Speakers Focus on the Well Being of Building Occupants
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) hosted two sustainability-centric speakers at its 2017 Summer Conference in Newport, Rhode Island, June 18-21. Because green issues continue to be of large interest within the fenestration industry, Soyoung Hwang explained the concepts within the WELL Certified Program and Edward Pavia provided an overview on material health transparency.
WELL Buildings and Fenestration
To start out, Soyoung Hwang from the International WELL Building Institute gave a presentation Monday called, "A Window to WELL," about understanding the link between health and the built environment. This link, she said, is important because of the prevalence of chronic diseases, some of which can be preventable through WELL.
"Since we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, buildings have a profound effect on our well-being," said Hwang.
WELL is a newer program with more than 400 projects, representing 94 million square feet. It's a holistic approach, since operations, design and behavior all have an impact on people in the building, as Hwang explained.
"Any project can apply for WELL," said Hwang, adding that their main market is offices. Recertification is required, and three levels – silver, gold and platinum – are offered.
What sets WELL apart are the data-driven environmental assessments done through on-site performance verification, said Hwang. Studies have found a relationship between proximity to windows and productivity. Indoor air quality can be impacted by fenestration, and pollution indicators can be between two and five times higher indoors than outdoors. Noise is also considered. Distracting noise can contribute to 66 percent decline in performance, said Hwang, noting that WELL dictates sound levels cannot exceed 50 dBa. Extreme heat or cold also decreases productivity, she said.
The value of better buildings and a demand for healthy ones is quickly increasing as building owners see the benefits, said Hwang.
"Studies have found a relationship between proximity to windows and productivity," according to Hwang. "Whether you realize it or not, you [in the fenestration industry] play a role in creating a negative or positive reaction within the built environment."