3.1.1. International WELL

The International WELL Building Standard (WELL) focuses on human health and wellbeing in buildings. It was developed by the WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in the USA and emphasizes various elements that affect occupants' health.

The International WELL Building Standard is a certification system that is designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of occupants in buildings. It looks at different aspects like air quality, water quality, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mental health. By focusing on these elements, the WELL standard aims to create environments that not only support sustainability but also promote the health of the people who occupy them.

Think of WELL like a wellness program for buildings. Just like a gym membership encourages you to stay fit and healthy through physical activities and nutritional guidance, WELL promotes healthy indoor environments where the air is clean, lighting is optimal, and spaces encourage physical movement and healthy behaviors.

WELL includes several categories that evaluate the impact of buildings on human health. These categories include air quality, water quality, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and overall mind health.

Under the WELL Standard, buildings are evaluated on multiple categories affecting human health. Each of these categories addresses specific aspects of how a built environment affects its occupants. For example, air quality involves ensuring that the indoor air is free from pollutants and has adequate ventilation. Water quality focuses on providing clean and safe drinking water. Nourishment looks at access to healthy food options, and fitness emphasizes opportunities for physical activity within the space.

Imagine walking into a workplace that is designed with your health in mind. The air feels fresh, you see plants around which help to clean the air, there are water stations providing filtered water, and natural light floods your workspace. This holistic approach is like preparing a balanced meal where every ingredient (air, water, nourishment, etc.) contributes to your overall health.

WELL offers three levels of certification: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, achieved by earning points through meeting specific performance metrics and criteria.

The WELL certification process works similarly to a grading system. Buildings can achieve one of three levels based on how many points they earn by meeting the defined health and well-being specifications. Silver is the basic certification, Gold indicates higher performance, and Platinum recognizes outstanding achievements in promoting health and wellness. Each certification level requires a rigorous assessment of the building's adherence to the WELL criteria.

It's similar to earning grades in school. If a student completes their assignments (meeting health criteria), they receive a certain number of points. Collect enough points, and they can move from a B grade (Silver) to an A grade (Gold) or even A+ (Platinum). The more you integrate healthful practices into a building, the higher your certification level and recognition.

Achieving WELL certification demonstrates a commitment to health-focused design, potentially enhancing occupant satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being.

WELL certification is more than just a label; it shows that a building has taken specific steps to ensure a healthy and supportive environment for its occupants. Studies have shown that when people work in environments that prioritize health—through good air quality, inviting spaces, and opportunities for movement—they experience better physical health, higher job satisfaction, and improved productivity.

Think of WELL certification as a badge of honor for buildings. Just as a health-conscious person might wear a fitness tracker to show their commitment to wellbeing, a WELL-certified building showcases its dedication to the health of its inhabitants, encouraging them to feel better and work more effectively.

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