June 24, 2021

Most people are familiar with green buildings, but what about well buildings? While “green” focuses on the overall environmental impact of commercial spaces, “well” zeros in on individuals in those spaces, looking at the impact the environment in a building has on occupants. Although both are critical, well buildings haven’t had the same amount of the spotlight historically. That’s changed, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a growing body of evidence that shows how significantly buildings can affect human health and safety.

According to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, poor indoor conditions can cause or exacerbate issues that range from asthma and allergies to fatigue and mental health. On the flip side, optimal indoor conditions have wide-ranging benefits: increased cognitive function, increased productivity and lower absenteeism, among others. 

An analysis of data for more than 3,000 workers across 40 buildings, for example, found that 57 percent of all sick leave was attributable to poor ventilation. In fact, most of the nine foundations of a healthy building that the Harvard school identified — including ventilation, air quality, thermal health, moisture, and dust and pests — have a direct connection to HVAC. That’s why Daikin Applied, part of the global leader in air conditioning, is accelerating its efforts to improve indoor environments and protect health.  

The latest step: Daikin Applied has joined the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) membership program. IWBI is leading the global movement to transform facilities and communities in ways that help people thrive. And the membership program at IWBI convenes, celebrates and fosters collaboration with companies and organizations that are leading the movement to advance human health in buildings. 

This dynamic framework allows Daikin Applied to tap into IWBI’s expansive resources and knowledge, and demonstrates the company’s alignment with the IWBI mission.

“Since the first WELL projects, we have continued to build the momentum towards a global transformation that puts people at the focus of a healthier future,” said IWBI Chairman and CEO Rick Fedrizzi. “The IWBI membership community is passionate and united around their efforts to elevate wellness in their everyday work, and we are excited to have each of them on this journey.”

As an IWBI cornerstone member, Daikin Applied is building on its commitment to health and wellness, and will continue to engage other IWBI members to help develop a healthier, more sustainable world. 

The news comes on the heels of the recent introduction of the Daikin Air Purifier, a line of portable room air purifiers designed to improve indoor air quality while reducing the risk of airborne infections and pollutants. The air purifiers help remove a host of contaminants — dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and germs — and are built to supplement ventilation and filtration in classrooms, clinics, restaurants, churches, office buildings and similar facilities.

The company also offers a suite of services and technologies designed to deliver quality air, control the transmission of airborne pathogens, and make sure facilities meet ASHRAE recommendations related to COVID-19 and building readiness. 

For more information about IWBI and WELL, visit: www.wellcertified.com.