Healthy Buildings

RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 2

Contents

Air Quality 4

Water Quality 6

Green Cleaning 8

Access to Nature 10

Inspire Movement 12

Waste 14

Comfort 16 HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 3

Introduction

We are all acutely aware that our indoor environment can have significant impact on our health.

From HVAC filters that reduce our exposure to pathogens*, to enjoying safe drinking water, to feeling calm and comfortable in our spaces, we feel better when our surroundings support our health and wellbeing. While we all want healthy and safe indoor environments, do we know what constitutes a healthy building?

Fortunately, there are numerous resources from expert organizations such as ASHRAE, USGBC, the CDC, and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) that provide guidance for creating healthy indoor environments. This guide compiles high-level information from third party sources to help building tenants understand and advocate for quality indoor spaces. Given that we spend 90% of our time indoors, we should feel confident that these spaces support our quality of life.

In this guide you will find seven areas of focus for a healthier building. While there are more categories to explore, these topics best consolidate critical focus areas. Use this guide to facilitate conversations with building or office management teams, and refer to additional resources for more detail and guidance around recommendations.

*It should be noted that recommendations included in this guide do not ensure that building occupants will not get sick. These strategies do not cover all aspects and issues to consider in order to mitigate and reduce infection potential in an indoor environment. The CDC has produced comprehensive guidelines on these issues. HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 4

Air Quality

Recommendations

Now more than ever, indoor air quality should be a major focus in the built environment. Proper air ventilation and filtration can eliminate odors, allergens, and viruses that inhibit cognitive function or cause illness1,2,3. There are many measures that can be taken to improve and monitor indoor air quality. The following recommendations and resources can guide discussions and decisions on both retrofits and new building design to ensure air quality is improved and managed.

O AIR FILTRATION Air filters should have a MERV (term for mechanical filtration) rating of 13 or better to filter pathogens and particulate matter.4 If it is not possible to increase MERV level, consider using portable HEPA filter in high occupancy spaces.5 Also consider carbon filters which reduce exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and ground level ozone (Smog).

O AIR EXCHANGE / Increasing outdoor air ventilation will limit the volume of recirculating air within a space.6 OUTDOOR RATES Outdoor air rates should be at least 30% higher than code minimum and/or HVAC should be designed for 100% outdoor air. Air exchange rates should be evaluated/optimized with CFD analysis. ASHRAE recommends hiring a qualified Testing, Adjustment and Balancing (TAB) firm, Commissioning Agent provider or design professional that can confirm air quality safety.5

O HUMIDITY CONTROL Enable year-round humidity between 40-60%, which would require active humidification during heating mode. This is especially critical for healthcare and research environments.

O PRESSURIZATION Pressurize to induce airflow from one space to another; design for maximum fresh air in occupied zones.

O ULTRAVIOLET (UV) LIGHT Reference ASHRAE guidance for UV integration, taking care with shielding requirement to & OTHER AIR TREATMENT prevent direct exposure to human tissue/eyes. CONSIDERATIONS

O AIR QUALITY Take advantage of growing monitoring options that test and monitor Carbon Dioxide, Total MONITORING Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), Humidity, Temperature, and Particulate Matter1.

O VOLATILE ORGANIC In the case of building renovations, where paint, flooring, or furnishing may be updated, COMPOUNDS FROM protect building occupants from harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released FURNISHINGS, from these materials. VOC levels for products should be compliant with California FLOORING, & FINISHES Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.1-20107. HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 5

Air Quality

Resources

1 IWBI: WELL Health-Safety Rating—Air and Water Quality Management

2 ASHRAE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Resources from ASHRAE and Others

3 ASHRAE: Position Document on Infectious Aerosols

4 Buro Happold: Engineering Healthy Workplaces—Considerations in Response to COVID-19

5 ASHRAE: Epidemic Task Force Building Readiness 2020

6 USGBC: LEED Safety First—Managing Indoor Air Quality during COVID-19 Pilot Credit

7 CDPH: Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of VOC Emissions

Project Spotlight

The Tower at PNC Plaza

Pittsburgh, PA

Features: Passive Natural Ventilation Design © CONNIE ZHOU CONNIE © HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 6

Water Quality

Recommendations

Water should be tested, treated, and managed to ensure it complies with U.S. National Drinking Water Standards. Monitoring water quality is essential to keep track of current and emerging problems within the building infrastructure or municipality.1 Frequently conducting a potable water test is necessary to ensure compliance with federal and local drinking water standards. Further, monitoring non-potable water supply is important to better protect human health, the building’s water pipelines, and the nearby environment.

