Denholtz Properties’ headquarters office at 116 Chestnut St. in Red Bank — Courtesy: Denholtz Properties
By Joshua Burd
Denholtz Properties has joined the International WELL Building Institute, seeking to promote healthier workplaces across its 4.2 million-square-foot portfolio.
As a member of the organization, the Red Bank-based firm said it will be better equipped to accentuate safety and quality of life within its buildings in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. That includes pursuing what’s known as the WELL Building Standard, a global rating system for property owners and occupiers that meet those goals.
“While we have always understood the importance of employee wellness, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a new emphasis on creating buildings where employees can feel healthy and safe,” said Steven Denholtz, CEO of Denholtz Properties. “Through pursuing the WELL Building Standard throughout our portfolio, we are making a strategic investment in ensuring anyone entering our buildings can feel confident that we are taking the necessary steps to protect them and promote their health.”
Launched in 2014, the International WELL Building Institute assigns ratings similar to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design scale. Its signature WELL Building Standard is based on 10 concepts recognized as crucial to building health and wellness — air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community — which are highlighted through a rigorous third-party and plans by the applicant.
Joining the IWBI will allow Denholtz to tap into the organization’s vast resources while collaborating with fellow companies and organizations worldwide that are also focused on that mission. Denholtz also noted that Jamie Atkins, an associate, recently received the WELL Accredited Professional credential and will work closely with its senior leadership to tap into new opportunities and strategies for its office, flex and multifamily buildings throughout New Jersey and Florida.
“Since the first WELL projects, we have continued to build the momentum toward a global transformation that puts people at the focus of a healthier future,” IWBI Chairman and CEO Rick Fedrizzi said. “The IWBI community is passionate and united around their efforts to elevate wellness in their everyday work, and we are excited to have Denholtz Properties on this journey.”
In addition to the WELL Building Standard, the IWBI recently created the WELL Health-Safety Rating, an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types, according to a news release. The rating focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder engagement strategies to help organizations prepare their spaces for re-entry in a post COVID-19 environment.
