WELL Building is the world’s most comprehensive building certification focused on
human health. Administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI),
the standard sets itself apart from certifications such as LEED or BREEAM, which focus on a building’s
energy efficiency: it measures and documents the parameters that directly affect the physical and
mental health of the people who occupy a building.
Where the Standard Began
The WELL standard was developed by a multidisciplinary group of experts — physicians, scientists,
architects and engineers. The central question was: “How do you design a building so that it supports
the health of the people inside it — and how do you measure that?”
The answer became a matrix of more than 100 scientifically verifiable criteria.
10 Main Categories
The WELL v2 standard evaluates buildings under the following 10 headings:
Air: Particulate matter, VOCs, ventilation rates.
Water: Contaminant thresholds for drinking and domestic water, filtration.
Nourishment: Access to healthy food, nutrition literacy.
Mind: Stress management, biophilic design, social connection.
Community: Inclusivity, access to healthcare, family support.
The Certification Process
WELL Certification is awarded at Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels.
The process includes pre-assessment, design revision, implementation, and on-site testing and performance verification.
Once certified, a project must undergo recertification
every three years — because WELL Certification is not a single moment in time but a standard to be sustained.
Wells 360° provides consulting through Well Living strategies and the WELL Building approach to transform living spaces with a focus on well-being and longevity.
