Improving Apartment Building Health Seen as Way to Attract, Retain Residents

While an apple a day may keep the doctor away for residents, improving apartment building health of apartment buildings is becoming a more exact science that could ultimately improve resident retention. Building health is no longer based on the soundness of a dwelling’s structural components, but rather the quality of life for residents and employees who occupy spaces within it. The concept is nothing new for commercial spaces but is gaining traction in multifamily housing. Facility managers and operators see good apartment building health as a way to nurture residents who choose to be more sustainable. Healthy buildings are a component of a worldwide effort to empower wellness, spearheaded by the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI). GWI educates public and private sectors about preventative health and wellness, which is driving a $4.5 trillion wellness economy that has roots in real estate. The 2017 wellness lifestyle real estate pipeline included 740 residential projects in 34 countries with an economic impact of $134 billion, according to November 2017 estimates by the Global Wellness Economy Monitor. The U.S. and Asia are leading the effort with 665 properties. While buildings are being designed to be more eco-friendly, they are also being constructed with the wellness of inhabitants in mind. The logic is that good building health results in a better quality of life, which is becoming a more marketable amenity in multifamily housing. Simply, good building health helps attract and retain residents. A perfect complement to sustainable building practices Building exteriors that dazzle with the latest architectural and structural engineering trends are becoming equally impressive because of what is inside walls and above ceilings. Systems and steps are being added to help prevent mold and moisture issues, provide fresh air, deliver clean drinking water, avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, encourage fitness and support healthy circadian rhythms. Th...