scale, sort of the skyscrapers you see all around London or any other major cities.

So we realized there was an opportunity and and a lack of knowledge of how to do this. So that was really the I suppose the brainwave or the lightbulb moment that there really needs to be an educational tool for the market, the real estate market, and so he started cycling school.

Designing active travel into a building

I think the government planning authorities have really got to grips with this over the past 15 years, in terms of putting the infrastructure into buildings. So storage for bikes, for example, or soon to be storage for E scooters. They genuinely have really started to be demanding for bike racks for new builds. And I'll say that really made developers get their head around it.

Over the past 10 years, planners have been asking for it and developers have been putting it in. There's now a real business case for putting in good active travel facilities in buildings - landlords see that they drive up rents and longer leases for their tenants or their residents. It's simply what people want from a building now.

City planning and active travel

So if it's a residential development, it varies up and down in the UK, and it varies across the world as it should do because cycling. And active travel cultures are different city to city, country to country. So it's important that there are different standards out there, because you don't want to be over subscribing, the number of bike parking spaces within a building, or under subscribing.

So it may be two, it needs to be out of a block of, say, 1000 apartments that get built. And the planning authority will say we will only grant you planning permission if you provide to bike parking spaces per apartment. And it isn't this thing, these aren't kind of like, oh, we'd like you to do this. But we'll give you planning anyway. You have to do it now.

So for example, 22 Bishopsgate, which is a commercial development in London, and it's the largest office building in Europe. It's actually got 1700 bike parking spaces within it. And that is because they had to do it for planning. Hmm. At the moment, are there too many spaces in there for the occupancy levels? There probably is, however, in five years time, or 10 years time, will there be, you know, under-utilization? Absolutely, based on the way active travel is go in, those spaces will get filled. So there needs to be an element of future-proofing to these new developments that are coming along.

Green building standards and active travel

Out of the two is it developers who listen more to green building standards or city planner? I'd say it's the planners. So the idea is have the full control because at the end of the day, if you don't meet their planning commands, requirements, right, that you build your building.

And so they're the most important than site and the fact that particularly in say London, they their demands are very LV demanding. And we are a lot of our clients often will get us involved because they want to send check some of the numbers because they put in an application for planning and then realize how many bike racks I have to provide.

And I think will easy is actually feasible. And so often we'll work with them to get their heads around it. And to explain that yeah, these are you can't think about these V spaces for now, you've got to think of the next 10 years. And then when they realize actually the long term value for putting in these spaces now. And they're a lot more comfortable with Yeah, going into it and stop stopping argument with the local authority or often the planners who asked him for these to go in now.

Healthy building standards

However, I'd say secondary to that. I suppose yourself, you know, how popular now these green certifications are and the health and wellbeing ones like well, lead Breann they're slowly but surely put in more importance on active travel. So they're really beginning to understand its importance in improving buildings overall, whether it's for the standard sustainability side of things or the health and wellbeing side of things.

Active travel facility design

It is important to bear in mind that what makes an active travel facility isn't just the infrastructure. So when I say infrastructure, I mean, the tangible things you can see, and you can touch. So they are extremely important. And so for our certification, they're worth 70%, of what we score. However, on top of that, and I'll go into more detail about what makes good infrastructure in a minute. But on top of that, what is very important is services.

So it's the softer measures within a building. So 20% of what we score, for example, is the active travel services. So is there a bicycle maintenance mechanic that can come to, to the to the building, once every quarter, or once every six months? Is there a laundry service provided for the tenants within a building or residence. So it's the softer measures as well. So that's something else we really want to say.

And the final 10% is future proofing. So what we want to see is that there's a plan in place that the building has to cope with the increase in active travel that we're going to see going forward is so important, especially now, with the post pandemic era where active travel has seen a real big uptick, it's probably sped things up by at least probably five years in a lot of areas, I'd say, in terms of the popularity. So it's not just infrastructure, it's the overall picture of the softer measures as well.

But in terms of blank canvas, infrastructure wise, that's what everyone thinks of when they want to see in is good access. So ideally, we don't want to be having people who are going by active travel, crossing with motor vehicles, we want to have it set completely separated, so their own insurance, so there's no risk of being hit by car, for example. We want security to be good.

So at least two layers of security because, unfortunately, a lot of the methods of active travel such as cycling or a scootering. They obviously bikes and scooters do get stolen very often. So security is extremely important. We like to see two layers of security. So it's a lot harder for someone just to get in, take a bike on a scooter and get out. Once you're inside the facility.

Designing active travel facilities

What we would love to see is a mixture of racking systems. So we'd like to see low level racking systems for and what this enables is for people who may not be able to lift the bike, or maybe have three wheeled bike two tracks, for example, to be able to park their bikes securely. And we like to see a scooter of X starting to appear. Especially as although there are illegal emojis now, building managers need to start thinking about them, because within the next year is pretty much guaranteed that personal e scooters are going to be legalized in the UK.

