Intent: "To provide design teams and projects the opportunity to be awarded points for exemplary performance above the requirements set by LEED-CS Green Building Rating System and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by the LEED-CS Green Building Rating System." We are presenting this CIR in order to receive guidance about the likely outcome of the proposed Innovation Credit if accomplishments are proven by the certification submittals. INTENT To educate tenants on lifestyle changes that can improve their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing; build a sense of community; enhance the work environment; and promote alternative modes of transportation. REQUIREMENTS Provide tenants with access to a Working Well Program (WWP) for a minimum of three years. Provide a WWP coordinator on site three days per week. He/she shall be responsible for; organizing all activities, marketing events, conducting monthly special events, and recruiting other wellness experts as required, preparing regular reports for evaluation by management and an annual executive summary highlighting participation and tenant feedback, and delivering a wellness activities plan to the tenants on a monthly basis. SUBMITTALS Provide the letter template signed by the developer declaring that a WWP coordinator has been engaged for a minimum of three years. Provide a copy of the agreement between the Developer and WWP coordinator demonstrating that the Program will be provided for at least three years. If an audit is requested during the certification process: Provide a copy of the annual activity plan, including a brief description of each event and schedule. Provide a copy of tenant agreement sections or information package outlining the structure and costs of the WWP available to the tenant. DESIGN STRATEGIES The Program will serve to educate employees on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Seminars and activities should be used to promote alternative modes of transportation such as walking and cycling for increased fitness and reduced pollution. The public transportation and bicycle storage and shower facilities available to tenants will be promoted through the WWP, thus increasing their use and furthering the intent of the Sustainable Sites credits. The health and wellness information and activities should be selected such that they increase productivity through improved morale, reduced sick-time, and reduced workplace injuries. Communication between the WWP Coordinator and the Tenant should be ongoing to assess the demand for certain activities and information sessions to increase employee involvement. A tenant representative should be appointed to ensure that the needs of the tenant are being met by the WWP. Environmentally-friendly activities should be emphasized and specialists in sustainable living should be included in the education aspect of the Program. Sample WWP activities and features include:
The applicant is asking whether the proposed Working Well program is likely to be accepted as an innovation credit. Although innovation credits are not awarded through the CIR process, this proposal does not provide adequate justification of the environmental benefits of the program, and the human health benefits do not directly relate to the design, construction or operations of the building, which are the focus of the LEED-CS rating system. As stated in the CIR, the program is provided as an option for all tenants - there is no requirement or guarantee that any will participate. Further, the benefits of alternative transportation are already awarded through existing SSc4 credits. Applicable Internationally.