Adaptive Thinking

Abstract

The LEED Green Building Rating System was founded in 1993 and officially launched in 1998. Since then LEED’s goal has been to certify buildings that save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people. LEED has done a very good job at producing the former. LEED certified buildings are very environmentally friendly, efficient, and save money day to day. Unfortunately when it comes to healthier places for people, the ball gets dropped. The WELL Building Standard bridges this gap. WELL buildings seek to improve the nutrition, fitness, mood, sleep, comfort, and performance of its occupants. This is achieved by implementing programs and strategies designed to encourage healthy active lifestyles. The WELL Building Standard is fairly young having only been launched in October 2014. Not only does the WELL Building Standard address the wellbeing of the occupants within a building but it is designed to work harmoniously with the LEED Green Building Rating System. Being that the WELL Building Standard is so new, how easily is it implemented within a LEED Green Building design?