Pandemic Puts Renewed Focus on Healthy Buildings

People tend to focus on the negatives on the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are some silver linings, too. For example, one benefit in the healthcare market is the renewed focus on healthy buildings. 

In a recent blog post, healthcare design writer Sara Mayberry discusses the International WELL Building Institute’s (IWBI) new project: Global Research Agenda: Health, Well-being, and the Environment.

Mayberry breaks down some of the research areas that make up the Building Health Conceptual Model as they pertain to facility management and design. For example, healthy buildings tend to focus on nature elements. So what real and simulated biophilic elements should be incorporated into the design of the facility?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has always been an important aspect of a healthy building, but the pandemic has brought it into the spotlight even more. HVAC, access to outside air, and even chemicals used in the building all impact IAQ. This research will identify the metrics and thresholds needed to evaluate indoor air quality. 

These are just two of the 12 research areas identified. Click here to read more from Mayberry’s blog post about other healthy aspects to address in a facility.