CREJ

Page 12 — Office & Industrial Quarterly — December 2021 www.crej.com OFFICE — TRENDS A s more people return to the office, they may notice a lot more green space, enhanced air quality, out- door workspaces and an overall emphasis on wellness. Office owners are focused on sustainabil- ity, health and well-being now more than ever before. While the wellness trend start- ed before the pandemic, it has increased dramatically since then. In 2020, both Fitwel and the Inter- national WELL Building Institute saw a spike in registrations. In fact, Fitwel saw a growth in registrations by 190% in 2020 with fourth-quarter registrations increasing by 644% over the same quarter in 2019. In the Denver area, Granite will pursue Fitwel certifications for Regency Plaza and Plaza Tower One in 2022 and we hope to follow with the rest of our portfolio in the coming years. One major factor behind this push for sustainable and healthy build- ings is the increased focus of the business community on the Envi- ronmental, Social and Governance movement. Investors increasingly base their investment decisions on a company’s ESG performance. As a result, real estate companies look- ing to raise capital often are asked by investors to share their ESG efforts. At the same time, compa- nies working toward their ESG goals seek sustainable, wellness-focused office buildings to help reduce their environmental footprint and ensure their employees benefit from work- ing in a healthy building. The wellness trend also is creating more compelling work- space that draws employees to the office by enhanc- ing their work- life experience. Whether compa- nies are return- ing full-time or through a hybrid, flexible approach, the office con- tinues to be the place for employees to collaborate, innovate, connect and create cul- ture. To help attract top talent back to their buildings, office owners are incorporating wellness features to provide an inviting, healthy, enjoy- able workspace where employees want to be. Following are a few examples of what those workspaces may look like. n Outdoor workspace . Outdoor workspace allows employees to work in fresh air surrounded by natural light. For example, we offers a number of inviting outdoor work- spaces across the Denver portfolio for people to work, socialize or unwind. We are continuously look- ing for ways to create additional outdoor areas for our customers to offer to their employees. n Nature-centered experiences. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and enhance well-being. While many office buildings offer landscaped, outdoor workspaces, it also is important to offer things like complimentary bike programs and close proximity to trails. Bringing the outdoors indoors also can be effective through biophilic design, including vegetation in customer lounges, use of natural materials, and floor-to-ceiling windows for an abundance of natural light. n Physical and community wellness. Many studies show a link between wellness and productivity. These days, office fitness centers rival a regular gym experience with large cardio and weight rooms, group classes and locker rooms. This amenity contributes to customer physical well-being while also offer- ing space for employees to connect outside the office. Programs like our TogetherWeConnect platform also can offer customers regular phil- anthropic, educational and profes- sional development events to foster community in the building. n Enhanced indoor air quality and touch-free experiences. Due to the pandemic, indoor air quality went from a “nice to have” to a “must Expect greener, wellness-focused office buildings Stephanie Lawrence Senior managing director, Granite Properties The pandemic accelerated already occurring trends in office space that target goals of sustainability, health and well-being. For example, Regency Plaza in Denver is pursu- ing Fitwell certification. Please see Lawrence, Page 14