Health, Wellness and Sustainability: ESG and the Built Environment
One of many pandemic-accelerated changes is the investor community’s increasing commitment to funding organizations with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. In 2021 alone, over $357 billion globally was invested in ESG fund assets—more than double the 2019 total.
In response to the increased need for building owners to demonstrate the attainment of ESG goals, the Green Building Initiative (GBI) has launched a new Health and Wellness certification celebrating buildings that promote exceptional health and wellness and allowing owners to demonstrate these achievements to stakeholders.
Validating health and wellness achievements
GBI is a member-driven nonprofit dedicated to reducing climate impacts by improving the built environment. In recent years, our community has reported that:
● Investors are seeking multiple certifications to validate ESG performance.
● It’s difficult to demonstrate achievements in social elements of ESG strategy, which focus on health, wellness, and equity.
New in 2022, GBI’s Dual Certification in Green Globes and Health and Wellness is a data-informed validation of criteria that meet the social requirements of ESG initiatives.
This certification helps building owners achieve strong performance in criteria like establishing good indoor air quality (IAQ), providing thermal comfort, maximizing daylight and natural views, implementing site planning that encourages healthy activity, and addressing safety and security measures.
Linking sustainability and wellness
For nearly two decades, GBI has provided certification and educational roadmaps to improve sustainability and resilience in the built environments. This year, we’re proud to celebrate the certification of over half a billion square feet of commercial building space.
Architects can lend their skills and support for Dual Certification in Green Globes and Health and Wellness and begin promoting GBI’s latest certification option during client meetings. Including a prominent focus on health and wellness in conceptual and schematic designs allows your firm to support design and investment communities in leading the transformation toward a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable future.
Learn more about GBI’s certifications and support for ESG integration.