# WELL Building Standard ## Table of Contents - [[#Overview]] - [[#History and Governance]] - [[#WELL v2 Framework]] - [[#The Ten Concepts]] - [[#Air]] - [[#Water]] - [[#Nourishment]] - [[#Light]] - [[#Movement]] - [[#Thermal Comfort]] - [[#Sound]] - [[#Materials]] - [[#Mind]] - [[#Community]] - [[#Scoring and Certification Levels]] - [[#Verification and Performance Testing]] - [[#Synergies with LEED and BREEAM]] - [[#WELL Health-Safety Rating]] - [[#Practical Notes for Architects]] - [[#References and Standards]] --- ## Overview The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based certification system that measures, certifies, and monitors features of the built environment impacting human health and wellbeing. Unlike energy-focused rating systems, WELL places people at the centre of design decisions, applying evidence-based medical and scientific research to architectural practice. WELL is administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and verified by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the same body that administers [[LEED Certification System]] reviews. --- ## History and Governance - **2014**: WELL v1 launched by Delos and IWBI, initially covering seven concepts. - **2018**: WELL v2 pilot introduced with expanded scope (ten concepts) and enhanced flexibility. - **2020**: WELL v2 fully launched; WELL Health-Safety Rating introduced in response to COVID-19 pandemic. - **2022+**: Continued quarterly addenda updates and expansion of the WELL Performance Rating. IWBI operates independently from Delos. GBCI serves as the third-party certification body, providing consistency with LEED administration. --- ## WELL v2 Framework WELL v2 applies to all building types, interior spaces, and new/existing construction. The standard comprises: - **10 Concepts**: Broad categories of health and wellbeing. - **Features**: Specific requirements within each concept, each scored with a point value. - **Preconditions**: Mandatory features that must be achieved for any certification level. - **Optimisations**: Elective features that earn additional points. - **Parts**: Sub-requirements within each feature (all parts must be met for the feature to be awarded). --- ## The Ten Concepts ### Air Ensures high indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and source control: - Fundamental air quality (ventilation rates per ASHRAE 62.1 or EN 16798) - Smoke-free environment - Construction pollution management - Enhanced air filtration (MERV 13+ or equivalent) - Air quality monitoring (PM2.5, CO₂, TVOC) - Operable windows (where feasible) - Mould and moisture management ### Water Addresses water quality, accessibility, and contaminant limits: - Fundamental water quality (turbidity, coliforms, lead, copper) - Drinking water promotion (accessible water dispensers within 30 m) - Legionella management plans - Periodic water quality testing - Enhanced water treatment (activated carbon, reverse osmosis) ### Nourishment Promotes healthy eating patterns through food environments: - Fruits and vegetables availability - Nutritional transparency (labelling) - Refined ingredient limits (added sugars, trans fats, sodium) - Food advertising restrictions - Mindful eating spaces - Food production (gardens, urban agriculture) ### Light Optimises lighting for visual acuity, circadian health, and comfort: - Light exposure targets: ≥ 200 equivalent melanopic lux (EML) at workstations for at least 4 hours/day - Electric light quality: CRI ≥ 80, R9 ≥ 50 - Glare control: UGR ≤ 19 for general offices - Daylighting: spatial daylight autonomy (sDA₃₀₀/₅₀) targets - Circadian lighting design aligned with occupant schedules - Individual lighting controls within workspaces ### Movement Encourages physical activity through active design: - Active furnishings (sit-stand desks for ≥ 50% of workstations) - Active transportation support (bicycle storage, showers) - Prominent and inviting staircase design - Physical activity spaces and programmes - Neighbourhood walkability considerations - Activity incentive programmes ### Thermal Comfort Ensures occupant thermal satisfaction and adaptive control: - ASHRAE 55 or EN 16798 compliance - Thermal zoning and individual controls - Radiant thermal comfort considerations - Humidity management (30–60% RH) - Thermal comfort monitoring and verification - Enhanced thermal performance above code requirements ### Sound Controls acoustical environment for health and productivity: - Maximum background noise levels (e.g., NC-40 for open offices, NC-30 for private offices) - Sound masking systems where appropriate - Reverberation time targets (T60 ≤ 0.6 s for open-plan offices) - Sound Transmission Class requirements (STC ≥ 50 for partitions between enclosed spaces) - Exterior noise intrusion limits - Impact insulation class for floors ### Materials Minimises exposure to hazardous substances in building materials: - Fundamental material safety (asbestos, lead paint management) - Material transparency (HPDs, Declare labels, EPDs) - Hazardous material restrictions (Red List alignment per [[Sustainable Material Selection]]) - Volatile compound limits for paints, adhesives, sealants, flooring - Enhanced material restrictions (flame retardants, PVC alternatives) - Cleaning product and protocol requirements ### Mind Supports mental health, stress management, and cognitive function: - Mental health promotion and education - Access to nature (biophilic design elements) - Restorative spaces (quiet rooms, meditation areas) - Substance use education - Enhanced access to mental health services - Self-monitoring and stress management tools - Beauty and design considerations ### Community Fosters social connectivity, equity, and civic engagement: - Health and wellness promotion programmes - Community engagement and volunteering - Emergency preparedness plans - Inclusive design beyond minimum accessibility requirements - Occupant surveys and feedback mechanisms - New parent support (lactation rooms, parental leave policies) - Diversity and inclusion initiatives --- ## Scoring and Certification Levels Each WELL feature is assigned a point value. Projects earn points by achieving features across the ten concepts. | Certification Level | Points Required | |--------------------|-----------------| | WELL Bronze | 40 points | | WELL Silver | 50 points | | WELL Gold | 60 points | | WELL Platinum | 80 points | **Additional requirements**: - All precondition features must be met at every certification level. - A minimum number of points must be earned in each concept to ensure balanced performance. - Maximum achievable points: approximately 110 (varies by project type). --- ## Verification and Performance Testing WELL certification involves rigorous on-site performance verification: 1. **Documentation Review**: Policies, specifications, and design documentation submitted to GBCI. 2. **Performance Verification**: A WELL Performance Testing Agent conducts on-site measurements: - Air quality sampling (PM2.5, PM10, CO, CO₂, TVOC, formaldehyde, ozone) - Water quality testing (heavy metals, disinfectants, microbiological) - Light level measurements (illuminance, melanopic lux) - Sound level measurements (background noise, reverberation) - Thermal comfort parameters (temperature, humidity, air velocity) 3. **Recertification**: Required every three years to maintain certification, ensuring ongoing operational performance. --- ## Synergies with LEED and BREEAM WELL is designed to complement, not replace, environmental rating systems: | Aspect | WELL v2 | [[LEED Certification System]] | [[BREEAM Rating System]] | |--------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Primary focus | Human health and wellbeing | Environmental sustainability | Environmental sustainability | | IEQ coverage | Comprehensive (core focus) | One credit category | One credit category (15%) | | Energy | Not directly addressed | Core category (33 pts) | Highest weighted (19%) | | Materials | Health-based restrictions | Environmental impact focus | Responsible sourcing focus | | Verification | On-site performance testing | Documentation review | Third-party assessor | | Recertification | Every 3 years | Not required | Not required | **Crosswalk credits**: IWBI publishes crosswalk documents identifying features where LEED or BREEAM documentation can support WELL feature compliance, reducing duplication of effort for dual-certified projects. --- ## WELL Health-Safety Rating Introduced in 2020, the WELL Health-Safety Rating addresses operational policies for: - Cleaning and sanitisation protocols - Emergency preparedness programmes - Health service resources - Air and water quality management - Stakeholder engagement and communication This rating is designed as an entry point for organisations new to WELL and operates on an annual renewal cycle. --- ## Practical Notes for Architects - Engage a WELL AP (Accredited Professional) from RIBA Stage 1 to integrate health criteria into the brief. - Coordinate WELL Air features with the M&E engineer early, as enhanced ventilation and filtration affect duct sizing and AHU selection. - Daylighting design for WELL Light features aligns well with LEED Daylight and BREEAM Hea 01 credits. - Material selections must satisfy both WELL material restrictions and project sustainability targets simultaneously. - Acoustic design is frequently undervalued; early engagement of an acoustician is essential for Sound features. - Post-occupancy performance testing means design intent must be maintained through construction and commissioning. - Budget for on-site performance testing costs (typically conducted by specialist agents appointed through IWBI). - WELL recertification requires ongoing operational compliance — brief the client on maintenance obligations. --- ## References and Standards - International WELL Building Institute, *WELL v2 Standard* - ASHRAE Standard 62.1: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality - ASHRAE Standard 55: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy - IES LM-83: Approved Method for Spatial Daylight Autonomy - CIE S 026: CIE System for Metrology of Optical Radiation for ipRGC-Influenced Responses to Light - [[LEED Certification System]] - [[BREEAM Rating System]] - [[Sustainable Material Selection]] --- #sustainability #well #healthandwellbeing #IEQ #IWBI