The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™) announced a new partnership at Green Cities last week. Their memorandum of understanding will provide an opportunity to align the Green Star and WELLS rating systems and collaborate on progressing the healthy building movement.

The GBCA says that Green Star’s focus on indoor environmental quality for health and wellbeing is complemented by WELLS scientific and medical research in the area. There is increasing demand from consumers who recognise the impacts of buildings on their health and a combination of rating systems will effectively address buildings and people together.

The organisations will also work together on promoting educational initiatives and encouraging sustainable building practices, with the aim of broadening the reach of both rating systems and forming a unified approach to designing healthy, productive home and work environments around Australia.

Full media release available here.