Building for Better: Why LEED and WELL Are Changing More Than Just the Walls

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL are like the gold stars of building standards. LEED focuses on making sure buildings are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, while WELL is all about how the space impacts the health and well-being of the people inside. Think of LEED as making a building green and WELL as making it feel good to be in.

These building standards aren’t just about making buildings energy-efficient or throwing up a few solar panels- they’re about designing spaces that feel good to live and work in. Imagine walking into your office, and instead of feeling like you’re in a box of fluorescent lights and drywall, you’re in a place where natural light floods in, plants are everywhere, and the air doesn’t feel like it was recycled back in 2010. It’s the kind of environment where you feel more creative, less stressed, and maybe, just maybe, you won’t have to fake a sick day just to catch a break.

What’s exciting is how this ripple effect extends far beyond the office walls. Less burnout? Fewer people calling in sick? That means a healthier workforce and...wait for it...less strain on our healthcare system. It’s like a domino effect of wellness. Companies like EHDD and Perkins&Will are leading the charge by designing buildings and spaces that make people healthier, happier, and more productive. And guess what? We’re on board too. At Austin Moss Creations, we’re proud to contribute to these kinds of spaces, bringing in our love for nature to create work environments that actually work for people, not against them.

The fact that we get to be part of this movement is incredibly cool. Knowing our moss walls don’t just look good but actually help people feel good, too? It’s the kind of stuff that makes us excited to keep doing what we do. Who knew moss could be a hero in reducing healthcare costs? (Okay, maybe not a hero… but definitely a sidekick.)

✌🏼/J

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