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and treadmill desks, and support for people who use active transport,
such as bicycle storage and showers. Exercise equipment on site is
also measured, specifically age-appropriate, muscle-strengthening and
cardiovascular equipment.
functions, in turn, affect morbidity such as diabetes, obesity, depression
and heart failure. The body needs periods of brightness and darkness
to maintain healthy circadian rhythms, as well as the right levels and
colours of light to provide cues about time of day.
Nourishment
Comfort
Our dietary choices and patterns are influenced by increased availability
of healthy foods, reduced marketing of unhealthy foods, and information
about the content of foods. In the nourishment theme, WELL considers
factors such as the variety and promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables,
labelling of allergens, hand-washing stations, minimising high-calorie
and processed foods, and signage at eating venues to indicate the
availability of healthy food options, including small salad-picking
planters that encourage occupants – residents or even office workers –
to regularly add fresh, healthy green leaves to their meals.
Within the comfort theme, WELL addresses acoustic comfort, thermal
comfort and ergonomic design. A number of options can be implemented
to address the reduced productivity, concentration and performance that
can be caused by excessive noise. Buildings can include loud and quiet
zones, limits can be imposed on noise levels, and surfaces can meet
certain noise reflection criteria. Sound masking can also be used to
decrease distraction, and provide a certain degree of privacy.
WELL building practices contribute significantly to the health of
occupants, and this encourages them to stay longer. Although it is more
often marketed for use in office buildings, WELL is applicable to all
types of buildings – residential, commercial, office, educational, and
even health facilities – and can be applied to new and existing buildings.
It is administered by the International WELL Building Institute.
Light
Within the light theme there is consideration of factors such as whether
lighting is adequate for work and focus, reduced solar and workstation
glare, and surface reflectivity. Light is the most important cue for our
circadian rhythms, which affect our alertness, digestion and sleep. These
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