Active commuters

We also like to see if it's commercial office space, we want to see good high quality showers as well. And that's important so that people will encourage the cycle there's no barrier there to think I'm not going to ride my bike this morning. Because I can't shower when I get to work. We want to see good, good good shower facilities. Lockers are very important because lockers for that so that people can store their items or clothing.

So for example, some people may choose to run into work and then have a shower. So what you want we want to see is enough lockers so that cyclists who want to put their helmets and their bike lights or whatever it might be in a locker, obviously do have a locker but then we need an over provision so that foreigners can actually use have a locker as well.

We'd like to have a really nice look and feel where possible. So by this we want to see the spaces to be not just whitewash blank walls that traditionally is what you get, and are pretty uninspiring we want them to look more like front of house. So if you went into an apartment block or you went into a reception of a commercial building, we'd like to see the active travel spaces, looking more like that soak some color and make them inviting and some of our clients have even chosen to have music playing in their active travel facilities now, so it really is like Front of House As we think it should be. So in terms of infrastructure, that is what we'd like to say.

Active travel and active design

In years gone by it made sense to have spent all this money on reception areas and have all these amazing artworks and think God isn't this great.But then for years, people you could have the other it could be MD of Deutsche Bank who's in your building will actually cycle to work. And they're literally parking their bike in the bins near the bin storage under the under the building. And it doesn't really make any sense. Because if you're a landlord of that building, you want to keep them that bank they're in and you see you need your whole building to be a nice experience. However, there's I can guarantee 90% of buildings in London, probably very much still like that, it despite how much it's been made, and how things are changing. And so it's the whole whole, the whole building needs to be a good experience. And if there is, is less likely tenants or residents are going to leave, and you might be able to charge them more.

Healthy real estate and active travel

And so what's amazing is that a lot of that kind of traditional thinking is, well, an old building, there's not really any point making any effort it because, you know, all these new builds can come along and just put bite racking in and make them look great. But in reality, that's not the case, it's the investment really isn't anywhere near as much as what I think a lot of developers or a lot of existing landlords are building think is, especially when you consider the benefit of it in terms of long term to business case, in terms of how to keeping people tenants happy or attracting tenants because you know, there's there's, there's there's a lot of movement, as always, in real estate are people coming and going. And so it helps to kind of give yourself a bit very best chance if a building or company taking space knows their employees are going to have a great experience when they get into work, parking their bike, having a shower, going for one at lunchtime, whatever it may be.

the future of active travel facilities

If we went up to the pandemic and what I've seen in terms of the increase in active travel in the 12 or so years up until that point, and I'd say Most commercial buildings, certainly, and residential because of what was happening with planning anyway, would look completely different than the the facilities would be so much better. Just because of the way culture and people were naturally shifting across to active channel.

As I said, I think that pandemics may be going to actually take somewhere along this line, as five years out of that, in terms, it's going to make it happen so much quicker, because we're seeing now the the levels of people going into work by bike, even though people just started going back into London, for example, at Bristol, Manchester, and clients are getting inundated with cyclists in particular, people wanting to use the activetrail facilities.

So crystal ball wise, I'd say it's going to be completely different quantity wise how I don't know. But I wouldn't go far to say you've got a building like 22, Bishopsgate, being built in central London, and they're having to put 1700 spaces in their square footage is around about 1.3 million. I believe I might be wrong on that. But it's not far off. I would say that in five years time that there'll be asking for at least two and a half 1000 bike racks. I can't see how they won't be possibly 3000. So it kind of shows where we're going to go. Overall.

Well healthy building standard and active travel

With WELL, it's more of a focus on the cycling side of things, because that's what they tend to look at, at the moment, mainly at. And so I'm an advisor to them on the movement side of the certification. And so they're they certainly over the past five years, taken more, obviously, more than interested interest is the wrong word. But they realize it's more important than it was before. So that that's why they're there.

They're great in that they always any subjects, they've got so many advisors, and they always try and cherry pick people who are seen as an expert in an area and to work with them to help them develop their standard out. So that's what I've done over the past few years. But they're a really good example of a certification and they're all doing the same. Please be doing the same Breann or doing the same lead, which is obviously more popular in the states are doing exactly the same as well.

Active travel experts

Architects are extremely good at what they do. But there's no way they can have the knowledge that say we do an active child facilities because we spend day in day out doing it. So they just know why they can have the same knowledge. So what what kind of worked really well for us is ultimately we, when we started the certification, we realize that the certification was really going to work well because it enabled buildings to get educated guess and work out how good their facilities are, and now allows buildings to who've got good facilities to have a seal of approval and use it as a marketing tool.

But also the certification allows buildings that maybe aren't so good at the moment and aren't scoring particularly well to go on a journey with us over a period of however many years to overtime, improve their facilities and subsequently improve their score. However, we also realize that yes, there is a slight knowledge gap in terms of designing actual facilities.