O WATER TREATMENT Use a building water quality test or a resource like Environmental Working Group (EWG) to understand localized water quality concerns.2 Depending upon the identified pollutants, various filters like reverse osmosis or activated carbon will be appropriate. All buildings should consider providing occupants at least one source of potable drinking water with an activated carbon filter1 that remove suspended solids with pore size 1.5 (Um) or less.

O WATER QUALITY Confirm water quality testing is completed, ideally at a frequency of once every three TESTING months (quarterly basis). Testing should include both organic and inorganic pollutants.3 Emerging pollutants, like perfluorinated chemicals, may require a separate water quality test. Confirm records are saved for at least three years.3

O WATER QUALITY Verify building has a water quality management plan that complies with ASHRAE Standard MANAGEMENT PLAN 188-2018: Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems (BWS).4 If the building has been shut down temporarily, be sure to follow recommendations from CDC, USGBC and ASHRAE to limit risk of exposure to additional hazards, including mold, copper and lead.5,6,7 HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 7

Water Quality

Resources

1 IWBI: WELL Health-Safety Rating—Air and Water Quality Management

2 EWG: Tap Water Database 2019 Update

3 IWBI: WELL Water Quality Feature 36—Water Treatment

4 ASHRAE: Guidance to Help Minimize Risk of Legionellosis

5 ASHRAE: Epidemic Task Force Building Readiness 2020

6 CDC: Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation

7 USGBC: LEED Safety First—Building Water System Recommissioning

Project Spotlight

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Dallas, TX, USA

Features: Water Recycling Strategy © ROLAND HALBE ROLAND © HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 8

Green Cleaning

Recommendations

Properly cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces helps reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria, better protecting the health of building occupants.1 It is important to use safe cleaning supplies to make sure maintenance personnel and other building occupants are not exposed to toxic and potentially hazardous chemicals. There are a variety of free resources available to confirm the safety of cleaning products. Building management should verify that the cleaning policy follows best practices and confirm the safety of the products being used within the building.

O CLEANING Confirm building cleaning products are listed on the EPA Safer Choice Standard and/or EPA PRODUCTS list of Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19.2,3

O CLEANING POLICY & Confirm a cleaning policy exists that involves frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high PROCEDURE touch surfaces (ex. Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.).4,5,7

O PERSONNEL SAFETY Confirm cleaning personnel receive training and are provided appropriate personal & TRAINING protective equipment (PPE) while cleaning.4,6

O HAND SANITATION Request hand sanitation dispensers, with at least 60% alcohol solution, in locations with high foot traffic (ex. near elevators, in lobbies, bathrooms, etc.).6

O CONTACTLESS To limit the spread of disease and increase a sense of safety, consider opportunities TECHNOLOGY for buildings to implement contactless or sensor-based technology for building entry, doorways, guest sign-in, light switches, and more. HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 9

Green Cleaning

Resources

1 IWBI: WELL Health-Safety Rating—Cleaning and Sanitation Procedures

2 EPA: Search Products that Meet the Safer Choice Standard

3 EPA: List N—Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

4 CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

5 CDC: Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes

6 USGBC: LEED Safety First—Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Space

7 GBAC: Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR Facility Accreditation

Project Spotlight

Method Manufacturing Facility

Chicago, IL

Features: Environmental and Wellbeing Strategies HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 10

Access to Nature

Recommendations

Integrating natural settings into your environment is an effective step in promoting mental and physical health. Time spent outdoors reduces stress and anxiety, practices external awareness, and encourages movement through exercise.1,2 Studies have shown a 6% increase in workplace productivity, a 15% increase in perceived wellbeing, and a 15% increase in creativity with exposure to nature.A Within indoor spaces, there are many opportunities to increase biophilic design, a design practice that better connects us with nature. Building management should explore increasing and/or improving access to nature within the building as well as in exterior spaces, if provided.

O PLANTS Add large indoor plants, small desktop plants, plant walls, or increase views of vegetation outdoors to indoor spaces. Engage vendors who regularly maintain plants, as well as explore opportunities to incorporate plants that improve air quality.3

O WATER Add indoor water features that allow occupants to see, hear, or touch water, or if available, provide outdoor views of water.

