DCS Design announced today the firm has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating for their Tysons Corner office through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), joining an elite community of organizations eager to push the boundaries of what health and safety will look like in a post-COVID environment. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address healthier working and living environments now and into the future.
Earning the seal was spearheaded by our WELL Accredited Professional, Project Director, Associate, Joanna Adams-DeCastro.
“There are many benefits in having gone through this process and achieving this rating ourselves,” explained Joanna. “We feel it is extremely important to be a leader in this healthy building movement, starting with our own space and employees, providing them with more confidence coming to the workplace knowing they are in a safe and healthy environment.”
Designed to empower owners and operators of large and small businesses alike to take the necessary steps to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors, and stakeholders, the WELL Health-Safety Rating helps guide users in preparing their spaces for re-entry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating provides a centralized source and governing body to validate efforts made by owners and operators. It leverages insights drawn from the IWBI Task Force on COVID-19, in addition to guidance on the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global disease control and prevention centers, and emergency management agencies. It also draws upon standards and procedures from recognized standard-making associations such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, leading academic and research institutions, as well as core principles already established by IWBI’s WELL Building Standard, the premier framework for advancing health in buildings and spaces of all kinds.
