WELL, LEED, & USGBC: The Importance of Health in Buildings

Well-being and healthy lifestyles have always been of importance, but like many other things our ideas and research on healthy living has changed and developed over time. In recent years, this development has led to health in relation to the buildings we spend so much time in. There are so many different ways our health and well-being are affected by our buildings, whether it be from the actual construction of the building to the furnishings and the fumes their finishes can give off.

Because of these health concerns, various certifications and councils have been created to bring awareness and standards to our cities and urban structures. The U.S. Green Building Council is one of these groups committed to a healthier and more sustainable norm of building. They have many different programs dedicated to this idea, one of which is LEED. LEED certification is not only for buildings but also for professionals. Through courses and an exam, professionals and even non-professionals can become certified and thus responsible for having a positive impact on buildings. They stress the importance of a sustainable building that not only helps the environment but the people interacting with the structures. There are different branches to LEED, from the design and construction of the building and the interior design that happens within to even neighborhood development.

Similar to LEED, WELL is another health and safety rating and certification focused on buildings and other architectural designs.WELL however, is more focused on aspects of improving health and well-being of the inhabitants through a few key concepts of WELL building design. While this would also impact the environment is positive ways the WELL community is more focused on prioritizing the people and their safety in the buildings.

Over the years there has been more thought put into health and wellbeing of people and their interactions with buildings. It is something we should always be conscious about, especially nowadays. Not only is it beneficial to us but also to the world we live in. USGBC, LEED, and WELL are wonderful ways of making sure we in the design field are intentional in the design of our buildings, keeping in mind the environment and the health of those who will interact with our buildings and designs.


Sources:

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/interested-becoming-leed-green-associate-or-leed-ap-what-you-need-know

https://www.usgbc.org/

https://www.usgbc.org/leed

https://www.wellcertified.com/

https://www.wellcertified.com/well-ap


Comments

  1. INT323-2021August 30, 2020 at 5:32 AM

    Well done! Please consider pursing both certifications immediately upon graduation. Most firms require LEED now and many are beginning to require WELL.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2020 at 12:16 PM

    Kelly,
    Well done in a very clear research on LEED and WELL. I think it is amazing that you discussed the certification that LEED offers to individuals, not just buildings. People are a part of the building just as a building is a part of a community. Both parts should strive for sustainability for the health and safety of each other for decades to come. It also provides a stressor for intentionality, which you discussed at the end. Maybe in the future posts, you can discuss more on intentionality in the work place. Here are some articles that have helped me in my research of these topics!

    https://www.usgbc.org/articles/employees-are-happier-healthier-and-more-productive-leed-green-buildings
    https://resources.wellcertified.com/articles/investing-for-health-reshaping-the-notion-of-the-materiality-of-health-and-impact-investing/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Erica GonzalezSeptember 4, 2020 at 1:13 PM

    Kelly, great job explaining the importance of both LEED and WELL. I like how you included the different ways our health and well-being are affected by buildings such as the construction, furnishings and the fumes their finishes can give off. Some people aren't even aware that they are inhaling toxic fumes when going into a building. This made me wonder of the different types of air pollutions and the effects it has on humans, such as long term effects like
    respiratory or cardiovascular disease. I found this article that was very intriguing as it informs us more about IAQ and pollutions.

    https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality

    ReplyDelete

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