We were very aware of the challenge in designing a framework that was achievable across the entire global property sector, considering financial capacity, differing building sizes and more. We were very particular in creating a standard that can be applied to any building type at any stage of its life cycle, such as new, in-use or renovation.
Although The IMMUNE Building Standard has been developed as an open-source platform to invite collaboration, support and contributions from a variety of experts for further updates to the criteria, it requires building owners to make viable investments. Depending on the size and scale of the buildings, our estimates suggest it could be around 1 to 2 percent of an overall project investment. This is a one-time investment to receive the immunity label as it adds value to a property. The IMMUNE Building Standard has already been achieved at Platinum level by Genesis Property’s West Gate Business Park, Bucharest. An office in central London (see the story, right) and Chicago also are implementing the IMMUNE standard.
Just as we have fire-safety regulations in place when designing and operating a building, an IMMUNE standard would be mandated as part of the wider health and safety. This is not just a marketing label; it is a safety standard that will need compulsory investment. Having an IMMUNE-certified building will assure occupants their space would be capable of withstanding future health challenges. Consequently, we expect more building owners to look deep into their tenants’ needs and design/ redesign their properties with health in mind.
Perhaps more importantly, the standard should be considered by landlords and corporate building owners for the fact it breathes confidence into the workforce. Ultimately, the aim of this method of adapting our buildings will be what good companies have always wanted: a safe and productive environment where people can enjoy their work, collaborate with their colleagues and achieve the objectives of their organizations.
London Office Achieves The Immune Building Standard
Mace, the international consultancy and construction company, has attained The IMMUNE Building Standard (IMMUNE) for its headquarters. Located in London’s historic center and primary central business district, the office building has achieved the Powerful certification (equivalent to 4 stars), recognizing the successful measures implemented to keep employees safe during a global pandemic.
Throughout its 30-year history, Mace has made it a priority to reduce risks and protect people by building a “safety first” culture embedded within the company’s values. With the coronavirus rapidly transforming the way workplaces operate, Mace has taken extensive action in the past months to implement safety measures across its global offices and construction sites to ensure a safer and healthier workplace environment for its 5,000 employees.
Mace’s headquarters was awarded the certification following an independent assessment process based on the IMMUNE Assessment Scoring Index, conducted by Build Green, an authorized building assessor and a contributor to the development of the standard. The certification demonstrates Mace’s diligence and commitment to implement a Healthy by Design approach, considering a coherent collection of 100-plus measures and best practices recommended by IMMUNE.
“The IMMUNE Building Standard demonstrably recognizes the health and wellbeing measures we have implemented at Mace’s headquarters in London, keeping our employees safe during the pandemic,” says Maud Santamaria, head of Workplace Experience at Mace. “The facilities management team at Mace has worked in partnership with colleagues from across the business to allow operations to continue from all our offices, implementing control measures that focus on the wellbeing of all our staff. Coupled with flexible working arrangements, we have created a workplace environment for our colleagues where they can work and perform safely.”