Pinsent Masons wins WELL certification for new office
Pinsent Masons’ new Edinburgh office has become the first in Scotland to be confirmed as meeting an accreditation certifying its wellbeing credentials.
The 25,000 sq ft office in Capital Square has received WELL Certification by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The WELL Building Standard focuses on enhancing people’s health and wellbeing through the buildings where they live, work and play, and is the result of seven years of rigorous research and development working with physicians, scientists and industry professionals.
A performance-based certification which marries best practice in design and construction with scientific research, the standard covers seven categories of performance, including air, water, light, nourishment, fitness, comfort and mind.
Pinsent Masons’ design team introduced measures including Circadian lighting systems which work in harmony with occupants’ 24-hour biological clocks, ensuring there is ample access to daylight and when daylight is compromised the system compensates to create a healthier and more naturally lit environment.
Air quality standards have been enhanced with increased air filtration, and air flush programme carried out before occupation of the building, while greater focus has been put on healthy nutrition and mindful eating, with organic and sustainable products available in the office café.
A biophilic approach to the office design was used to create a harmony between modern architecture and the natural world with sustainable materials used wherever possible, and a large wellbeing zone and contemplation room was created with a library of materials covering mindfulness, stress management and healthy habits.
Other features include a third of workstations designed to be height-adjustable for standing and sitting, and staff can take advantage of a range of fitness activities in the office, including yoga classes.
Ongoing monitoring and reporting will ensure the WELL standards achieved over the first six months will be maintained and improved, and other measures which meet the WELL benchmark will be introduced as part of a rolling programme.
Luke Richards, Pinsent Masons' head of Facilities, UK & Ireland, commented: "From the outset we wanted to take our people-centric workplace approach up a notch by targeting a globally-recognised standard, such as WELL, and challenging ourselves to deliver a more sustainable office fit-out project. We researched and sought out elements which created an amazing space that supports the wellbeing of the colleagues who work here, while minimising our impact on the environment throughout.
"This is the first project of its kind that Pinsent Masons has undertaken and we are delighted to be leading the way in Scotland as occupying the first building to have been awarded the WELL Certification."
The office featured in a recent Journal article on office facilities that support new ways of working.