A key component of our understanding of sustainability is the certification of many our fund properties. This involves assessing the sustainability of our properties throughout their entire life cycle and optimising it using environmentally friendly technologies, always with a view to economic efficiency.
Sustainability certificates offer the opportunity to measure and compare compliance with sustainability criteria. This is done using nationally established and internationally recognised certification systems. At a time when the sustainable use of resources, the avoidance of CO2 emissions and health and well-being are more important than ever, certification systems offer a way of improving and verifying the sustainability quality of buildings through certification.
Based on the three important pillars of sustainability - ecology, economy and social aspects - various certification systems with a range of assessment criteria for sustainable buildings have been developed to optimise projects specifically during the planning and construction stages as well as during ongoing operation
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The topics covered by all common certifications include materials and resources, energy and water, indoor environmental quality and sustainable site design, and resilience, to name just the most important ones. While there are many similarities in terms of topics, local conditions and market differences are also considered.
The WELL Building Standard has been awarded by the American International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) since 2014. Compared to the other well-known green building standards, WELL is characterised by its strong focus on the health and well-being of users.
In the current version v2, the standard takes a holistic approach and comprises ten subject areas (known as concepts) that assess the well-being and health of tenants and users: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind (mental health) and community. Special initiatives are recognised in the additional category of innovation. Each concept includes several criteria as well as minimum requirements (known as preconditions) that must be met in order to achieve certification.
The lowest award level at WELL is bronze (at least 40 points). To achieve a higher certification level of silver (at least 50 points), gold (at least 60 points) or platinum (at least 80 points), optimisation measures must be derived and implemented in the individual subject areas.
The programme distinguishes between three project types: new and existing buildings, new and existing interiors, building envelope and technology (so-called Core & Shell). Like the other certification systems, existing certifications must be confirmed every three years through recertification.
The minimum requirements in this category are ensuring good air quality, a smoke-free environment, adequate ventilation and the avoidance of pollutants during construction work. In addition, there are points for improved air quality through adapted ventilation concepts, openable windows, the measurement of physical, chemical and biological parameters in indoor air quality and concepts against mould formation, to name but a few.
As with air, good water quality must be guaranteed and checked regularly. Points are awarded, for example, for the provision of safe drinking water for building users, training on water management and hygiene or the use of rainwater for sanitary facilities.
The minimum requirements for nourishment are the provision of fruit and vegetables and information on the food available in the building. Points are awarded, for example, for training about nutrition, further information on ingredients or healthy food options, provided this applies to the building.
Visual comfort through daylight and customised lighting concepts is a minimum requirement. Furthermore, concepts for glare protection, lighting control, lighting quality and circadian lighting are honoured, to name just the most important topics.
Building users should be encouraged to move through the design of the interior areas, and an ergonomic workplace is also a minimum requirement. Furthermore, various facilities that encourage physical activity can be rewarded, as can courses and training programmes.
In addition to the regular comfort to be ensured, there are points for monitoring and individual control of temperatures and humidity or even radiant heat. Thermal zoning for different user groups is also one of the concepts.
Noise mapping is the minimum requirement in this category to identify sources of noise and take them into account accordingly during planning. Points are awarded for the reduction of noise immissions through various noise protection measures and appropriate interior design that guarantee a low-noise quality of stay.
When it comes to materials, the focus is on avoiding harmful substances that could have a detrimental effect on the health of building users. Materials must be selected and labelled accordingly. Sustainable building cleaning, pest control and waste management also play a role in the assessment.
Minimum requirements are the provision of resources and programmes to promote mental health and an appropriate design of indoor and outdoor spaces through a connection to nature. Mental health and stress management training, as well as addiction counselling and places of retreat and relaxation are rewarded with points.
Training on the topics addressed by WELL, integrative design, emergency preparedness and user surveys must be implemented as a minimum in this category. Points are also awarded for health services, support for expectant parents and mothers, help for families, social commitment, talent development, accessibility and emergency facilities, to name just the most important topics.
The regular categories are supplemented by the Innovation category, in which additional points can be awarded for innovative concepts that are not included in other categories, the promotion of WELL through training, support from a WELL Accredited Professional or the disclosure and reduction of CO2 emissions.
