WELL green building certification
What is WELL?
WELL is a US-based green building certification scheme which focuses exclusively on the health and well-being of building users. WELL applies only to commercial buildings and is awarded by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
.
US-based certification
The certification was first launched in 2014 as WELL v1. In 2018, the updated WELL v2 was released, which expanded and refined the original standard.
Worldwide coverage
As of February 2023, the IWBI reported more than 4.000 WELL certified projects, representing over 140 million square meters in 65 countries.
Country-specific versions
Local adaptations of WELL, which have been developed in collaboration with local stakeholders and experts, exist in countries such as Australia, Canada, and Europe.
Evaluation criteria
The WELL Building Standard evaluates a building's performance based on the following ten concepts:
-
Air - indoor air quality, ventilation, and the presence of airborne contaminants.
-
Water - provision of clean and safe water for drinking, washing and other purposes.
-
Nourishment - access to healthy food options and promotion of healthy eating habits.
-
Light - provision of natural light and lighting controls.
-
Movement - provision of opportunities for physical activity opportunities and exercise.
-
Thermal Comfort - provision of optimal thermal, humidity and air movement conditions.
-
Sound - provision of optimal acoustic comfort and promotion of a quiet environment.
-
Materials - use of non-toxic and sustainable materials.
-
Mind - provision of spaces and opportunties to foster social interaction, relaxation and personal growth.
-
Community - connection between the building and the surrounding community, promoting health and wellness for all.
Buildings that meet WELL V2 Building Standard can be awarded one of four certification levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
How to achieve WELL
To meet the requirements of the WELL Building Standard, your project teams will typically need to:
- Choose a certification level (Silver, Gold, or Platinum) and register your project with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
- Conduct a site assessment and analyze site conditions.
- Develop a plan for meeting the requirements of the standard.
- Integrate health and wellness strategies into the design and construction of the building.
- Implement operational policies and procedures that promote occupant health and well-being.
- Measure and verify the performance of the building in meeting the requirements of the standard.
Throughout the certification process, project teams will work closely with the IWBI to ensure that their project meets the requirements of the WELL Building Standard and earns the desired certification level.
WELL certified projects
- Client name > La Generalitat
- Location > Barcelona, Spain
- Tarkett product > DESSO AirMaster
- Surface area > 30.000 m2
- Certification achieved > WELL and LEED Platinum
- Building type > Public building
- Project team > Batlleiroig (architects), HBG Corp (engineers)
Related content
Read more about Tarkett's programme to take back and recycle flooring materials to reintroduce them into our supply chain and make new floors.
Read more about how we promote material transparency with our Material Health Statements to offer complete transparency on the composition of our products.
Select your circular product from our Circular Selection to ensure your flooring waste will be recycled.
Calculate your project’s carbon footprint and see how you can reduce your impact with Tarkett flooring and post-use recycling.