The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has been named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies roster, which honours businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture.

IWBI delivers the WELL Building Standard, the leading global rating system that focuses on the ways that buildings, and everything in them, can improve our comfort, drive better choices, and generally enhance, not compromise, our health and wellness.

“In 2018, we launched WELL v2, stood up the Portfolio program for existing buildings, expanded our geographic footprint, and crossed some big adoption milestones across industries and sectors,” says IWBI chairman and CEO Rick Fedrizzi.

“That success is built firmly on an internal culture of innovation – in our product, in our delivery model, and in how we engage with our customers. To be named No. 6 in the wellness category on a list that includes leaders like Peloton and Parsley Health is humbling and gratifying.”

Fedrizzi noted that in 2018, IWBI registered more than 12.4 million square metres, which is 108 percent growth over 2017. Of this, almost half came from portfolios and returning clients, with the rest being individual projects.

Notable WELL certifications and achievements in 2018 included: Australia’s first platinum-certified projects, and first dual certified project at the same property: Platinum WELL Certification for all three International Towers at Barangaroo by Lendlease, and Platinum WELL Certification for Lendlease’s Global Headquarters.

“Given the size of the Australian market and our relatively small population, closing 2018 with Australia as the third largest market for registered WELL projects globally is not only an incredible achievement, it is a testament to the dedication of those working on WELL projects across the country,” says Jack Noonan, IWBI’s vice president, Australia and New Zealand.

“Beyond the numbers, we’ve built a local community around WELL that is passionate about progressing health and well-being across our buildings. This community is diverse, innovative, and they are committed to ensuring that WELL is relevant and accessible for all Australians.”

Image: Lendlease’s Global Headquarters