The Park Q Garden is one feature planned for the 20-billion-baht complex now taking shape on Rama IV Road.

Bangkokians' awareness of the importance of clean air has increased substantially in recent months, as the country has suffered from unprecedented levels of air pollution. Elevated levels of microscopic particulate matter (PM2.5) can cause significant health issues, and the city is now focused on long-term solutions for improving air quality.

Public awareness of the importance of clean air was highlighted in a recent Nielsen survey commissioned by The Parq, a mixed-use office and retail complex being developed on Rama IV Road by TCC Assets. It showed that indoor air quality was office workers' main concern.

Respondents rated good indoor air quality (64%), access to natural light and views (45%) and plants and green spaces on premises (40%) as key factors in driving productivity and well-being.

With more than 90% of people's time spent indoors, buildings need to provide indoor surroundings that ensure a healthy living and working environment. To protect employees and tenants from poor air quality and harmful particles, leading developers in Thailand's capital are turning towards greener buildings and embracing international certification standards such as LEED and WELL.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

"Our purpose as a responsible developer is to enrich the lives of those who spend time in our buildings, whether through its human-centric and sustainable design, energy efficiency, resource efficacy, or seamless operational practices," said Su Lin Soon, CEO for development with The Parq.

"Sustainability is as much about the environment as well as human sustainability, as in making it a priority to ensure people's sustainable wellbeing."

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognised standard for sustainable buildings. It aims to lower a building's impact on the surrounding environment and people by using sustainable materials and processes, resource optimisation and low carbon emissions.

WELL is a set of building standards aimed at delivering improved human health through design, rethinking buildings from materials to air ventilation to lighting, integrating best practices in design and construction with evidence-based medical and scientific research to support human health and well-being.

The total global footprint of WELL-registered projects now exceeds 20.8 million square meters, with wellness real estate representing US$134 billion globally, according to the [Global Wellness Institute].

Issued by the US Green Building Council and International Well Building Institutes respectively, LEED and WELL have multiple levels, with sustainable world-class developments awarded the highest levels of certification. So far just 20 projects in Thailand have been awarded the highest LEED Platinum certification, despite a 70% increase in registrations in 2018.

SMART FEATURES

A LEED and WELL-certified development in Thailand can not only drive new standards for quality of living, but also seamlessly integrate other smart and convenient features: from purified drinkable water provided throughout the building to extensive natural light and glare-free environment proven to boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.

LEED and WELL also require a variety of wellness facilities, including healthy food choices, spa and gym facilities, art installations and access to green spaces.

Ms Soon said The Parq was aiming to be Thailand's first development to achieve both LEED and WELL certifications. "The Parq will set a new benchmark for office buildings, where the concept of sustainability has driven a design and features where work-life balance is promoted throughout."

High-performance air filtration, microbe and mould control will provide occupants with unparalleled indoor air quality, while The Parq's "healthy entrances" feature will employ a pressure differential system that will ensure no harmful agents can enter the building, she said.

Drawing on LEED and WELL principles, the building will also contain sensors performing continuous monitoring, allowing for adjustment of indoor air pressure to control the air flow at all its six entrances. Through a focus on energy efficiency in every aspect, the benefits also drive better air quality for the rest of the city, as emissions, heat and even impact during construction phase are minimised in line with LEED requirements.

For office tenants, the better air quality plus increased utilities efficiency combined with innovation in smart technology and staff friendly features such as EV chargers, drinking water, green areas can pay off, with ongoing cost savings and improved staff retention.

"The Parq is a wellness-focused workplace development setting new quality of life standards for its inhabitants. LEED and WELL building standards work symbiotically to ensure buildings and communities preserve precious resources for a brighter future. It was important for us to pioneer this in Thailand," said Ms Soon.