To this end, many businesses are considering the benefits of investing in ISO (which stands for International Organization for Standardization) and building wellness certifications. Understanding and implementing these standards can help your organization move towards future-proofing business operations and contributing to a more sustainable, healthier world.
Understanding ISO and Building Wellness Certifications
ISO certifications offer a blueprint for optimizing your building’s performance while minimizing environmental impacts. Building wellness certifications, on the other hand, focus on the human element – in particular, how humans interact with the built environment.
These standards evaluate a range of factors, from air and water quality to ergonomics and lighting, helping organizations to create spaces that promote the health and productivity of occupants.
ISO certifications
An ISO standard is a globally recognized guideline or set of practices developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Certification validates that the organization meets the requirements specified in the ISO standard.
ISO 50001
Focusing on energy management, this standard “provides a practical way to improve energy use, through the development of an energy management system (EnMS).” The purpose of this standard is to help organizations continually reduce their energy use, costs, and environmental impact associated with energy consumption.
ISO 46001: 2019
This standard addresses water efficiency management systems and covers various aspects including monitoring, measurement, documentation, reporting, design, and procurement practices for equipment, systems, and processes that contribute to water efficiency.
Building wellness certifications
Building wellness certifications are designed to ensure that buildings contribute positively to the physical and mental health of their occupants.
WELL Certification is widely recognized as a premier standard for buildings, interior spaces, and communities seeking to implement, validate, and measure features that support and advance human health and wellness. This involves a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellness, including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and productivity.
While not a certification, the concept of Total Worker Health (TWH) is a framework that supports a holistic approach to workforce wellness. Developed in the United States under the purview of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the goals of Total Worker Health concepts are to integrate protection from work-related safety and health hazards with promotion of injury and illness prevention efforts in order to optimize worker wellbeing. This includes creating safer work environments while promoting health and preventing disease among the workforce.
Pros and Cons of Certification
Undergoing a certification process offers a number of benefits, as well as some challenges. It’s important to consider both when deciding if your business is prepared to pursue certification.
Pros of getting ISO and building wellness certifications
- Improved energy efficiency and environmental impact: Certifications like ISO and WELL promote sustainable practices in building operations, leading to significant energy savings and lower environmental impacts. Implementing these standards can make buildings more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
- Enhanced brand reputation: Achieving certifications can elevate a brand’s reputation. It demonstrates commitment to sustainability and health and helps to attract employees, tenants, and buyers interested in eco-conscious and wellness-focused spaces.
- Better occupant health and productivity: Research indicates that buildings with wellness features contribute to improved occupant health and productivity. Certifications ensure these features are prioritized and maintained.
- Compliance and risk management: Adhering to ISO standards can help ensure compliance with legal regulations, reducing operational risks and potential liabilities.
Cons of getting ISO and building wellness certifications
- Initial costs and investment: Obtaining and maintaining ISO and building wellness certifications can be costly. Initial investments may include fees for assessment, potential upgrades, and training staff to meet standards.
- Complexity and time: The process to achieve these certifications can be time-consuming and complex, involving detailed audits, documentation, and adherence to specific standards.
- Ongoing requirements: Maintaining certification status requires continuous monitoring and improvement, which can demand additional resources and constant attention to ensure compliance and performance standards are met continuously.
Is the Investment Worth It?
When deciding whether ISO and building wellness certifications are worth the investment, consider the following:
- Business goals: Align the certification process with your long-term business objectives. Are sustainability and well-being part of your core values?
- Industry standards: Reflect on industry benchmarks and whether leading competitors are pursuing similar certifications.
- Customer expectations: Assess if your clients and stakeholders value and expect sustainable and health-focused practices, as this could influence their decision to engage with your business.
Balancing the initial costs and efforts against long-term benefits like energy savings, improved reputation, and customer satisfaction is crucial. Evaluate these factors carefully to determine if the investment aligns with your business strategy and market demands.
Discover how Antea Group can assist you in pursuing your ISO and building wellness certifications.
