Well

What is the WELL Building Standard?

The WELL Building Standard is a leading international rating system for buildings that prioritizes human health and well-being. Developed and administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL goes beyond traditional green building practices by focusing on the built environment’s impact on occupants’ health and productivity.

The WELL Building Standard offers a unique opportunity for new construction and existing buildings to achieve certifications, which can apply to individual tenant floors within a larger building, entire office buildings (high-rise or low-rise), schools and government buildings, corporate headquarters, and community initiatives (even entire neighborhoods can be WELL certified).

Purpose of the WELL Building Standard

Studies show buildings significantly impact our health. Indoor air quality, for example, can affect our breathing and focus, while lighting impacts sleep. The WELL Building Standard was developed to encourage the addressing of these issues. The standard provides a comprehensive framework for developers, architects, engineers, and building managers to design and operate spaces that prioritize and actively enhance human healthThe WELL Building Standard focuses on seven key concepts that significantly impact health within the built environment:

• Air:The mechanical ventilation system uses outdoor air and internal CO2 sensors to remove toxins from the internal environment, helping improve indoor air quality.
• Thermal comfort：Chilled beam systems throughout the space offer optimal noise, spatial and thermal comfort for employees, promoting productivity. These systems also achieve dry cooling without any condensation, ensuring low humidity levels and improving air quality.
• Light：Natural lighting and an indirect electric lighting design creates a balanced and well-lit space, promoting a productive work environment. A circadian lighting design changes color temperature and intensity throughout the day, supporting employees’ overall health.
• Community：The integrative design process incorporates feedback from all stakeholders, leading to workspaces that allow for many different working styles and helping improve collaboration.
• Mind：Plants, nature and biophilic elements are incorporated into design, improving the aesthetics, helping to boost morale and decreasing negative health effects.
• Movement：Active design elements, such as benches, plazas and gardens, encourage frequent pedestrian activity and support active lifestyles.
• Water：Water filters and testing ensure that water meets the World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds, helping to improve water quality.
• Sound：White-noise machines address background distractions, helping to increase privacy levels. Quiet rooms, soundproof booths and atrium spaces contribute to peaceful and individual work spaces.
• Material：MaterialsInterior paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring and furniture include low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), helping to improve air quality.
• Nourishment：An on-site café offers a variety of healthy food options with high nutritional value and clearly labelled ingredients, helping make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Understanding WELL Certification

WELL Certification is the formal recognition that a building or space has met the rigorous standards set by the WELL Building Standard. It involves stages such as registration, integration of WELL strategies into design and operation, documentation of compliance, and on-site performance verification. Achieving a WELL Certification demonstrates that a building environment supports the health and well-being of its occupants based on measurable criteria.

Buildings that achieve WELL Certification offer a range of benefits for both building owners and occupants.

For Building Owners

• WELL-certified buildings are in high demand by tenants, driving increased building value and marketability in a competitive market.
• The focus on occupant health often aligns with broader sustainability goals, contributing to a reduced environmental impact.

For Occupants

• Studies show WELL Certification can lead to a 20% increase in employee productivity and a 10% reduction in absenteeism, resulting in a more engaged, productive and creative workforce.
• Improved air quality, thermal comfort, and access to natural light can contribute to increased occupant comfort and satisfaction within the building.

[Content of Consulting Services]

(1) WELL design, construction, acceptance, and operation process control;

(2) WELL special testing and evaluation;

(3) WELL Information Data Collection and Evaluation;

(4) WELL performance evaluation;

(5) WELL certification compliance review and evidence collection.

[Results of Consulting Services]

(1) Compliance documents that meet the official requirements of WELL;

(2) Optimization design documents and special evaluation reports for building health performance;

(3) Construction process disclosure, testing, and performance review report;

(4) Certification information data collection and evaluation report;

(5) WELL identification certificate and logo.

[Service Advantage]

(1) WELL worry free consulting services throughout the entire process;

(2) Consulting experience guided by incremental cost control;

(3) Reference for actual engineering cases exceeding the limit;

(4) Localized consulting service team radiating across the country;

(5) Quickly obtain evidence to realize the commercial value of health.