The city of Miami, Florida, is the first municipality in the U.S. to achieve the rigorous WELL Health-Safety for Facility Operations and Maintenance rating across a portfolio of 10 of its existing buildings. The buildings and facilities include more than 800,000 square feet of space and include Miami Riverside Center, Dinner Key Marina, and Miami’s City Hall, according to a press release.
The WELL Health-Safety rating was introduced during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s “an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types, advancing human health and well-being through science-backed policies and procedures,” according to the International WELL Building Institute. The rating systems includes holistic aspects of health from improved air flow, hygienic hand washing practices, reduction in hand contact of high-touch surfaces, effective cleaning protocols, robust emergency preparedness and response, and more.
Adding to its health and wellness cred, Miami was also recently named America’s Healthiest City by the publication MindBody Business due to it being “wild about group fitness” and prioritizing wellness.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
