GBCA partners with International WELL Building Institute

The Green Building Council of Australia has used the Green Cities conference to announce a partnership with the International WELL Building Institute.

The two bodies have signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to “work collaboratively to promote health and wellbeing in the design, construction and operations of buildings, fitouts and communities in Australia”.

“A truly sustainable building not only addresses environmental impact, but social and economic impact too,” GBCA chief executive Romilly Madew said. “Green Star’s focus on indoor environmental quality provides a critical foundation for human health and wellbeing – one which WELL enhances through its dedicated focus on evidence-based medical and scientific research and measurable performance.

“We are excited to be joining forces with IWBI to elevate the focus on buildings that are efficient, productive and healthy for the people who live and work in them.”

IWBI founder Paul Scialla, who presented at Green Cities, said joining forces with GBCA would progress the healthy building movement.

“With this agreement, we see tremendous opportunity for the wellness, sustainability and real estate communities in Australia to come together to support human health through the buildings where we spend more than 90 per cent of our time,” he said.

The organisations will work together to identify opportunities to align the two rating systems, develop events and education offerings, and promote building practices that improve the health and wellbeing of occupants.