The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed how we live and work today, but it has forever changed the way we think about the health and well-being of our homes, workplaces, and communities. As more people are vaccinated and we begin to have hope for a more normal world again, we are also beginning to look beyond COVID-19 to long-term ways to create healthy and safe environments.
DCS Design continues to help our clients immediately focus on getting people back to work, and now we are extending our wellness services to focus on critical, long-term health and safety for the workplace and beyond.
What path to healthier living and working
is right for your organization?
While WELL Building Standard (WELL) remains the leading tool for advancing the health and well-being of buildings and workplaces globally, two recent certifications are now available to ensure businesses, large and small, have access to science-based health and safety best practices and third-party certification.
WELL Health-Safety Rating
You have most likely seen the public service announcements featuring a variety of celebrity ambassadors, and soon you will be seeing more and more buildings and spaces proudly displaying the WELL Health-Safety seal. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is focused on operational policies, maintenance protocols and emergency plans to address future health and safety-related issues, with a focus on sanitization, emergency preparedness, health resources, air and water quality, engagement and communication, and innovation.
Fitwel
Created in partnership by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA), Fitwel provides guidelines for designing, constructing, and operating healthier buildings, and focuses on health areas including building location, outdoor spaces, indoor environments and workspaces, accessibility to healthy food and water, and emergency procedures.
Fitwel Viral Response Module
An offshoot of Fitwel, this distinct certification was developed specifically to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other deadly diseases and pathogens in the workplace.
What is the cost?
The cost of certification varies by program. WELL Health-Safety Rating and Fitwel are designed to be more accessible and affordable than the more comprehensive WELL Building Standard. WELL Health-Safety also serves as an access point to full WELL certification.
Let’s get started!
Our team of experts, including WELL accredited professionals, are here to help you understand which rating is best suited for your business, and guide you in implementing short and long-term health and safety practices. Call us today to learn more! Call Marcia Calhoun 703.556.9275.
“As designers, we thrive on providing functional and beautiful spaces people enjoy living and working in every day. To also be able to ensure those spaces are healthy and increase their overall wellbeing…that’s the ultimate beautification.”
—Joanna Adams DeCastro
Joanna is a LEED AP and WELL AP with over 30 years’ experience in commercial and multi-family spaces. To see some of the project Joanna is working on at DCS, follow her HERE on LinkedIn.
