8 Concepts Living Walls Satisfy for WELL Building Standard

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Here at Urbanstrong, we strive to shift the conversation around our Green Roof and Living Wall systems. Not just for a challenge but because we know they can offer much more than just aesthetics and nice amenity spaces. And although our benefits are well researched and backed by scientific case studies, it can still be a tough sell…..This is why we are thankful for organizations like WELL that further gamify the process for architects/designers, developers, and building owners.

*Projects may pursue no more than 12 points per concept and no more than 100 points total across the ten concepts.

*An additional 10 points may be awarded for innovation

What is the WELL Building Standard?

For those of you who are unfamiliar, the WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring and monitoring our built environments in order to best serve the occupants. Unlike LEED, which focuses more on the operation and efficiency of a building, WELL focuses more on how a building impacts the tenants. WELL has incentivized architects, designers, and building owners to create spaces that not just promote but advance our health and wellbeing. Recognizing that we, as humans, spend roughly 90% of our time indoors, the WELL building standard holds our buildings accountable and raises the bar for inspiration and operation. 

WELL just launched v2 which now features 10 science-driven concepts, all of which offer several optimization points to score your project. Most systems and design features will score a few points in each category. However, our adored Living Walls are so versatile, that they can score up to 40 points, across 8 different concepts. Hello, Platinum rating!! Let’s take a look and check my math below. 

How Do Living Walls Improve Air Quality in Buildings?

This is due to certain plants' ability to remove harmful particulate matter from the air, benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia to name a few. Up to 4 points can be accrued by keeping any harmful particulate matter under a certain threshold ( PM10: 20 μg/m3) and keeping those nasty organic and inorganic gasses at bay. 

Can Living Walls Be Integrated with Stormwater Reuse?

Exterior and Interior Living Walls can further be integrated into the building’s DNA by designing an irrigation solution that relies on harvested stormwater. This process would involve close coordination with the plumbers, engineers, and facilities managers. However, if achieved, a further 5 points can be accrued. 

How Do Living Walls Function as Sound Barriers?

Living walls and our living wall dividers create unique, lush natural sound barriers to cancel out the noisy sales department next door. Plants’ foliage can absorb up to 41% more sound than traditional facades (drywall, sheetrock, concrete, etc). Up to 5 points can be accrued in this category.

How Can Living Walls Help Improve Thermal Comfort?

When measuring the effect Living Walls can have on thermal comfort and humidity, scale should be a consideration factor. Most studies are conducted around 100 sf of vegetation. That being said, both interior and exterior living walls can enhance energy efficiency by naturally improving thermal comfort and conditioning the air.

Are Living Walls Made of VOC-Free Materials?

Most hard materials that have been processed (carpets, furniture, paints, adhesives, etc) emit VOCs even after they have been cleaned and wiped down. However, our Living Walls are constructed from recycled, inorganic, and organic materials which means no VOC emittance. Further, the plants will remove those harmful VOCs from the air and return it as clean oxygen! 

How Do Living Walls Help With Stress and Mental Health?

Incorporating biophilic design elements via Green Walls is significantly recognized by the Mind concept of WELL. This is largely due to the plant’s ability to enhance feelings of health and wellbeing, increase cognitive function, and reduce stress levels. Simply put, we feel refreshed and restored in natural settings which is why Green Walls are such a slam dunk in the workplace. 

How Can Living Walls Encourage Community and Collaboration?

Just by incorporating a Living Wall into your workplace, you are communicating to your employees, investors, and clients, your commitment to health and well-being. Living walls can and will transform your otherwise lackluster space into an inspiring and collaborative space. Not to mention, people tend to gather in front of these lush tapestries which can promote inclusivity and inspire community programming around sustainability.

Can Living Walls Earn Innovation Points in WELL Certification?

Finally, Living Walls could gain up to an additional 10 points for achieving the above concepts “in style.” This is due to a Green Walls’ unique and novel approach to enhancing and promoting health and wellbeing for the occupants.

About The Author

Alan Burchell is the Principal of Urbanstrong, an award-winning firm specializing in sustainable rooftop solutions. A professional engineer, LEED-AP, Fitwel Ambassador and certified Green Roof Professional, Alan holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, with a focus on Sustainable Water Management.

For over a decade, Alan has been at the forefront of designing and implementing Solar-Integrated Green Roofs to tackle advanced rooftop stormwater management challenges. His extensive experience spans all seven continents, where he has worked as an environmentalist, project manager, speaker, and sales engineer. This global perspective enables Alan to address critical energy and water management issues, helping building owners reduce costs while complying with local codes, enhance sustainability, and boost property values.

Contact Alan today at aburchell@urbanstrong.com or 215.480.2210 or book a 15min chat directly in his calendar here.