LPC Announces Achievement of the WELL Health-Safety Rating for 35 Buildings Nationally
Lincoln Property Company (Lincoln) announced today it has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating for 35 office buildings across the country, in states including California, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Texas, North Carolina and Wisconsin, through the International WELL Building Institute (IBWI). The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space products, focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-COVID environment now and into the future.
Designed to empower owners and operators across large and small businesses alike to take the necessary steps in order to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders, the WELL Health-Safety Rating can help guide users in preparing their spaces for re-entry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, instilling confidence in those who come through the building as well as the broader community.
“This year has brought forth many challenges, especially for office tenants and landlords. While most landlords are following basic protocols, tenants and employees are closely monitoring how building owners are reacting to the pandemic and implementing changes to better serve the health and safety of individuals,” said Jesse Kave, director of engineering for Lincoln Property Company Southeast. “We are proud to have worked with our teams across the country to oversee the certification of 35 high-profile buildings, a testament to our firm-wide pursuit to address and deliver safe workplaces.”
In order to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, the 35 office products have implemented 16 different features such as increased cleaning and sanitation procedures (reducing surface contact, using preferred cleaning products and reducing respiratory particle exposure), strengthening existing emergency preparedness programs, promoting flu vaccines and smoke-free environments, assessing ventilation and maintaining air treatment systems, and promoting health and wellness among stakeholders through increased engagement and communication. A few of the certified projects include Circa 730, 55 Allen, and One & Two Midtown Plaza in Atlanta, Ga.; Royal Palm I & II in Plantation, Fla.; Schlitz Park in Milwaukee, Wis.; and 121 West Trade in Charlotte, N.C., among others.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating provides a centralized source and governing body to validate efforts made by owners and operators. It leverages insights drawn from the IWBI Task Force on COVID-19, in addition to guidance on the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global disease control and prevention centers and emergency management agencies, as well as recognized standard-marking associations such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, and leading economic and research institutions, as well as core principles already established by IWBW’s WELL Building Standard, the premier framework for advancing health in buildings and spaces of all kinds.
The Lincoln managed properties were awarded the WELL Health-Safety Rating following the successful completion of third-party documentation review by GBCI to confirm they met the feature specific intents and requirements.