O MATERIALS, IMAGES, In addition to plants, consider simple and inexpensive opportunities to increase natural & PATTERNS imagery through painting, photography, natural patterns and by utilizing natural materials like wood in the building’s interior design. Procuring bio-based materials often has the co-benefits of lowered embodied carbon and lower levels of VOC off-gassing. Check for sustainably resourced certification like Forest Stewardship Council (RSB) or Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB).4,5,6

O SPACES AND FORMS Enhance outdoor spaces with plants, trees, and shaded outdoor furniture in order to increase comfort outside. Courtyards, balconies, gardens, or even along sidewalks can become restorative places with the addition of a few natural elements.2 In indoor spaces, create non-repetitive spaces that provide a sense of orderly variation and consider opportunities to incorporate organic patterns and forms. HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 11

Access to Nature

Resources

1 IWBI: WELL Feature M02 Access to Nature

2 Fitwel: Research to Action - Building Health for All® in the Face of COVID-19 – Chapter 3 Addressing Mental Health Within Residential Settings

3 Biofilico: Air Purifying Plants in Biophilic Interiors

4 Forest Stewardship Council

5 Roundtable Sustainable Biomaterials

6 Healthy Materials Lab

Endnotes

A The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace. Human Spaces, 2015.

Project Spotlight

Grande Cheese Corporate Headquarters

Fond du Lac, WI

Features: Indoor and

Outdoor Biophilic Design SKELLORN PHIL © HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 12

Inspire Movement

Recommendations

On average, individuals in the United States spend approximately 90% of their time indoorsA and an average of 6-8 hours a day sitting.B By increasing regular physical activity, building occupants can decrease their risk of chronic illness while improving cognitive function, mental health, and aerobic fitness.C The built environment, and its policies and programs, play an important role in inspiring movement and healthy lifestyles for occupants. The following recommendations can be considered for implementation in buildings to promote active and healthier lifestyles.

O ERGONOMIC For desk and work-spaces, provide adjustable chairs, standing options, and opportunities DESIGN to adjust the height of keyboard and monitors so an optimal ergonomic design can be achieved for everyone.1

O ACTIVE DESIGN There are many low-cost interventions buildings can take to inspire movement, such as adding directional signage, providing motivational prompts (such as prompts to take the stairs), or providing standing or treadmill desks in work spaces.1,D

O PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Encourage, promote or discount subscription to fitness programs for occupants to PROGRAMMING participate in. Consider in-person as well as virtual options to accommodate varying needs.1

O ACTIVE Encourage walking, biking, and other physically active modes of transportation by providing TRANSPORTATION discounts on bike share services, adding bike storage facilities, and providing public transit discounts.1 HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 13

Inspire Movement

Resources Further Reading

1 IWBI: WELL Movement Concept IWBI: WELL Health-Safety Rating— Health Service Resources

Endnotes

A US EPA. “Indoor Air Quality.” US EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2 Nov. 2017. Accessed 28 Oct. 2020.

B Yang, Lin, et al. “Trends in Sedentary Behavior Among the US Population, 2001- 2016.” JAMA, vol. 321, no. 16, 23 Apr. 2019, pp. 1587–1597, jamanetwork.com/ journals/jama/fullarticle/2731178, 10.1001/jama.2019.3636.

C “Physical Activity.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020. Accessed 28 Oct. 2020.

D Meier, A., and K. Perry. “Research Summary: Active Design.” Building Evidence for Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Accessed 28 Oct. 2020.

Project Spotlight

Pearl Izumi Headquarters

Boulder, CO

Features: Active Design © RAUL GARCIA RAUL © HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 14

Waste

Recommendations

When creating safe, vibrant, and healthy indoor environments, we must consider what waste we are generating and identify opportunities to reduce it. COVID-19 has resulted in an increase in single use items, medical waste, and residential waste that communities are struggling to manage and that present both health and environmental hazards.A The following best practices can provide direction on how to minimize waste generated in the built environment and divert remaining waste from landfill.

O REUSABLES Provide reusables for spaces/use types in which dishwashers and/or washing machines are available to immediately sanitize items.

O SINGLE-USE Minimize the purchase of single-use plastics (water bottles, plastic bags, utensils, etc.). If MATERIALS single-use items must be purchased, opt for fiber-based products that can be composted (ex. Birch, bamboo). Where single-use materials are necessary, purchase products with high recycled content (i.e., tissues, toilet paper, paper towels).

O PRODUCT Minimize product packaging by buying items in bulk or selecting vendors that provide PACKAGING products without single use packaging.

