Situation

Workman is the largest independent commercial property management and building consultancy firm in the UK. Recognising the importance of healthy workplaces, Workman has become the UK’s leading implementer of Fitwel – an international certification system based on a vision for a healthier future. It provides a blueprint for making positive changes that are scientifically proven to enhance occupier health and wellbeing. Using an evidence-based scorecard system, Fitwel certifies the wellness credentials of buildings and their surroundings.

The Metro Building in London’s Hammersmith offers 106,000 sq. ft of workspace, with capacity for 1,500 occupants. It is managed by Workman on behalf of global real assets investor PATRIZIA. Workman’s onsite team, led by the Building Manager and Property Manager, worked collaboratively with PATRIZIA and sustainability consultancy Evora to achieve the UK’s first Fitwel three-star certification under the Built Certified Multi-Tenant Base Building (v2.1) scorecard. This is the latest in a series of Fitwel firsts achieved by Workman, including Arlington Business Park, which was the UK’s first business park to achieve Fitwel certification.

Actions

Through the six-month Fitwel process, the team benchmarked the Metro Building’s health and wellbeing performance and developed strategies to improve it. 
Improvements introduced through the Fitwel process included:

• Engaging with NAO Landscapes to incorporate edible planting into a landscaping development project. This turned a former parking area into a green space for occupiers to enjoy, with herbs and edible plants. 
• Transforming a vacant unit into a relaxation area that nursing mothers can use as a lactation room, with facilities including running water and a fridge.
• Implementing an indoor air quality policy, including regular testing. 
• ntroducing policies to encourage the use of stairwells over lifts.

The Metro Building also scored particularly highly for fitness amenities, with an exercise hub on the fourth floor, extensive facilities for cyclists and an active events programme. All occupiers can enjoy free, unlimited access to YinYan yoga, Pilates and meditation classes online, in the exercise hub or at home. LGN Wellbeing also provides running club coaching. Cycling facilities include secure cycle storage, lockers, showers and changing facilities.

Workman engaged with occupiers on Fitwel certification and wellbeing improvements through quarterly occupier meetings, monthly newsletters and daily interactions. Indoor air quality reports were shared with occupiers, enhancing confidence about returning to the office following COVID-19 lockdowns.

Fitwel is also part of a wider sustainability programme at the Metro Building, including energy efficiency and waste management. 

Financial

Typical costs for Fitwel certification range from £6,000 to £10,000, depending on asset size, with additional costs for physical works such as landscaping. At the Metro Building, the Fitwel certification was funded by PATRIZIA.

Benefits

There are many benefits of Fitwel at the Metro Building, including:

• Enhancing occupier health and wellbeing by identifying and implementing improvements. Relatively small changes can make a big difference. This also enhances the Metro Building’s market appeal.
• Showcasing ESG credentials to occupiers and investors. Achieving the UK’s first Fitwel three-star certification under the Built Certified Multi-Tenant Base Building (v2.1) scorecard demonstrates Workman’s commitment to optimising buildings for health and PATRIZIA’s strategy of improving occupier wellbeing by using best-in-class design to create healthy buildings for a strong community. 
• Supporting occupier satisfaction. According to the British Council for Offices’ Wellness Matters Report, health and wellbeing are important factors for 96% of office workers. 
• Contributing to the asset’s performance on the GRESB Real Estate Assessment, the global ESG benchmark for real estate funds and companies worldwide.

Nicola Price, Workman’s Building Manager at Metro, said: “Occupiers at the Metro Building are engaged in the concept of healthy buildings, and we care about their wellbeing. Our landscaping project includes seasonal planting for occupiers to get involved with growing and harvesting. The introduction of initiatives such as indoor air quality testing has made a real difference to how our occupiers feel, and in turn this has motivated the onsite team, who have seen the benefits of Fitwel accreditation.” 

Jennie Brown, Associate, Asset Management at PATRIZIA, said:“Fitwel’s world-leading certification is testament to our strategy of improving occupier wellbeing by using best-in-class design to create healthy buildings for a strong community. Our focus on both mental and physical health – for example creating a new outdoor landscaped area, as well as a nursing mother’s room – were positively welcomed by our occupiers.”

Health and Wellbeing Services | Workman LLP