Welcome to the WELL Certification - Sustainability website for the College of Engineering.
As part of the Kiewit Hall project - the college's new $115 million building dedicated to premier engineering teaching and learning that opened in January 2024 - the facility is designed for WELL Certification.
What is WELL Certification?
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a global movement dedicated to transforming health and well-being with a people-first approach to buildings, organizations and communities. This goal is accomplished via the WELL Building Standard (WELL), which is a roadmap for creating and certifying spaces that advance human health and well-being.
With 10 years of development backed by the latest scientific research, WELL sets pathways for accomplishing health-first factors so people can do their that help best work and be their best selves through the support of physical and mental health across 10 core concepts. Rigorous performance standards for design interventions, operational protocols and company-wide practices are verified by a third party.
Kiewit Hall is the first engineering academic building in any U.S. higher education institution to be both LEED Gold certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - U.S. Green Building Council) and designed for WELL Silver certification.
WELL Building Concepts
As part of the college's health-oriented mission for Kiewit Hall, the following 10 core WELL concepts are addressed, as well as an additional Innovation concept.
The health and well-being of our employees and students is paramount to our mission. The college and the university have invested in health and well-being focused space design and construction to benefit the health of our Nebraska Engineering community.
While each concept has multiple conditions, below are examples of a specific condition currently met for each concept.
1. AIR
At Kiewit Hall, pollution infiltration is managed through the Design of Healthy Entryways. Features include an oversized vestibule, the arrangement and operation of the entry doors, an air curtain, walk-off carpet that extends into the lobby beyond the vestibule, and enhanced daily cleaning procedures.
Other features in Kiewit Hall include:
- Smoke-free environment
- Improved air supply
- Air quality monitoring and awareness
2. WATER
The Water concept addresses full access to high quality drinking water and water management. Components in Kiewit Hall include performance metrics and monitoring and hygiene support via enhanced bathroom accommodations.
Other features include:
- Drinking water promotion: easy-to-find and use water stations
- Moisture management
- Enhanced quality and Legionella control
3. NOURISHMENT
The focus of the NOURISHMENT concept is to encourage better eating habits by creating food environments where the healthiest choice is the easiest choice. Concerning "Special Diets," the college and university are aware that food allergens need to be addressed for students, faculty and staff, as well as for guests to campus. Kiewit Cafe provides digital menu boards and online ordering that labels the top eight allergens, plus gluten. More knowledge for those with special dietary restrictions and more awareness benefits everyone.
Other features in Kiewit Hall include:
- Portion management
- Mindful eating spaces
- Onsite food production
- Responsible food sourcing
4. LIGHT
The LIGHT concept targets the benefits from daylight and lighting systems to increase alertness, enhance the working and learning experience, and promote healthy sleeping. From the early design of Kiewit Hall to completion, high-level daylighting is maintained in all occupied spaces.
Other features in Kiewit Hall include:
- Visual lighting design
- Glare control
- Occupant lighting control
- Circadian lighting system
5. MOVEMENT
The MOVEMENT concept centers on promoting active living in and around Kiewit Hall through environmental design, policies and programs. Specifically, the monumental stairs and wide hallways surrounding the open center spaces encourages movement.
Other features in Kiewit Hall include:
- Active furnishings
- Ergonomic design
- Physical activity space outdoors
6. THERMAL
The THERMAL concept is focused on maximizing occupants' productivity and comfort through an improved HVAC system and by meeting specific thermal preferences. Kiewit Hall features ongoing thermal environment monitoring for assessment and adjustment as necessary.
Other features include:
- Humidity control
- Individual controls
- Radiant thermal comfort
7. SOUND
Improving the overall experience of a building must include a focus on SOUND, providing optimal acoustical comfort. Through sound mapping, Kiewit Hall's acoustic design plan offers five primary zones: loud (areas with mechanical/electrical systems and/or owner-controlled equipment), quiet (for concentration, studying, privacy), mixed (for learning, collaboration, presentation), circulation (no intended for regular occupancy), and hybrid (intended for learning with owner-controlled noise-generating equipment)
Other features include:
- Sound reducing surfaces
- Minimum background sound and sound barriers
- Enhanced audio devices
8. MATERIALS
The purpose of the MATERIALS concept is to reduce human exposure to hazardous building materials. For example, specific cleaning products and protocols are used in Kiewit Hall to optimize resources and safety.
Other features include:
- Lead, asbestos, PCB and mercury safety
- Materials transparency
- Waste management best practices
- Minimal/low hazard pesticide use
9. MIND
The MIND concept supports cognitive and emotional health through strategic design, technology and treatment strategies. Specifically, tieing Kiewit Hall to the outdoors and nature was a priority to provide a stronger connection to place. On the north side of the building is a new, large outdoor common space with seating, grass, trees, etc., for the campus community to enjoy.
Other features include:
- Mental health services and education
- Stress management practices
- Substance abuse services
- Tobacco cessation
10. COMMUNITY
The COMMUNITY concept helps establish an inclusive, integrated community through social equity, civic engagement and accessible design. As part of Emergency Preparedness, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has campus-wide emergency plans and individual plans for each campus building. To meet WELL certification in Kiewit Hall, the plan addresses Natural hazards like flood and fire; Health – medical /pandemic; Technological – power loss; and Human Caused, such as civil unrest.
Other features include:
- Health and Wellness promotion
- Civic engagement
- Inclusive excellence programs
- Occupant surveys
+ INNOVATE
The INNOVATE approach allows for additional creative project features that can help advance the well-being of those using the building. Using the biophilic design strategy to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions, Kiewit Hall offers wide open spaces as well as smaller alcoves, seating groups and enclosed huddle rooms for refuge.