The Hague, 28 April 2025 – In January, Borghese Real Estate in partnership with Pleijsier Bouw successfully achieved WELL recertification for its office in Nijkerk, Netherlands.
The Borghese and Pleijsier Bouw office was initially WELL Gold certified in 2019, making it the first project in the Netherlands to attain this prestigious recognition. WELL certification, governed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), ensures that buildings maintain high standards in air quality, water quality, light, fitness, comfort, and mental wellbeing.
However, achieving the certification is only the beginning. WELL requires an annual commitment to maintaining and improving building performance. Recertification every three years is a rigorous process that validates whether a building continues to meet WELL standards. Borghese and Pleijsier Bouw recently achieved their latest WELL recertification, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to a healthy workplace.
Sustained Improvements
" The commitment of Borghese and Pleijsier Bouw to WELL is exceptional. Many companies obtain a certification and stop there, but Borghese and Pleijsier Bouw actively work every year to enhance their building’s well-being features based on employee feedback and active maintenance.
Over the last three years, these measures have focused on two major aspects:
- Physical Maintenance: The team has consistently monitored and maintained their HVAC system, ensuring optimal air quality. Annual mould inspections and filter replacements have been crucial in preventing airborne diseases.
- Employee Centred Policies: An external firm conducts yearly workplace surveys, allowing Borghese and Pleijsier Bouw to identify and resolve potential issues. For instance, previous surveys revealed concerns about acoustics, prompting investments in noise reduction solutions.
Montenegro adds, “The survey results are not just a formality for the clients. They genuinely use the feedback to refine their policies and enhance the work environment.”
Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration
One of the key challenges in WELL recertification is maintaining close coordination between sustainability consultants, facility management teams and operational staff. Montenegro explains, “The process has been educational for everyone involved. It took a little while to reach alignment, but once the FM team became more familiar with WELL standards, communication and collaboration have improved significantly.”
Broader Impact of WELL Recertification
Beyond this project, Deerns continues to support other clients in achieving WELL recertifications.
" Currently, Deerns is assisting a major life sciences and electronics client in securing three WELL recertifications, as well as another real estate company pursuing WELL Core recertification.
Montenegro highlights the unique value of WELL, saying, “WELL extends beyond other certifications that focus solely on initial design and construction. It ensures that a building remains a healthy space for its occupants over time. This continuous engagement is what makes WELL truly impactful.”
A Model for Sustainable Workspaces
As businesses across Europe seek to enhance their environmental and social governance (ESG) credentials, the proactive approach of Borghese and Pleijsier Bouw serves as an inspiring model. The clients have successfully embedded sustainability and well-being into the fabric of their operations by implementing continuous monitoring, strategic upgrades and meaningful employee engagement.
The recertification of Borghese and Pleijsier Bouw’s office demonstrates that sustainability and employee well-being are not one-time achievements but ongoing commitments. With Deerns’ expert guidance, the project has shown that creating a people-first workspace is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.
