Dubai: The Well Building Standard, a rating tool that examines 100 features in building design in seven categories was introduced in 2014 to help transform offices and buildings into healthier people places. This brainchild of the Well Building Institute in the US is attracting attention in Dubai and beyond from project 
leaders who want results, its creators say. The seven categories include air, water, nourishment and light, fitness, comfort and mind. Nathan Stodola, Senior Vice-President, Standard Development at the International Well Building Institute, told Gulf News that there “are currently six projects registered for Well Certification in Dubai (which are under the approval process). “The standard is expanding on a global scale rapidly, and we expect many more buildings to register and pursue WELL Certification in Dubai and around the world,” he said. Stodola said the wellbeing standard works because it helps project managers to measure and account for what’s needed to create a healthy building. “A Well Certified project has the potential to add measurable value to the health, well-being, productivity, and happiness of building occupants. “By placing people at the heart of design, construction, operations and development decisions, we have the ability to add value to real estate assets, generate savings in personnel costs, and enhance the human experience,” said Stodola. “Prioritising WELL also provides the opportunity to stand at the forefront of innovation in the sustainable and healthy building movement.” Stodola said that investments in staff [by companies] pay great dividends later on well after a project has been completed. Studies show productivity levels are higher and worker happiness is also more noticeable, he said. “Physical workplace is one of the top three factors affecting performance and job satisfaction. Personnel costs significantly outweigh the costs for design and construction and maintenance and operations,” said Stodola. “Addressing occupant health channels resources towards reducing the largest line item in the 30-year costs of a building — the personnel — offering a meaningful return on investment.” Stodola pointed out that in addition to addressing common adverse health effects, the Well Building Standard also shows developers, architects and companies that “buildings can also make us sick in other ways.” Project leaders are encouraged to create designs that encourage more physical activity in the workplace to reduce health threats, he said.