TFT pushes for wellbeing in the workplace with another WELL AP!

By TFT

TFT’s Sustainability Team added a second WELL accreditation to our belt after Energy & Sustainability Consultant Giulia Mori gained her WELL AP. This credential, defined by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), denotes expertise in the WELL Building StandardTM and a commitment to advancing human health and wellness in buildings and communities.

But what does this mean for TFT and the industry?

According to the IWBI, each year, inhaling particulates causes around 29,000 deaths in the UK and around 40,000 deaths are attributable to exposure to outdoor air pollution, with more linked also to exposure to indoor pollutants. This has a dramatic cost on society that has exceeded more than £20 billion every year.  As we spend 85% of our lifetime indoors, TFT recognise the upmost importance of the design and construction of buildings that seek to address poor indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and promote the wellbeing and satisfaction of occupants.

Spaces that are well lit, comfortable, stimulating and adaptable, have the right level of noise control, provide high quality potable water, and promote healthy food consumption and an active lifestyle, contribute towards an individual’s wellbeing. Putting people at the centre of design will support initiatives that seek to attract and retain talented employees, improve staff health both mentally and physically, and reduce absenteeism and presentism; people centred design helps people thrive.

WELL-accredited professionals in the industry are growing but still not plentiful. The more who qualify, the more knowledge and ideas shared. By having two WELL APs at TFT, we are be able to action ideas and inspire and help to develop each other’s concepts and designs more proactively and efficiently. We have supported the IWBI to assist their understanding of the European and UK equivalences for the WELL version 2 standard which was developed in the United States. Our clients are asking TFT to review WELL feasibility on the majority of our development projects as there is an increasing demand either direct from tenants entering pre-let agreements, or they see this as a differentiator for speculative shell and core developments.

We are also keen to improve the wellbeing of all the TFT offices and are working towards this for the benefit of us all.

The future of the office environment is looking bright!