Delos Highlights The Business Benefits Of Healthier Buildings

NEW YORK, United States  A new report by wellness real estate company Delos reveals how owners of healthier buildings in the US are experiencing business benefits, including increased leasing rates and higher asset values.

‘The Drive Toward Healthier Buildings 2016,’ in partnership with insights provider Dodge Data & Analytics, also shows that the design and construction industry in the US is poised for wider adoption of building practices that prioritise the physical, mental and social wellbeing of tenants and occupants.

“The increased attention to building health impacts is just beginning,” said Stephen A. Jones, Senior Director of Industry Insights at Dodge Data & Analytics.

“In a similar way several years ago, companies engaged in green construction because of the demonstrable business and financial benefits they were able to achieve. The findings of this report demonstrate that the focus on buildings that enhance the health and wellbeing of their occupants is likely to follow a similar trajectory, boosted by those who have committed to sustainability in their organizations,” he added.

According to the report, the top five healthier building features currently being implemented include better lighting/daylighting exposure, products that enhance thermal comfort, spaces that enhance social interaction, enhanced air quality and products that enhance acoustical comfort.

The use of nearly all of these is expected to grow considerably along with further pioneering approaches like the use of biophilic design features, spaces that enhance tenant mood and opportunities for physical activity.

Speaking about the report, Delos Founder and CEO Paul Scialla argued that the findings illustrate how the design and construction industry is helping to drive efforts to introduce preventative medical intentions into the built environment.

“By focusing on people in design, construction, operations and development decisions, we have an unprecedented opportunity to drive innovation, add significant economic value to real estate assets, generate savings in personnel costs, and enhance the human experience,” he explained.

And, while interior designers and architects are currently leading the industry in the use of the practices outlined in the report, Delos argues that strong owner interest is likely to increase engagement in the space even more, as the industry continues to gather data on the business and financial benefits of investing in healthier building practices.