WELL Building Standard
A certification measuring how buildings support occupant health and well-being.
Quick Answer
The WELL Building Standard is a certification system, managed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), that measures how a building's design and operations affect occupant health. It groups features into concepts such as air, water, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, and mind. Projects earn points and are certified at Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
The Full Picture
WELL is administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). Unlike rating systems that center on energy and resource use, WELL focuses on people: how air quality, water, lighting, thermal conditions, acoustics, access to movement and nourishment, and mental health considerations shape the experience of occupants.
The standard is organized by concepts, each with preconditions that must be met and optimizations that earn points. Certification levels are awarded by total points, and some features require on-site performance testing or verification. Requirements differ by version and project type, so teams confirm the current version and applicable pathway on IWBI's site.
WELL is voluntary and is not a building code. It is often paired with other programs, and many features overlap with ventilation and thermal comfort standards such as ASHRAE 62.1 and ASHRAE 55 that designers already use, though meeting a code does not by itself satisfy WELL.
From a construction standpoint, WELL affects product selection, mechanical systems, air quality management during construction, and commissioning and testing. Because verification can involve measured performance, teams plan testing and documentation early so the results are available when certification is sought.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: WELL is just another LEED credit category.
Actually: WELL is a separate standard run by a different organization (IWBI), with its own concepts, scoring, and verification process.
People assume: Meeting building code ventilation and comfort rules means a project is WELL certified.
Actually: Codes and referenced standards set a baseline. WELL has its own preconditions, optimizations, and documentation or performance verification requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the WELL Building Standard?
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) develops WELL, and certification is reviewed through its associated certification body.
What are the WELL certification levels?
Projects can achieve Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum based on points, subject to meeting preconditions.
Is WELL a building code?
No. It is a voluntary program that projects choose to pursue.
What does WELL measure?
It addresses features tied to air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community, depending on the version.
Does WELL require testing?
Some features rely on documentation and others on performance verification such as on-site testing. Requirements depend on the version and project type.