Thought Leadership: Integral Group
Australian developers & landlords’ pave the way to better health
by Eminè Mehmet
Health & Wellbeing Strategist, Integral Group
What is it about The WELL Building Standardâ„¢ and wellbeing in the built environment that has so intensely captured the Australian market?
In 2016, GRESB launched its Health & Wellbeing Module to a participation of 174 real estate entities. By 2017, that figure jumped to 252 participants.
This tremendous increase mirrors Australia’s take up of WELLâ„¢ with 5 million square meters of space either registered for WELLâ„¢ certification or WELLâ„¢ certified over a two-year period.
When you consider the rest of the world views Australia as a beach going, fun loving, healthy population, I guess you would expect us to have a high interest in the healthy building movement.
However, a 2018 report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) indicates otherwise.
The report found 1 in 2 Australians are estimated to have at least 1 of 8 common chronic conditions: cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions, arthritis, back pain and problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and diabetes. With nearly 1 in 4 Australians estimated to have two or more of these conditions.
‘It’s interesting to note that in the early 1900’s we were dying from infectious diseases. Now we are dying from chronic diseases, which are preventable.’ ©Eminè Mehmet
Where does real estate fit into this?
I don’t think I need to repeat the statistic that we spend more than 90% of our time indoors so it makes sense to use our buildings as tools to support health and wellbeing – you’ve heard that a thousand times.
But what I will say is this; Australian developers and landlords quickly recognised the financial benefit of turning their portfolios into antidotes for ill health.
The opportunity to improve tenant satisfaction, positively impact leasing rates and increase building value is a great argument for WELLâ„¢.
However, I do believe our industry also recognised the powerful role we could play in contributing to the wellbeing of occupants. Given the recent AIHW report, we need all the help we can get.
Most developers and landlords have cited the importance of enhanced indoor air quality and better lighting/daylighting as the two top wellbeing initiatives they are most likely to implement.
Other trends include an increase in opportunities for physical activity throughout the day and more focus on biophilia.
‘I don’t believe you can really put a cost to the value and results you gain from having a top-notch, world class building that is a healing machine.’ ©Eminè Mehmet
What does it cost to go WELLâ„¢?
Cost and long-term value and results are two different things. I don’t believe you can really put a cost to the value and results you gain from having a top-notch, world class building that is a healing machine.
But seriously, it’s not as much as you think and is well worth the journey.
For me, joining Integral Group was an opportunity to work with a company that was and has been involved in the development of WELLâ„¢ from the get-go. The idea of having access to all that knowledge and expertise excites me.
What excites me more, is applying this knowledge and expertise to our Australian projects.
Knowing, that as a developer and landlord, all your wellbeing and sustainability needs are taken care of by one company, is another seamless reason to turn your portfolio into healing machines for people and the planet.
If you’re interested in speaking to Eminè further about the WELLâ„¢ or sustainability services on offer for you, please get in touch . We’d love to hear from you.
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References
March 15, 2018, GRESB Health 2018: What’s New
Australia’s health 2018: in brief (full publication; 19Jun2018 edition) (AIHW)
Drive towards healthier buildings 2016. Dodge data and analytics.