So that's why we wanted to have a design service alongside that. So if we have a client that's working on a new development, or they want to undertake a refurbishment project, potentially for an existing building, we can work with them to help them and their design team to, to produce the very best facility possible with the space they have, the budget they have, etc, etc, and then certify afterwards as well.

So it's working extremely well. And I'd say, we tend to work most of our clients on the design side, we're working with clients, architects, rather than us doing the job of the architect, which yes, we can do. And we did do that for that building in Bristol. But most of the time, we work alongside a client's existing architect to ensure the very best outcome for the active travel facility.

Active Travel Score Certification fees

Yes, so the certification, we think it's pretty good value. I mean, we see a yearly fee of 1195 pounds for the certification, and we have a two year license period. So a client would have to sign up for a minimum of two years, so works out to be Yeah, just under two and a half 1000 pounds in total, as a commitment. And over that period, we'll work with them to try and improve their facility.

And after the two years, if they wish to renew it, and then that's what will happen, and hopefully, they'll score even better next time around. And it's, the idea is, it's almost like an insurance policy, I guess, for the client. So that while active travel is obviously taking off more so and increasing year on year, they don't get left behind.

So that's the certification. And in terms of the design advice, where we work with architect, we charge 3000 pounds, and that includes the design advice workshops with their architect, and a two year certification period as well.

Active Travel Accredited Professionals

We've literally launched our Accredited Professionals program in the past month, we'll call it a little bit of a soft launch. So far. Because we it's no isn't finished, we're actually not charging for it. Because we want to just make sure the offering is as good as it can be. And ultimately, we do see it being obviously useful for us in terms of being able to scale active score, internationally. But also, we think it will be an extremely useful tool for people who want to get more educated on the subject.

So architects who are going to be working on active trial facilities, project to project for example, I think this would be really, really useful for because we'll take them through the over you know, what makes a good facility and be able to keep them up to date with trends.

So for example, a bike rack a bike charging racks are coming in a scooter charging Max are coming in. They're just two new things that architects currently will know very little about, or where to get them for, so we can help them with that. So yeah, the AP program we do think although it's new, we do expect it to be very good for us.

https://activetravelscore.com/

how to create a healthy indoor environment — biofilico wellness interiors

Biophilic Design Display at Can Ikigai, Barcelona by Biofilico

Describe Your Work in the Healthy Buildings and Workplace Wellness Space

I take a nature-oriented approach to health and wellbeing, focusing on the real estate and hospitality sectors, including offices, residences, gyms, and hotels, to create healthy indoor environments.

Biofilico offers creative design, interior consulting, and building certification services. We design wellbeing interiors ourselves or collaborate with architects, engineers, and project management as external advisors with specific briefs.

In every project, our aim is to enhance an interior’s mental and physical health by ensuring good indoor environment quality. Energy efficiency measures are integrated into our designs to ensure good indoor air quality and occupant health. Offices, homes, and hotels are now key areas of focus. Additionally, I work at a strategic level, helping real estate developers align their property developments with ESG principles.

Biofit, on the other hand, focuses specifically on wellness concepts, gym design, and wellbeing programs for hotels and workplaces.

Both businesses are intricately related to the spaces we spend our time in, aiming to ensure buildings are aligned with our health and the planet's wellbeing.

What is a ‘Sick Building’ Compared to a Healthy Building?

A sick building can manifest in various ways, including headaches, concentration problems, low energy levels, reduced cognitive function, high numbers of staff sick days, and other health problems.

In contrast, a healthy building that integrates wellbeing interior design and follows a global standard, such as the WELL Certification, promotes occupant mental and physical health. This involves construction or refurbishment, interior fit-out, and facilities management policies once the building is in use.

These wellbeing design principles can be applied both in the workplace and at home, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design bridges sustainability and human wellbeing in real estate and interiors. It involves nature-inspired design that brings the outside world in, providing positive benefits for both people and the planet.

Green building strategies focus on a building’s environmental impact, while healthy building strategies prioritize the wellbeing of its occupants. Biophilic design is multisensory, combining aesthetics with touch, smell, and sound, often involving natural patterns, textures, circadian lighting, and many plants.

Biophilic design can vary from clean, precise lines to neutral, calming tones and organic materials, showing its versatility. This design approach can enhance the indoor environmental quality, reducing the negative effects of poor indoor air quality.

How Does Biophilic Design Connect with Healthy Buildings?

Biophilic design is a key element of healthy buildings, which has gained prominence due to the increased time we spend indoors. The wellbeing of the workforce and its relation to the physical work environment is now more relevant than ever. This connection helps reduce health risks and improve occupant comfort.

