Citi Facility In Hong Kong On Track For WELL Certification

Having achieved precertification toward the WELL Building Standard marks a milestone for the global bank as it hones its focus on workplace wellness.

Citi Hong Kong’s recently opened office building, Citi Tower at One Bay East, is the company’s first project approved for WELL Silver Precertification by the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™). This marks a milestone in the bank’s pursuit of WELL Silver Certification for its Citi Tower and is aligned with Citi’s global focus on workplace wellness. As a global bank, Citi conducts business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions.

Administered by IWBI, WELL is a performance based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. WELL precertification is an optional review pathway available to all project typologies. The precertification review is focused on the intended design, construction and operational strategies for the project. During the review stage, the project receives feedback on the proposed wellness strategies. Projects that meet the requirements for Precertification receive a formal WELL Precertification level and certificate award.

workplace wellness
Photo: Creative Commons/Wpcpey

Receiving the WELL Precertification at the opening of the Live Well at Citi Fitness Center, Weber Lo, Citi Country Officer and Chief Executive Officer for Hong Kong and Macau, said, “At Citi, employee wellness is always a top priority. The purchase of Citi Tower has provided us with an unprecedented opportunity to house over 3,000 Citi colleagues in Hong Kong under one roof. It is important that we provide our staff with a work environment that enhances the key aspects of their well-being. I am proud that Citi Tower is being awarded the WELL Precertification, which is a manifestation of our continuous efforts in bringing world-class office facilities to colleagues in Hong Kong.”

Citi Tower at One Bay East is situated on the waterfront of Kwun Tong, Hong Kong. The building houses over 3,300 staff who were previously based in various locations across Hong Kong. Citi Tower comprises 18 floors of approximately 300,000 square feet of Grade A office space. In addition to WELL certification, Citi Tower is aiming to achieve the USGBC LEED Platinum certification for the interior fit-out of the premises. Key wellness features of Citi Tower include:

  • Air quality testing and ongoing monitoring
  • Water quality testing
  • Over 30% of sit­-stand workstations and fully ergonomic task seating
  • On-site staff fitness center
  • Food offerings and labelling to promote healthy eating
  • Online resources to increase staff awareness on health and wellness

“Citi’s Precertification award through the WELL Building Standard precertification program demonstrates outstanding healthy building leadership,” said IWBI Founder, Paul Scialla. “IWBI’s mission is to bring human health and wellness to the forefront of building practices globally, and it is global leaders like Citi that are helping to advance this movement.”