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An office that’s better for people and the planet must have sustainability goals.

You’re in luck: sustainability is a hot topic right now, and that means more options than ever. One available tool to manage your project’s sustainability goals is certification through an accredited organization. There are a variety of organizations that have developed guidelines for responsible design, each with its own focus and scientifically backed criteria. However, choosing the certification that best meets your project’s needs can be difficult. To help you make the right call for your space, we’re going over two of the most popular certifications: LEED and WELL Building.

LEED and WELL both offer a framework for improved building standards. However, they differ in focus: LEED standards are geared toward reducing environmental impact and energy consumption, while WELL Building standards are designed to ensure a healthy environment for those who use the building. There is some overlap between the two, but it’s important to choose the approach that best suits your project’s needs.

WELL’s goal is to promote the well-being of occupants by creating what they call “people-first places.” Going beyond the typical health and safety requirements, WELL-certified spaces must meet high standards for air and water quality, eye-friendly lighting, and other factors that impact users’ wellness. These standards impact all five senses – from improving acoustics and thermal comfort, to avoiding the use of harmful chemicals that can become airborne, and even ensuring access to healthy food and movement.

Our sustainability construction team team here at Cox & Company is skilled to optimize your project to qualify for LEED and WELL certifications. We have people with experience and knowledge to assist you.