While everyone feels skeptical about going to the office and occupants demand for healthier buildings amid the pandemic, the country suddenly receives encouraging news in the property development landscape.
New York-based International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) recently announced that Menarco Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig is the first building in Southeast Asia to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management.
In July, Menarco enrolled in the documentation-based WELL Health-Safety Rating, together with more than 100 global early adopters.
The rating is evidence-based, third-party verified guidance for all new and existing building and space types focused on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder engagement strategies to help organizations get back to business.
It was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and recognized standards-making bodies, such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, among others.
“As we celebrate Menarco Tower’s achievement for becoming the first regional WELL Health-Safety Rated property, we are proud to see Menarco take another step in its WELL journey, demonstrating a continuous commitment to supporting people’s health, safety and well-being,” said IWBI president Rachel Gutter.
“The latest achievement by Menarco gives the sense of reassurance to the project team, employees and stakeholders that the measures they took have been mapped to scientific evidence and verified through an internationally trusted third-party review process.”
Menarco Tower achieved the rating by implementing features across five categories, including cleaning and sanitization procedures, emergency preparedness programs such as plans for both staff and visitors as well as plans for re-entry after an emergency event, health service resources such as providing access to sick leave and mental health recovery, air and water quality management, and stakeholder engagement and communications resources to promote health and wellness.
The Menarco Tower is also the first WELL Certified project in the Philippines. Owners, operators and tenants can pursue the WELL Health-Safety Rating for projects independently, seamlessly using the rating as a stepping stone to achieve WELL Certification, or integrate the rating as a milestone within their WELL Certification or WELL Portfolio journey.
“Together with IWBI, Menarco continues to be a leader in the healthy building initiative in Southeast Asia,” said Carmen Jimenez-Ong, founder & CEO of Menarco Development Corp.
“We know that with our WELL Health-Safety Rating, we are locally executing international best practices, and it makes me happy to share that during this crucial season, Menarco Tower helps keep people safe and well.”
Established in 2014, Menarco envisions to become a globally-trusted voice in creating humanity-centered spaces to work, play and live in. Thus the creation of the multi-awarded, 32-story, corporate office landmark that is Menarco Tower in 2017.
Aside from being the first and only WELL Certified Gold building in Southeast Asia, it also takes pride in its LEED Gold certification. Menarco is second in the world to achieve this accolade, next only to the Yankee Stadium in New York.
At present, IWBI has certified only 214 buildings worldwide, 114 of which have received the Gold certification. The WELL certification is awarded at three levels: Silver, Gold and Platinum.
A WELL scorecard is based on seven concepts: optimal indoor air quality, safe and clean water for various uses, availability of fresh wholesome foods for better nourishment, specialized lighting and illumination systems, availability of fitness features and components, comfortable indoor environment, and optimum features that nurture health for the mind.