WELL certification: Health and wellbeing standards

WELL Certification, administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), is a program focused exclusively on advancing human health through the built environment. Backed by medical research, WELL Certification sets a clear roadmap of evidence-based strategies across ten concepts from indoor air quality to nourishment.

This article explains what WELL Certification entails, the rigorous performance standards projects must meet, and how it uplifts occupant health as well as sustainability efforts.

WELL Building Standard is a certification system measuring over 100 attributes that impact human health, wellbeing and quality of life indoors. Developed by Delos over ten years of research, WELL sets pathways organisations can take to create spaces that enhance comfort, performance and wellness for occupants.

Unlike other green building certifications focused on environmental sustainability, WELL puts holistic health at the centre of office interior design and operations using medical evidence. It goes beyond minimum code compliance to implement indoor conditions that actively contribute to productivity, support cognitive function and ease stress.

While Fitwel also rates health promotion through workplace design, WELL takes a more rigorous approach backed by medical literature. WELL has over 100 standards, requires onsite testing, recertifies every three years and offers tiered rating levels.

Fitwel is cheaper, faster and simpler to implement for modest health goals. But WELL drives more transformational policies and spaces optimised for wellness metrics like reduced viral transmission and ergonomics.

Choosing between Fitwel and WELL depends on factors like strategic priorities, location type and the extent of investments an organisation can make to uplift occupant health as a differentiator.

WELL sets the gold standard for data-driven spaces and feedback loops that elevate human health to the forefront of decisions.

Increasingly, organisations recognise that offices designed with wellness principles directly impact effectiveness. WELL provides a rigorous framework and third-party verification for consciously creating spaces that empower employees.

Whether targeting an individual building or applying company-wide, WELL certification ushers in uplifting policies, materials selection process improvements and indoor environment upgrades that put people first.

Office Principles delivers specialised office fit out services embracing the most progressive standards. Reach out today to evaluate certification options suitable for your next office refurbishment or office relocation project.