Populous’ Chris Carver on Advisory Board for New Healthy Building Rating System

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the world’s leading certification body for well buildings, announced a new health-safety rating system known as the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management. This evidence-based, third-party verified rating focuses on operational policies, cleaning protocols and design strategies that address facilities in a post-COVID-19 environment. Populous founder and Senior Principal, Chris Carver, sits on the Advisory Council and brings decades of architectural design experience, including his work on the United Center, Pepsi Center, T-Mobile Arena and many more iconic venues.

“We’re experiencing unprecedented times in our industry right now,” Carver said. “To be involved with the WELL Advisory on Sports and Entertainment Venues as an Advisory Board member is an incredible honor. I’m looking forward to working alongside this qualified group of experts as we develop evidence-based strategies that guide the industry and redesign the future of public venues in a post-COVID-19 environment.”

The new rating system goes into effect in June and applies to sports and entertainment venues, as well as a range of other facility types, including offices, hotels, retail, grocery stores, theaters and more. To participate, facilities must submit policies, protocols and strategies for third-party document review in addition to annual compliance verification. Current WELL-registered projects and WELL Portfolio participants can earn the WELL Health-Safety Rating as part of existing certification efforts.

“Critical feedback from leading industry stakeholders is crucial to the refinement and further development of the WELL Health-Safety Rating,” said Rick Fedrizzi, Chairman and CEO of IWBI. “By collaborating with industry and subject matter experts in public health, facility ownership, operations, management and policies, cleaning protocols, and building and spatial design, we are able to drive towards broader market transformation and completely rethink how owners and operators can adapt to be more resilient as we emerge from this global pandemic. We are excited to fast-track this program for sports and entertainment venues and have the industry fully engaged to address the challenges we face today.” Comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of industry experts and wellness enthusiasts, fellow board members include Ed Bosco – Managing Director at ME Engineers, Scott Jenkins – GM for Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta, Al Guido – President, San Francisco 49ers, and many more industry leaders.

The IWBI works to advance the wellness movement on a global level. By adding in the components of health and wellness, nourishment, fitness and comfort, IWBI WELL Building Standards differ from other certification programs, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings, by considering the human element in building design.

For more information on the IWBI and its new health-safety rating system, visit www.wellcertified.com.