Building happy, healthy places to live and work – makes good business sense
To talk about a healthy, climate-resilient, inclusive future, it’s important to look at the built environment value chain. This includes materials and how they are manufactured; design principles and construction methods; the experience of those working in manufacturing and construction, as well as that of the end-users; and the impact of the built environment on our communities and eco-systems.
The costs to society – in economic, environmental and social terms – of failing to address health and wellbeing, are enormous.
The construction industry faces significant safety and mental health challenges, with a suicide rate more than three times higher than the national average.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction accounted for one in five worker fatalities in the U.S. In 2023, the industry recorded 1,075 fatalities —the highest number since 2011. Falls, slips, and trips were the leading cause, responsible for 39.2% (421) of deaths, followed by transportation incidents at 22.3% (240).
Wellbeing - Sustainability Short
These days there’s a lot of talk about wellbeing and how it’s important. But what is wellbeing and why should you be bothered about it?
WorldGBC's Health & Wellbeing Framework
The WGBC Framework is a high-level educational resource, structured across six core principles for health and wellbeing in the built environment. The principles are conceptual, allowing them to be universally applicable for an international audience and diverse range of stakeholders. It can be used by actors across the value chain, from designers to occupiers, construction firms to policymakers.
Download the Framework
Wellbeing
Wellbeing – Sustainability Short
Video
5 minutesWellbeing
Assessment of Construction Workers’ Mental Health to Improve Wellbeing
Document/Presentation
Wellbeing
Suicide Prevention Program Building Awareness in Construction
Web link
Sustainability strategy
Introduction to Sustainability in the Built Environment
E-learning module
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Sustainability Assessment