What are the Health Benefits of Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design can increase productivity and concentration levels in workspaces and speed up patient recovery times. It’s gaining interest in sectors like senior living, as it helps in reducing health conditions such as heart disease and lung cancer.

Certain countries have doctors prescribing time in nature for stressed professionals. Biophilic design aims to capture the calming, energizing effects of nature in an indoor environment, benefiting us even as urbanization cuts us off from natural spaces.

Studies show that biophilic elements in hotel lobbies and office reception areas extend lingering time, making people feel comfortable and at ease. This is particularly important in urban areas where fresh air supply and outdoor air pollution are major concerns.

What Research Studies Prove the Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace?

In 2017, Biofilico was commissioned by EcoWorld Ballymore to create a Vitamin Nature recharge room in London’s Canary Wharf. This greenhouse space, full of air-purifying plants, natural light, and circadian lighting, provided a digital detox zone for 108 local workers.

The study showed significant improvements: 74% felt an improvement in mood, 87% felt less stressed, 83% felt more productive, and 87% felt more creative. These findings highlight the importance of creating healthy indoor environments that support human health and productivity.

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial at home and work. Strategies include natural ventilation, air-purifying plants, and enhanced air conditioning filters like MERV13 for dust particles and carbon filters for VOCs. These strategies help mitigate the effects of indoor air pollution and airborne pollutants.

Commercial-grade air quality monitors provide detailed, real-time data, essential for any healthy building certification system like WELL.

How Does a Healthy Building Improve Air Quality?

Natural ventilation strategies require at least two windows open to create a passage of air from one part of the space to another. This gentle airflow connects you with the outside world in a multisensory way, preventing drowsiness and clearing out dust particles from the indoor air.

We can also work with plants to improve indoor air. A famous NASA study identified several plants that improve air quality, such as Spider plants, Chinese Evergreen, Boston ferns, Bamboo Palm, and ZZ plants. These plants remove CO2 by day and give off Oxygen at night, making them ideal for indoor use, including in bedrooms.

For workplace environments, facilities management or HR teams can request enhanced air conditioning filter systems. Carbon filters are good for VOCs, and MERV13 filters are effective for dust particles. This helps in maintaining a healthy indoor air quality and reducing airborne particles.

Monitoring air quality is essential when purifying the air in a healthy building. Commercial-grade air quality monitors are easy to install and are an essential piece of any healthy building certification system like WELL. These monitors provide real-time data that can be displayed to building occupants, enhancing transparency and awareness.

What are Healthy Materials in an Interior Affecting Indoor Air Quality?

Materials and finishes can release hazardous chemicals into the air. Preventing these chemicals is fundamental to ensuring a healthy indoor environment.

Choose natural materials like linen, cotton, jute, wood, wool, leather, bamboo, cork, clay, and bio-materials. Avoid plastics, synthetics, epoxies, and resins. Ensure material transparency by asking for ingredient lists and looking for third-party certifications like Cradle to Cradle.

By selecting healthy and non-toxic materials as part of an interior fit-out, we can limit the exposure occupants have to harmful chemicals, reducing health risks. Material transparency is key to ensuring a healthy indoor environment.

An introduction to biophilic design and wellbeing interior concepts

What is a green building vs a healthy building?

The real estate industry has increasingly shifted away from thinking exclusively about 'green buildings' and 'sustainable real estate' in what has been a quiet revolution over the last 10-15 years towards building occupant wellbeing and human health, extending the concept further to give a mix of Planet (green buildings) and People (healthy buildings).

What role do smart buildings play?

Aligned with that, we are increasingly looking at smart buildings too, so 'healthy, green and smart' are becoming the holy trinity of high performance real estate today in other words.

Thinking about a workplace, home, building, or an entire community that is healthy, green and smart means we have three possible levers to play with. Let's leave the smart slightly to the side for now.

Biophilic design in wellbeing interiors

When we're thinking about wellbeing interiors, there's been this massive shift towards appreciation for integrating nature into an indoor environment, a concept now typically referred to as biophilia, which is really just our innate connection to to the natural world and how increasingly urban environments, come with their own risks because we end up disconnected from where we came from.

Biophilic design brings the outside world back in. I started doing gyms and then branched out into coworking spaces, business clubs, offices and now entire buildings. The focus there is combining elements of both eco-friendly and sustainable interiors that are conscious of how an indoor environment’s materials, fabrics, plant count and so on can also affect occupant wellbeing.

What's fascinating is that the natural and organic are inherently healthy, just think about diet for example. So natural positioning for a brand or office interior in a Silicon Valley tech company is a fundamental piece of their workplace wellness and employee engagement strategies. Not not just doing less harm to the environment but actually giving something back to your people, to your employees who are spending their days there.

What are the benefits of biophilic design in the workplace?

Besides making just about any interior space more pleasant and uplifting, biophilic interior designers can make a workspace more productive for workers, helping with concentration with views onto nature, be it direct or indirect, living or a representation of nature in other words. Both work, as it turns out!

