LEED certification is recognized worldwide, but WELL certification has also gained importance in recent years. Both rating systems measure a building's performance in several categories, and the score achieved determines the level of certification. While LEED places more weight on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, WELL focuses on human well-being, hence its name.
WELL typically has three levels of certification, and their names and scores resemble the top three levels of LEED. The main difference is in performance requirements and how points are earned.
- BEM Silver requires 50 points.
- WELL Gold requires 60 points.
- WELL Platinum requires 80 points.
Core and shell projects also have access to the WELL Bronze level, which is below Silver with a minimum score of 40. This path is only available if at least 75% of the usable area is made up of tenant spaces and common areas.
Make sure your building is efficient and healthy.
WELL certification is based on 11 performance categories: Air, Water, Nutrition, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community, Innovations. Just like in the LEED system, there are mandatory credits and points are earned with optional credits. A building cannot receive WELL certification if it fails at least one required credit, regardless of the score achieved.
Air
WELL attaches great importance to air quality, since in modern society people spend around 90% of their time indoors. On average, each person breathes about 530 cubic feet of air per day, hence the importance of having clean, healthy air. The effects of air pollutants are highly variable: while some substances only cause irritation, others, such as carbon monoxide, are lethal.
The Air category has 4 mandatory requirements and 18 possible points.
Water
Humans consume water in smaller quantities than air, but it is also vital. The US Institute of Medicine recommends a daily water intake of 3.7L for men and 2.7L for women. WELL certification requires a drinking water source within project limits, approved with appropriate testing.
There are 3 mandatory requirements in the Water category and 9 possible points.
Food
The Nutrition category is a fundamental difference between WELL and LEED and focuses on the consumption of healthy foods. The certification covers this topic in depth, covering aspects such as portion size, responsible food sourcing, preparation and availability. WELL promotes healthy foods like fruits and vegetables while helping occupants avoid highly processed foods and other harmful products.
There are 2 mandatory requirements in the Food category and up to 17 points.
Light
Lighting has a significant impact on physical and mental health. When lighting is designed around human needs and circadian rhythm, it leads to healthier sleep patterns and greater productivity. On the other hand, inadequate lighting can harm sleep and overall health. WELL emphasizes natural lighting, glare prevention, light quality and occupant controls.
There are 2 mandatory requirements in the Light category, and up to 14 points.
Movement
The WELL structure considers the negative impact of a sedentary lifestyle and promotes movement and physical activity within the building. In particular, sedentary lifestyles have been linked to heart problems and increased mortality. WELL promotes pedestrian-friendly buildings and ergonomic furniture, among other improvements.
There are 2 mandatory requirements and up to 20 points in the Movement category.
Thermal comfort
WELL emphasizes HVAC design practices that provide a comfortable temperature but also the flexibility to meet individual preferences. Air temperature not only affects comfort, but also health and productivity. Excessive heating or cooling is not only uncomfortable but also a waste of energy. In most residential and commercial buildings, HVAC accounts for more than 50% of energy expenses.
There is 1 mandatory requirement and up to 12 points in the Thermal Comfort category.
Sound
Sound is often ignored in building design, but it has a huge impact on comfort and productivity. WELL promotes construction projects that mitigate noise sources such as traffic and mechanical equipment. Uncontrolled noise can cause poor sleep, reduced performance and stress. To a large extent, noise can be mitigated with smart layout and acoustic materials.
There is 1 mandatory requirement in the Sound category, and up to 11 points.
Materials
WELL promotes the use of safe materials, avoiding those that emit dangerous substances. The environmental impact is considered throughout the entire life cycle of materials, including extraction and disposal. Renovations and existing buildings require special care: there may be old and dangerous materials that are no longer used, such as asbestos.
The Materials category has 3 mandatory requirements and 22 points.
Mind
WELL gives importance to mental health, as it influences quality of life and productivity. Depression and anxiety are estimated to have cost the global economy $1 billion, in addition to their negative impact on well-being. WELL also focuses on preventing substance abuse, which is closely related to mental health.
There are 2 mandatory requirements in the Mind category, and up to 24 points.
Community
As the building's occupants share indoor and outdoor spaces, they end up forming a community. WELL fosters a collaborative community that cares for its members. Being a good neighbor is also important, as buildings are in constant interaction with their surroundings. WELL also promotes health services, support for new parents, civic engagement and transparency.
There are 3 mandatory requirements and 31 points in the community concept.
Innovations
Like the LEED system, WELL awards points for innovative solutions not included in the mandatory requirements and optional credits. Innovation Points can also be earned by:
- Include a WELL Accredited Professional on the project team
- Wellbeing education
- Creating an independent wellness program
- Certify the building under other rating systems such as LEED
There are no mandatory requirements in Innovation and up to 18 points can be obtained.
WELL and LEED are not competing programs and can complement each other. A building with both certifications is energy efficient and environmentally friendly, while promoting the well-being and health of its occupants.
