What levers could speed up the integration of health and well-being into sustainable construction on a global scale? J. H.: The most forward-thinking companies now understand how buildings influence health, productivity, and employee retention. Wellbeing is becoming a strategic asset: when choosing between two employers, the one that puts health center stage has a clear advantage. With the rise in home working, the office must be “worth the trip” by offering an environment where employees feel more productive and better cared for. In economic terms, these buildings also command higher rents, longer leases, and better occupancy rates. Public authorities are also making progress: cities and governments are imposing air quality standards in buildings open to the public, as in Europe with the new energy efficiency directive. Lastly, investors are taking up the issue: ESG benchmarks such as GRESB(1) incorporate health and well-being as material performance indicators. The momentum has been built up, and now we need to make sure that health is permanently rooted in governance, public policy, and practices in the sector. ARQBOREA IN MADRID (SPAIN), an office building that has obtained WELL Health-Safety Rating certification and Platinum WELL Shell & Core certification. WATER STREET (UNITED STATES) is the first neighborhood in North America to receive WELL Community certification at Gold level, awarded by the International WELL Building Institute. Designed as a neighborhood focused on health and well-being, the project incorporates design principles into buildings and public spaces that promote natural light, a high-quality indoor climate, environmental comfort, and connections to the outdoors – all recognized factors that support residents’ physical and mental health. This holistic and coordinated approach makes this neighborhood an international benchmark for urban development based on well-being. (1) The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assesses the sustainability and governance of real estate portfolios. VIEWPOINT READ the full interview in Constructing a Sustainable Future 34
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