Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh announced the Exhibit Staging Center has been awarded a WELL Health-Safety Rating from the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™).

This certification is a milestone achievement in Phipps’ continued commitment to supporting human and environmental health.

Launched in 2014, the WELL™ Building Standard is the premier standard for buildings, interior spaces and communities seeking to implement, validate and measure features that support and advance human health and wellness.

WELL was developed by integrating scientific and medical research and literature on environmental health, behavioral factors, health outcomes and demographic risk factors that affect health with leading practices in building design, construction and management.

The new WELL Health-Safety Rating adapts the principles of WELL for facility operations and management, and was designed as a response to preparing spaces for re-entry in a post-COVID-19 environment.

The Exhibit Staging Center was able to meet the standard by demonstrating support for such key operational items as cleaning and sanitization procedures, health service resources, air and water quality management, and stakeholder engagement and communication.

A third party review process provides integrity and consistency, and results in a WELL Safety seal, communicating leadership and a commitment to prioritizing the safety of staff, visitors and stakeholders.

The prioritization of safety at Phipps extends beyond the Exhibit Staging Center as well. Since reopening to the public in June, the Conservatory has surveyed more than 1,500 families for feedback on its protocols, receiving an average rating of 95/100 for measures taken to date.

The strategies within the WELL Health-Safety Rating have been informed by existing features within the WELL Building Standard, IWBI’s Task Force on COVID-19 and guidance by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global disease control and prevention centers and emergency management agencies, as well as recognized standard-making bodies such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, and leading academic and research institutions.

Industry experts and researchers across the WELL Concept Advisories, the WELL Research Advisory, the WELL Advisory for Sports and Entertainment Venues, the WELL Advisory for Hotels and Resorts and the WELL Airport Advisory also provided extensive insights for the WELL Health-Safety Rating.

To learn more, visit the Exhibit Staging Center webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives, educational opportunities and upcoming events, visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens website.

Related Articles:

-- Wolf Administration Joins 6 States In Commitment To Develop Regional Carbon Dioxide Transport Infrastructure Plan To Promote Carbon Capture

-- Republicans On House Environmental Committee OK Bills To Exempt Water Supplies, Slow Down Solar Energy; And Disapprove Of Air Quality Fees, New Manganese Water Standard

-- DEP Accepting Applications For Cleaner Truck, Bus Fleet Grants, Replace Diesel Rebates

-- Joint Conservation Committee September Newsletter Highlands Landfill’s Effort To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

-- Sustainable Business Network Of Greater Philadelphia Launches Rebuilding With Equity And Climate Resilience Workshop Series Starting Oct. 7

-- Oct. 22 Webinar On Conservation In A Changing Climate Hosted By Western PA Conservancy

[Posted: Oct. 1, 2020]

10/5/2020