OCCUPANT WELL-BEING IN GREEN MARK AND WELL-CERTIFIED BUILDINGS

Abstract

The evolution of green building standards such as the Green Mark (GM) and WELL standards have increasingly highlighted the importance of occupant well-being. These standards have put in place measures such as mental health promotion and access to greenery as a way to improve the mental health of occupants. Healthy occupants can also potentially result in better motivation. This study seeks to compare occupant well-being in buildings with differing GM and WELL awards through a survey in two areas: motivation to work, and physical well-being, in connection with various building parameters. From there, the effectiveness of these awards could be determined. Statistical tests were conducted to determine if the occupant well-being were significantly affected by the building parameters, and if the location had a significant impact on their well-being. These results were also compared with quantitative data on the ambient temperature and noise levels of the locations. Results of the tests indicated that occupant satisfaction is generally positive across all buildings, with no significant deviation between occupants in different buildings. Hence, the effectiveness of GM and WELL standards on occupant well-being is to be questioned. Further studies can include a more thorough measurement of occupant well-being, include participants from a wider demographic as well as conduct a more complete comparison of the different standards involved in this study.