Zip Water UK discusses how improving the quality of drinking water in the workplace can help achieve WELL Building Standard accreditation

Studies have shown that employees who are happier and healthier are more productive and take fewer sick days. It is therefore easy to see why businesses invest in and implement strategies to achieve a positive working environment for their staff.

Now that companies are embracing the need for workplace wellbeing strategies, architects and interior designers are developing office concepts with this in mind. As a result, specifying products and designing flexible spaces in order to improve wellbeing has become a priority. This has led to the rise of trusted third-party accreditations, such as the WELL Building Standard, which ensure workplaces get a stamp of approval.

Launched by The International WELL Building Institute in 2014, the standard seeks to implement, validate and measure features that support and advance human health and wellness. With seven ‘WELL concepts’, each containing several features to be assessed, obtaining certification is no easy feat. Developed over six years of scientific and medical research, this accreditation is one that only a handful of UK buildings can boast. It not only ensures the very latest in modern wellbeing design, but is also likely to attract the best talent on the market – a huge benefit for employers.

With air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind concepts explored, considering the small details as well as the larger picture is an absolute must. One such detail is ensuring that the best possible water filtration system is specified for your workplace building. More than two-thirds of the human body is made up of water, so it’s no wonder water is important in maintaining optimum levels of healthiness. An effective water filtration system will work to remove contaminants, such as chlorine and sediments, as well as reduce the presence of pesticides, chemicals, bacteria and viruses. With the water concept of the WELL Building Standard assessing water quality, contaminants, water testing and drinking water promotion, specifying a high-performance water system is incredibly important.

With the Zip HydroTap range, your office space can be provided with high-quality, pure-tasting, filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water, which encourages employees to stay hydrated. Plus, the advanced 0.2 micron MicroPurity filtration technology offers 25 times better filtration than a standard water filter jug, and has been tested and approved according to two National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards. The HydroTap has also obtained Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approval, so you can trust your chosen system is safe, reliable and fit-for-purpose.

The 0.2 micron MicroPurity filter removes sediment, microorganisms and inorganic contaminants, such as dissolved metals, all of which are measured as part of a performance test for the water concept of The WELL Building Standard. The HydroTap also benefits from auto-diagnostics, which continuously monitor performance and can provide a complete diagnostics history on demand. This means that office managers can ensure water quality on a regular basis. And with more than 90 directly employed Zip engineers providing pre-scheduled servicing and filter changes, maintaining a high standard of drinking water has never been easier.

From a sustainability perspective, the advanced energy-efficient technology reduces running costs. This, combined with pure tasting, crystal-clear water eliminates the need to buy plastic bottled water for employees. A HydroTap would also benefit projects seeking BREEAM accreditation.

By ensuring your specification includes elements that improve the quality of filtered water and encourage hydration, you’ll be one step closer to achieving a WELL Building Standard certification. Plus, your office project will be among the most advanced buildings in the UK for workplace wellbeing. This in turn will make a real impact on employees’ lives.

Contact Details
For further information please visit the Zip Water UK website.