Nutrition plays a critical role in preventing disease and improving quality of life. The WELL Building Standard™ addresses this issue through its Nourishment Concept, which empowers organizations to promote healthier eating by shaping the environments where people spend most of their time.
Rethinking food access and environment
In today’s world, diets are often low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while high in ultra-processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats. The WELL Nourishment Concept encourages healthier eating patterns by improving access to nutritious food and beverages, reducing the availability of processed, high-sugar items and designing spaces that support informed and mindful food choices.
These strategies can be integrated into the workplace, residential buildings, educational institutions and other shared environments to promote long-term health.
Building food literacy
Healthy eating requires more than access, it demands understanding. Food literacy, which combines nutritional knowledge with practical cooking and preparation skills, is strongly associated with healthier diets.
WELL supports food literacy through educational initiatives such as:
- Cooking demonstrations that highlight the use of fruits and vegetables
- Nutrition sessions led by accredited professionals
- Workshops focused on growing edible plants and herbs
These activities help individuals apply nutrition knowledge in real-life settings and make sustainable dietary changes.
Supporting mindful eating
Modern routines often encourage rushed or distracted eating, especially in work environments. This can lead to irregular eating patterns, lower intake of fruits and vegetables and increased reliance on convenience foods. To support mindful eating, WELL promotes the inclusion of dedicated eating areas that are separate from workspaces and regular meal breaks that encourage intentional, relaxed eating
By fostering a more conscious relationship with food, these practices contribute to both physical and mental wellbeing.
Strengthening the local food environment
The availability and proximity of nutritious food options in a neighborhood or community can significantly influence dietary behavior. WELL encourages projects to be located near retail outlets that offer fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing barriers to healthy food access and supporting healthier food ecosystems.
The WELL Nourishment Concept provides a framework for transforming buildings into tools for public health. At BuildGreen, we guide project teams in integrating nutrition-forward strategies that promote long-term health, sustainability and occupant wellbeing, proving that better buildings can help shape better lives.