Biophilic spaces also foster feelings of vitality and by being connected to nature during the work day the research shows it promotes overall positivity. We also look for data, tangible results that highlight the impact of such biophilic design interventions, it’s not enough to rely o aesthetic improvements alone, we’re after functional health improvements here.

What data or science is there behind biophilic design’s benefits?

That's where the tech piece loops back in, increasingly all of this needs to be data driven and/or scientifically backed, delivering functional health benefits. One area of particular interest is indoor air quality, previously this was wrapped up in the wide-ranging healthy building certifications such as WELL Standard and Fitwel. Now though, we’ve seen dedicated air quality standards coming onto the market such as RESET AIR. This is a real sign of the times and holds the key to more widely available data around indoor air quality.

When you're dealing with a workplace, we don't have a standardized system of rankings for how healthy a space it is. The green building movement did make some progress in that sense, with certifications like LEED and BREEAM and various others all around the world starting the process off.

how do smart building certifications fit into this?

More recently we've had smart certification systems come into the market; I tend to use WIRED Score. They go in and make sure that everything within that building or workplace is future-proofed so that you can effectively integrate tech into your facilities management system, opening the door not just to high connectivity but also energy efficiencies, invaluable building usage data, and so on.

Air quality monitors produce data every hour that can be analyzed online and set-up to send alarm notifications whenever there is a change in air quality in a particular space, for example if something doesn’t look right in a particular meeting room because it has been full of workers for four hours straight and the ventilation system has started to play up. Technology gives us a real time view of the health credentials of a space, no matter its function.

Yes, there is a modest cost to all of this but once you're set up I think you then get into discussions around providing support for your occupants, guests or customers. You’ve made health a priority. Another tangible output is often productivity rates and less low-level anxiety.

Work doesn’t need to be about putting hours in at your desk in a specific corner of the office, it's about how much can you produce and what type of space(s) do you need to do your best work, adding value to the company’s bottom line in the process?

Does biophilic design have its own wellness building standard?

Biophilic design is a part of building standards such as LEED or BREEAM for example, there are components within them that give credits or recognition for integrating elements of biophilic design so rather than being a separate standard it appears as a feature, or a design strategy that we use to not just tick boxes on a standard’s check list but to deliver tangible aesthetic enhancements to an interiors space.

So in a sense, biophilia sits between the two worlds of green and healthy buildings, with wellbeing interior design on one side and sustainable design on the other. In other words, if I create a biophilic office or biophilic gym for example for a project pursuing LEED or WELL, it would secure points for both standards.

what about wellness lighting?

There has been real revolution in lighting systems over the last few years, and so there's a few different ways of looking at it one would be to say, okay, how can we, first of all, reduce energy expenditure with the lighting? That’s the easy part, we've been doing that for a little while now.

Then it becomes, ‘how can we enhance wellbeing through our lighting choices?’ That’s where smart lighting systems, exposure to natural daylight, even color therapy come in. It’s all about the spectrum of light we use, that affects our energy levels basically.

From a biophilic design perspective, I take inspiration from ancestral health practices, with a brighter blue-white light in the mornings and into the middle of the day, then softer, more amber hues or yellow and orange with no blue at all after dark. That means no TV and no bright halogen overhead lights please otherwise it disrupts sleeping patterns, that then results in decreased energy levels the next day, and we all know what feels like.

We see hotels engaging with that concept but workplaces are only really just catching on. How many of us have spent entire days in offices with intense blue-white halogen lights above us from nine o'clock in the morning until nine o'clock at night, then you go home and guess what, it's hard to switch off despite being tired!

If it’s dark at 5pm in winter, consider a task lamp on your desk combined with a softer uplighter on a wall or a standing lamp with a dimmer option. We want energy levels not to drop but we also need to protect the quality of our sleep once the work is done. It’s not that complicated really once you work it out.

how do you apply your knowledge to residential projects now?

I'm often dealing in quite large-scale projects, so it might be an eight-story mixed-use real estate development in London, an entire hotel or various fitness rooms and gyms in a health centre. When I have scale, I'm part of a team working alongside engineers, architects even interior design studios. Over the last year though I've been at home and so my challenge has been to take some of this big picture thinking and apply it to my own little world of a home office environment with wellbeing interiors and biophilic design principles.

I've created a home gym space as well as a home office in fact, applying the knowledge gained from commercial or hospitality projects and converting them into a residential context. What happens when you apply those ideas to your home environment where you now spend a lot more time than you did before?!

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR WELLBEING INTERIORS OR BIOPHILIC DESIGN PROJECT

reset air quality standard - real estate - core & shell

What is a healthy building?

A healthy building definition is important to establish first and, for us, a building can only be considered “healthy” if it has a proven, positive impact on the mental & physical health of its occupants, whilst also doing no harm to the environment. We simply cannot accept that a building is good for People but harmful to the Planet, we must combine the two.

