SKIM
This SKIM section provides a brief overview of each of the ten concept areas contained in the standard and how the standard is implemented across all Phipps facilities. To learn more about the features that are already in place across campus and those we’re looking into, check out the SWIM section.
Click the links below to learn more information about each category of this section.
Air | Water | Nourishment | Light | Movement | Thermal Comfort | Sound | Materials | Mind | Community
Air
Humans spend more than 90% of their time indoors, where exposure to air pollutants can lead to a variety of poor health and well-being outcomes. Common indoor air contaminants come from combustion sources such as candles, tobacco products, stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces, as well as building materials, furnishings, fabrics, cleaning products, personal care products, and air fresheners. Working in a greenhouse environment also introduces particulate matter into the air.
- Indoor and outdoor smoking is prohibited.
- Given the nature of activity occurring in this space, the HVAC system is outfitted with particle filters to reduce the presence of particulate matter.
- To further reduce staff exposure to poor indoor air quality, we performed baseline air quality testing at the end of July 2020 to understand current conditions. Results are anticipated in early September.
Water
Nearly two-thirds of the human body is composed of water, which is required for optimal biological processes. The Water concept aims to increase adequate hydration and reduce health risks due to contaminated water and excessive moisture within buildings.
- At Phipps, potable water provided by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority meets all specified criteria for suspended solids, dissolved materials, chlorine, fluoride, and water hardness.
- To further ensure high-quality drinking water is available, under-sink filters are also provided in the green mile break room.
- Campus-wide water quality testing is performed quarterly to confirm quality; results are available on Phipps Common.
Nourishment
Adequate nutrition is a key driver of human health.
- The availability of fruits and vegetables and nutritional transparency creates an environment where healthy choices are easy.
- Café Phipps’ plant-forward menu features local and organic plant-forward foods and produce grown in display gardens.
- Meats are vegetarian-fed and dairy is free of growth hormones and antibiotics. Produce included on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list is always organic. Food and beverage options do not contain high added sugar, hydrogenated oils, or refined or artificial ingredients.
- Staff cooking classes are provided monthly.
Light
Light affects mood and is the main driver of circadian rhythm. Insufficient or improper lighting can affect circadian rhythm, which is an especially important consideration since humans spend more than 90% of their time indoors.
- The greenhouses are flooded with natural light.
- The office areas provide indirect ambient light and LED task lighting for additional illumination as needed.
Movement
Physical inactivity contributes to premature mortality and chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, stroke, dementia, and some forms of cancer.
- Many horticulture staff are active throughout the day due to the nature of the work, while other office-based staff have less active responsibilities.
- Standing desk top height adjustment stands and adjustable chairs are available to address ergonomics.
- The design of the production greenhouse sites stairs near the office area and an elevator near the loading dock, which promotes stair usage when possible.
- The campus is situated within Schenley Park, which provides trail access and green space for staff to enjoy.
- Staff also have access to an on-site fitness suite that contains both cardiovascular and resistance equipment as well as fitness programming.
Thermal Comfort
Thermal comfort is linked to human health, well-being, and productivity. It is also highly subjective.
- To maximize individual modifications, personal fans are provided and building occupants can adjust zoned temperature controls to address thermal comfort.
- Additional efforts in this area will be explored to improve staff thermal comfort.
Sound
Unwanted sound within an enclosed space has been shown to hinder productivity, focus, memory retention, and mental arithmetic.
- Additional efforts in this area will be explored to provide a more comfortable acoustic environment.
Materials
There are no agencies tasked with overseeing the health and safety of chemicals in building products. In fact, the health and environmental impacts of most chemicals in circulation are unknown; sufficient data on human and environmental health impacts is lacking.
- To reduce human exposure to potentially hazardous building material ingredients, Phipps adheres to the precautionary principle, electing to purchase and install materials vetted to ensure environmental and human health, including building products, interior furnishings, and paints.
- Health impacts of cleaning products are also reviewed to ensure the safety of both building occupants and housekeeping staff while also being effective.
- A campus-wide integrated pest management program minimizes the use of pesticides and associated health risks. Particular attention is paid to horticultural chemical applications to ensure staff safety.
Mind
Mental health is a fundamental component of human health across all stages of life and is vital for the physical and social well-being of all individuals, communities, and societies.
- To support cognitive and emotional wellness, Phipps’ benefits package affords services and resources to foster a well mind.
- Furthermore, the campus is also situated within Schenley Park, which provides direct access to nature.
Community
Supporting community health and well-being begins with addressing the fundamental factors that influence human health and well-being, such as access to health services. The Community concept focuses on access to essential healthcare, workplace health promotion, civic engagement, and accessible design.
- Phipps’ health benefits package affords services and resources that cover health risk assessments, flu prevention, and routine immunizations.
- Ongoing occupant satisfaction is collected via quarterly survey.
