WELL Certification promotes health and well-being in buildings by focusing on air, water, light, nutrition, comfort, and mental health.
As sustainability and health-conscious design become increasingly central to modern construction, WELL Certification has emerged as a leading global standard focused on promoting human health and well-being in the built environment. Unlike other certifications like LEED or BREEAM, which emphasize energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and resource management, WELL dives deep into how our environments affect our physical and mental health. This certification, administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), is a game-changer for developers, designers, and companies aiming to prioritize the health and wellness of building occupants.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the core components of WELL Certification, why it matters, and how it can transform the spaces we live, work, and play in.
What is WELL Certification?
WELL Certification is a performance-based system designed to measure, monitor, and improve the health and wellness aspects of buildings and communities. Launched in 2014, the WELL Building Standard integrates scientific and medical research on the impact of our built environment on human health, with the goal of creating spaces that foster healthier and more productive occupants.
Unlike other certifications that focus on minimizing the environmental footprint of buildings, WELL looks inward, focusing on the occupants’ quality of life. The system is structured around ten core concepts, each of which addresses specific facets of human health and well-being: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community.
Each of these concepts contains features or strategies that a project must meet to earn WELL points. A project’s total points determine its level of certification, which can be awarded at the Silver, Gold, or Platinum level.
The 10 Core Concepts of WELL Certification
Air Air quality is essential to human health. WELL focuses on creating buildings with superior air quality by controlling pollutants, improving ventilation, and minimizing airborne contaminants. Projects must implement filtration and ventilation systems that meet or exceed rigorous performance standards.
Water Hydration is critical for mental clarity, physical performance, and overall health. WELL encourages the use of water filtration systems to reduce contaminants and provide access to clean, safe drinking water. Water quality testing is essential, and projects must ensure that water provided within the building meets specific health and safety standards.
Nourishment A building’s design can directly affect occupants’ eating habits. WELL encourages access to healthy, nutritious food options while limiting unhealthy additives such as sugar and processed ingredients. This concept also looks at food policies within buildings, including providing information about nutritional content and promoting sustainable food practices.
Light Light has profound effects on mood, sleep, and productivity. WELL promotes the use of natural light and human-centric lighting systems to optimize circadian rhythms, reduce eye strain, and boost mental well-being. The certification outlines specific light intensity and spectrum guidelines to create a more conducive working and living environment.
Movement Sedentary lifestyles contribute to various health risks such as obesity, heart disease, and depression. WELL aims to encourage movement through the design of spaces. This includes providing active furnishings, promoting physical activity within the building, and ensuring the inclusion of fitness facilities and other amenities that promote regular movement.
Thermal Comfort A building’s thermal environment can significantly affect occupant comfort and productivity. WELL sets standards for maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation levels to ensure the thermal comfort of all building users. It considers personal preferences for thermal conditions and encourages solutions like adaptable thermostats and passive design strategies to manage comfort levels.
Sound Acoustic comfort is crucial for mental well-being, concentration, and overall productivity. WELL Certification requires projects to control indoor noise levels, using soundproofing, materials that absorb sound, and thoughtful design to reduce noise pollution.
Materials Harmful chemicals in building materials can negatively impact human health over time. WELL focuses on minimizing the use of toxic materials by promoting products that are safe, non-toxic, and sustainable. It encourages the use of building materials that do not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and other harmful substances.
Mind Mental health is increasingly recognized as a key element of overall well-being. WELL promotes mental health by incorporating design features that support relaxation, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity. This includes designing spaces for mindfulness, integrating biophilic elements such as plants and natural light, and creating environments that nurture emotional well-being.
Community Social relationships and access to support systems are vital for human health and happiness. WELL encourages the development of inclusive, diverse, and supportive communities within buildings. It promotes spaces that facilitate social interaction, inclusivity, and access to services that can support community health and well-being.
Why WELL Certification Matters?
The WELL Building Standard offers significant benefits not only for occupants but also for property developers, employers, and business owners. Here’s why WELL Certification is crucial:
Healthier Occupants By focusing on air quality, lighting, nutrition, and mental well-being, WELL-certified buildings create environments where people can thrive. Healthier occupants are more productive, less likely to fall ill, and experience improved mental clarity.
Increased Productivity WELL Certification is particularly valuable in commercial and office settings, where improved indoor environments lead to better employee performance. By addressing factors such as air quality, noise, and lighting, WELL buildings help reduce distractions, lower stress levels, and enhance concentration.
Attracting and Retaining Talent Employees increasingly value their working environments, and companies that invest in LEED or WELL Certification are seen as prioritizing employee well-being. In today’s competitive labor market, such efforts can help attract and retain top talent.
Higher Asset Value WELL Certification adds long-term value to buildings. As health and wellness become priorities for more people and companies, WELL-certified spaces are more desirable, leading to higher occupancy rates, tenant satisfaction, and even rental premiums.
Environmental and Social Responsibility In addition to creating healthier indoor environments, WELL aligns with broader environmental and social responsibility goals. The use of sustainable materials, promotion of healthy food practices, and support for community engagement further the agenda of creating a healthier, more sustainable future.
The Process of Achieving WELL Certification
Achieving WELL Certification involves a thorough process that includes preconditions and optimizations for each of the core concepts. Projects begin by registering with IWBI and undergoing an assessment by third-party professionals to verify compliance with WELL standards.
The certification process involves four key steps:
Project Registration The first step is to register the project with the International WELL Building Institute. This gives the project access to the WELL resources and tools necessary for certification.
Documentation Review After registration, the project team prepares documentation that demonstrates compliance with the WELL features. This documentation is reviewed by a third-party assessor.
On-Site Performance Testing To verify that the building performs as expected, an on-site performance verification is conducted. Experts test for air and water quality, light levels, thermal conditions, and acoustics.
Certification Once the building has passed performance testing and documentation review, it is awarded WELL Certification. Projects can be certified at the Silver, Gold, or Platinum level, depending on the number of features achieved.
WELL Certification Consultancy Services
Our WELL Certification Consulting Service is designed to guide you through the process of creating healthier and more productive environments for your building’s occupants. We help you meet the rigorous standards of the WELL Building Standard by addressing key factors such as air quality, water, lighting, nourishment, thermal comfort, and mental well-being. From initial assessment to final certification, our expert team provides personalized solutions tailored to your project, ensuring a seamless integration of wellness strategies that enhance occupant health and elevate the value of your property.