Imagine a people-focused building designed for maximum wellbeing benefits that also had a detrimental effect on the planet around it. The cross-over between green building concepts and healthy building concepts is obvious.

The rise of the healthy building movement over the past decade provides a new lens through which businesses can assess their performance and we are proud to be able to play a part in this process.

See our 9-point guide to healthy buildings here.

What is a smart building?

‘Smart’ is now right up there alongside ‘healthy’ and ‘green’ when it comes to desirable characteristics of a modern building.

We need data and information in order to monitor and optimize a building’s performance; ultimately ‘smart’ in this sense is effectively about ‘high performance’ buildings that are digitally connected with smart technology built in.

The leading smart building standard / certification for us is currently WiredScore, check them out here. They define a smart building by these four factors:

• an inspirational experience

• a sustainable building

• a cost-efficient building

• one that is future-proof by design

What is Indoor Air Quality in a healthy building?

Indoor pollutants such as CO2 have a negative impact on cognitive function and performance. the best solution is source control - nipping the problem in the bud, by not bringing harmful materials into the space that carry chemicals, VOCs or off-gases.

For that, we need building materials and fit-out materials that disclose their chemical ingredients, ideally with a healthy product accreditation to back up their claims.

One of the main culprits in this sense are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or chemicals that off-gas at ambient temperature from building materials such as particle board, glues, paints and carpet backing. 

Particulate Matter PM2.5 and PM10 are made up of dust and synthetic materials decomposing around us from furniture, fabrics and so on.

For RESET, Carbon Monoxide is only relevant for projects where combustion is present. As reference, CO reduces the amount of oxygen transported in the bloodstream, making it potentially lethal.

Sensor technology cannot cover every pollutant, other air quality sensors do exist but they are prohibitively expensive, so as the market for high-grade sensors steadily democratizes over coming years, new pollutants will be incorporated into the standard.

What is RESET for smart and healthy buildings?

RESET stands for “Regenerative, ecological, social and economic targets”. It is a healthy building standard and certification.

The company was started by architects in Shanghai in 2001 adopting an eastern perspective based on a 5000 year history of health and regeneration, rather than the explicitly green / sustainable approach promoted in the west.

Unlike other green building or healthy building standards, such as LEED, WELL or FITWEL, RESET AIR does not insist on any set, prescribed paths towards achieving high quality indoor air results.

Their approach is simply to leave the door open to innovation, how each project gets there is up to the project team. It is the destination that matters most in this instance, RESET do not concern themselves with prescribing the journey.

In their terms, this is a biomimetic approach, that takes its inspiration from nature and the biosphere’s 3.8 billion year history. They talk our language in other words!

What is the RESET Air for Core & Shell indoor air quality standard?

You’ll find that RESET AIR for Core & Shell, whether for new or existing buildings, is basically all about ongoing monitoring and analysis of high quality indoor air quality data, delivered to the RESET cloud via a network of professionally installed, pre-approved air quality monitors.

We are concerned primarily with particulate matter (PM2.5), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) in the outdoor air and the supply air including recirculated air that affects the building in question.

The data will be communicated back to building occupants as a way to raise awareness about this important healthy building theme, that has never been more relevant than in the post-Covid world.

Nota Bene: the intent here is different to that of RESET Air Commercial Interiors; in this case we are not focused on the quality of ‘mixed air’ that occupants inhale inside the building, for example in office spaces or communal areas.

Again, we are concerned exclusively with the quality of the air being delivered through the building’s HVAC system.

What affects the air quality of air in an HVAC system?

Clearly there is a world of difference between a remote coastal or countryside building and one in the middle of a megalopolis such as Shanghai.

Factors to consider here are location as well as a building’s orientation, the general climate, the age of the structure and HVAC system equipment, use type, and zoning calculations.

Daily averages are calculated based on hours of occupancy and international standards for Indoor Air Quality (‘IAQ’).

Qualifying projects must remain within these limits for a full three months in order to be certified, although there are a certification statuses available before then too (see separate article here on that).

• Particular Matter / PM2.5: Less than 12 μg/m3 (75% reduction. NB: When outdoor PM2.5 is ≤48μg/m3, indoor levels can be no more than 12μg/m3. When outdoor PM2.5 is >48μg/m3, filtration at the level of the air handling unit must remove 75% of PM2.5 at a minimum.

• Total Volatile Organic Compound / TVOC: less than 400 μg/m3

• Carbon Dioxide / CO2: less than 800 ppm

• Temperature: Monitored only as this impacts PM2.5 and TVOC

• Relative Humidity: Monitored only as this impacts PM2.5 and TVOC

What are the air quality Data Provider requirements?

Data is collected and transferred to te RESET Assessment Cloud online. For this reason projects have to use certified RESET Air Accredited Data Providers that connect to the RESET Assessment Cloud.