O RECYCLABLES Participate in a recycling program, and ensure signage is posted in the building that accurately labels acceptable materials and conditions. Request signage from local waste hauler to ensure items are properly recycled.

O COMPOSTING Participate in a compost program, diverting food waste, yard trimmings and other organic material from landfill to be transformed into nutrient rich soil.

O E-WASTE & Confirm how e-waste, batteries and other hazardous materials are managed by the building HAZARDOUS WASTE and ensure there is tenant education on locations for drop-off of materials. HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 15

Waste

Further Reading

Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI): TRUE Rating System

Zero Waste Design Guidelines: Design Strategies and Case Studies for a Zero Waste City

Endnotes

A Tenenbaum, Laura. “The Amount Of Plastic Waste Is Surging Because Of The Coronavirus Pandemic.” Forbes, 25 Apr. 2020

Project Spotlight

Santa Monica City Services Building

Santa Monica, CA

Features: Zero Waste Strategy © ALEX NYE ALEX © HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 16

Comfort

Recommendations (Daylighting)

Daylight is an underutilized resource that can greatly influence comfort within a building. Studies have shown that providing a well daylit space can increase worker productivity, reduce employee absenteeism, and even reduce symptoms of depression.1 Daylight within buildings must be carefully regulated, as too much daylight can negatively affect a working environment through glare and unwanted heat gains.

O SPACE LAYOUT Try to keep windows and views to the exterior unobstructed. Avoid placing furniture or having room layouts that blocks windows. Where perimeter rooms block the view, use clear or translucent interior partitions that allow light to pass into the interior.

O MATERIAL FINISHES Higher reflectance or light-colored surfaces allow for a greater amount of daylight to enter the space. For ceilings, target a reflectance of >80%, and for walls >50%. Floor finishes are not as important and tend to have reflectance values around 20-30%.

O EDUCATION / While blinds / shades are an effective tool against glare, far too often once the shades are BEHAVIORAL lowered people tend to forget to raise them. Consider adding automated shades or change occupant behavior to encourage raising shade or add it to daily office cleaning schedule.

O BUILDING Check if the building control system can do daylight dimming. A dimming control system CONTROLS would help realize the energy and cooling savings when electric lighting is not required. HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 17

Comfort

Recommendations (Acoustics)

Noise within indoor environments plays a significant role in our comfort. Many aspects of indoor acoustics are subjective, as people prefer a variety of noise levels within different settings. Given this subjectivity, it is important to offer a variety of acoustical spaces as well as eliminate noises that can be irritating or distracting.2 We must also consider how the acoustics of spaces are changing with reduced density and social distancing measures – everything is quieter, resulting in the potential for singular sources of noise to become more distracting.

O ACOUSTIC ZONES Set up a variety of acoustical zones within an office, with some spaces having more ambient noise while others minimize noise levels, in order to meet varying preferences.

O ACOUSTIC Acoustic furniture is designed with the intent of creating comfortable, private and less FURNITURE distracting work places. In addition to partitions or screens that may be setup as barriers between work stations, also consider acoustic furniture to create break out spaces. Acoustic furniture can provide additional sound absorption which reduces reverberant noise build-up. Examples include acoustic booths, pods and high backed seating.

O MECHANICAL With many buildings increasing ventilation rates, more noise may be introduced into the EQUIPMENT NOISE space, which may be distracting. However, HVAC noise can be beneficial as increasing MANAGEMENT the background noise level can provide useful masking and decrease acoustic distraction. Resulting changes from increasing use of mechanical and HVAC system should be monitored so the right acoustical balance is achieved.

O SOUND MASKING Install a sound masking systems that introduces ambient noise to a space to better protect speech privacy, and ultimately limit the distraction of others’ conversations. Sound masking is an easy retrofit although investment is required. HEALTHY BUILDINGS: RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES 18

Comfort

Resources

1 IWBI: WELL Light Concept

2 IWBI: WELL Sound Concept

Further Reading

Tips for Daylighting with Windows-The Integrated Approach by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and U.S. Dept. of Energy

Daylighting Handbook I: Christoph Reinhart

Project Spotlight

Morphosis Studio

Culver City, CA

Features: Diffused Skylights and Daylight Control Centers © IWAN BAAN IWAN © Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about the recommendations provided in this guide, please reach out to our team.

Heidi Creighton John Swift

Associate Principal Partner Sustainability & Wellness, LA MEP, Boston

+1 310-280-6427 +1 617-791-7925 [email protected] [email protected]