This may sound complicated but it isn’t really as some air quality monitor manufacturers such as Awair are also accredited data providers, so you deal with both steps in one purchase effectively.

Data is to be communicated to building occupants on an hourly basis, perhaps via a digital display in reception, a smartphone app or webpage. RESET want this information to be as visible as possible, not hidden away and hard to find!

What air quality monitors are accepted by RESET AIR?

Direct read or hand-held instruments may be good for a walk-through survey or in detecting a specific pollutant but they have been deemed unsuitable for RESET as the standard requires high quality and constant air quality data in order to detect trends and patterns over time in a specific, fixed location. A lab test is good for a deep-dive but will only reflect a specific moment in time.

RESET provides standards for the deployment, location and installation of monitors that have been classified as Grade A (reference grade) or Grade B (commercial grade) only, excluding the increasingly common consumer Grade C.

It is RESET APs (accredited professionals) that are responsible for the monitor deployment plan, RESET then acts as the neutral stakeholder capturing data in the cloud. 

As all monitors will gradually drift over time and need to be cleaned / recalibrated, the occasional follow-up site visit is required to inspect the monitors, again by a RESET Accredited Professional.

In order to certify for RESET Air for Core & Shell, projects need to demonstrate the mechanical (HVAC) system delivers air to occupants in line with the performance targets. For this to happen, we need a baseline established via outdoor air quality monitoring.

Indoor air quality monitors are then “paired” with the outdoor air monitors and the aggregated data can compared. This is the crux of the Core & Shell standard. Understanding this point is fundamental.

How do air quality monitors need to be installed for RESET AIR Core & Shell?

RESET Air accredited monitors that report PM2.5, CO2, Temperature and Relative Humidity need to be positioned within 5 metres / 16 ft of an air intake in a location that is pre-filtration and pre-mixing. Read that line again, it is really important!

If a building has 10 stories or less and one air intake, it only needs one outdoor monitor. That same building with more than one air take, needs still just one monitor but located wherever the air quality is deemed to be worst.

Taller buildings with a single air intake again need just one outdoor air monitor but if it has multiple air intakes then the monitor must be positioned at the highest air intake (or centrally if they are all on the same level).

Indoor monitor deployment meanwhile are based on a project’s total air volume. Mechanical systems that are not designed with constant air volume must calculate air volume based on the highest capacity airflow possible in the system.

To achieve Core & Shell certification a minimum of 30% of total air volume must be monitored.

These indoor monitors need to cover the usual suspects of PM2.5, TVOC, CO2, relative humidity and temperature.

Monitors should be installed post-mixing, post-filtration (or simply post-filtration if there is no mixing in the HVAC system in question). They should also be installed prior to dampers that limit airflow to a duct. The outdoor monitors have to be paired with an indoor monitor, this is essential.

Thee are the steps a RESET accredited professional will follow:

1. define project boundary

2. deploy outdoor monitors

3. calculate total air volume

4. calculate 30% of total air volume

5. deploy and pair indoor monitor locations to outdoor monitors

6. deploy additional indoor monitors if necessary

Contact us to discuss your RESET air certification project or other indoor air quality queries.

Healthy Building Certification FITWEL

A Healthy building consultant guide to FITWEL certification

What is a healthy building or healthy community?

Primarily here we are dealing with factors such as indoor air quality (IAQ), visual comfort, light quality, acoustic performance, active design, thermal comfort and cleaning protocols but it can extend as far as mental wellbeing, biophilic design, physical activity opportunities and even an element of signage.

The ‘healthy building’ and ‘wellness real estate’ movement can be distinguished from its close cousin sustainable buildings and the green building movement that, as the name suggests, adopts more of a planet-oriented perspective.

Their ultimate aim is to create real estate and communities that promote mental and physical wellbeing for regular occupants. Concern for the environment is not their raison d’etre but should still be considered as in practice. many of the same concepts apply to healthy buildings and green buildings.

Why do we need healthy building certifications?

Healthy building certifications, like green building certifications, provide structure, rigour and accountability, as well as the opportunity to benchmark within the industry, measure progress and ultimately advance the cause not just through the award of certifications but also through the network of Accredited Professionals (APs) and Ambassadors and other consultants spreading the message within the industry.

We are great believers in the role healthy building certifications such as WELL and FITWEL have to play as neutral bodies promoting accountability, education and a sense of collective progress towards generally agreed healthy building goals.

What does a healthy building consultant for FITWEL do?

A FITWEL accredited professional is in fact known as a FITWEL Ambassador and can typically advise both on healthy building concepts in general as well as FITWEL certification specifically.

The key insight we wish to offer here, as healthy building consultants and a FITWEL Ambassador, is that there is a considerable amount of work to put in at the front end of any healthy building project to align the work of architects, interior designers, signage consultants, and even MEP consultants and especially Facilities Management with the requirements of the FITWEL standard.

That needs to happen first, with an eye to healthy building certification with FITWEL, only subsequently should the certification process be undertaken, as that is more about providing evidence, data and hard proof that certain decisions have already been taken and measures implemented in the building.

We recommend this way of working rather than attempting the two simultaneously, effectively a healthy building consultant role as well as a FITWEL Ambassador role managing the assessment application online. The timescales for the former are far large than for the latter.

For example, implementing active design strategies in office stairwells requires an understanding not just of the concept of active design but also a series of work phases, from budget allocation to creative concepts (possibly having undergone an RFP process with design agencies), detailed design, sign-off, implementation and snagging. This could realistically be three months from start to finish and it is just one small piece of a far wider project so plan ahead, get your consultants lined up early on and you will end up saving money in the long-run!

What does the FITWEL Standard cover?

The 55+ design and operations strategies in this particular healthy building standard are intended to improve occupant health and productivity.

Its scope is arguably more limited than the WELL standard that takes a far wider view of a similar brief but for this same reason FITWEL can be an easier pill to swallow, requiring less CAPEX. It is considerably less demanding than the WELL standard overall as it has a more limited scope, albeit with many of its components align with the WELL standard.

If we take a workplace as our example in this instance, include: Location, Building Access, Outdoor Spaces, Entrances & the Ground Floor experience, Stairwells, Indoor Environments, Workspaces, Shared Spaces, Water Supply, Food Services, Vending machines / snack bars, and Emergency Procedures.

What else do you need to know about FITWEL?

There are three scores on offer, 1-star, 2-stars and 3-stars with categories covering multi-family residential real estate, retail, commercial interior, single tenant building, multi-tenant base building, senior housing and community.

The seven FITWEL health impact categories are as follows:

• Impacts Surrounding Community Health

• Reduces Morbidity and Absenteeism

• Supports Social Equity for Vulnerable Populations

• Instills Feelings of Well-Being

• Enhances Access to Healthy Foods

• Promotes Occupant Safety

• Increases Physical Activity

Contact us to discuss your FITWEL Ambassador or healthy building consultant project requirements, we are here to help!

Healthy communities movement for more environmentally conscious future

The ‘healthy buildings’/ ‘healthy communities’ movement is being driven by a number of US organizations such as Delos and the Living Future Institute as a way to promote a positive, healthy and environmentally conscious future to corporations, architects and designers.

Delos raised US$128 million across two equity rounds (2015-2016), partnering with Deepak Chopra on a STAY WELL hotel room concept and tying up with the Clinton Global Initiative. They came out of the blocks racing with a clear mission and a team of New York-based, ex-private equity gurus around the Balinese petrified wood boardroom table.

How do we define a healthy community?

A healthy community can be described as an environmentally conscious community, willing to follow sustainable construction practices, taking natural resources into the account. A healthy community now has a broader meaning and it no longer refers just to the physical health of individuals, but also to the building practices, concentrated on finding the most natural solutions possible, whenever possible.

Health promotion in the community using WELL guidelines

Their WELL Building Standard has laid out a detailed set of guidelines on how to ensure indoor spaces are designed with a healthy community at their core. It is divided into the following categories: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind.

Biofilico's trademark biophilic design is a central part of the WELL Standard, as are our attention to air quality, VOC reduction, air filtration, cleaning protocol, increased ventilation, circadian lighting design, active design, physical activity spaces, fitness equipment, thermal comfort, olfactory comfort, sound reducing surfaces, thermal comfort, health & wellness awareness, beauty & design. So we're very much a part of this industry-wide development, we merely apply the principles to a gym environment with an emphasis on finding natural solutions wherever possible.

WELL vs LEED

How does the WELL Standard relate to the pre-existing LEED certification for buildings? The two are designed to work side by side although LEED focuses more closely on sustainability and green credentials, i.e. the environment, while WELL advocates wellness features for the users of an indoor space.”

So LEED looks at reducing water and electricity use by integrating natural light and ventilation into a building for example with view to minimizing the harm we do to the planet and for the health of those using the building, while WELL is oriented more towards the human element looking at air quality as well as availability of fresh fruit, filtered drinking water, the promotion of stair use, on-site bicycle parking and so on.

Healthy communities movement for raising awareness

Whether developers will opt to pursue both forms of certification combined or just one of them remains to be seen (estimated costs are around 1-2% of build costs per certification) but the initial signs are that Delos and WELL have won first mover advantage, creating and in many respects owning this new niche while doing immeasurable good in raising awareness amongst corporate office, residential developers, retail brands and healthcare centres of how we can design health into the bricks and mortar around us, creating healthy communities - at the same time.

If you'd like to know more about how we integrate these same healthy building principles into our interior designs for a healthy experience, don’t hesitate to email us!