[Introduction to WELL Certification]
The WELL (WELL BUILDING STANDARD) indoor environmental rating system was launched by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in 2014. It is internationally recognized and is the world's first building standard dedicated to "human health and well-being." Based on medical and architectural science, the certification standard comprehensively improves the quality of the indoor environment and the health of users in ten aspects: air, water, light, sound, thermal comfort, movement, nutrition, mental health, materials, and community.
WELL Certification Levels
WELL Indoor Environment certification is divided into four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level requires different scores and prerequisites, as well as on-site performance verification. Certification is available for new and existing buildings, as well as communities, and requires recertification every three years.
WELL Certification Indoor Environmental Assessment Standard
As mentioned above, the WELL Indoor Environmental Certification Standard has ten aspects, and each aspect has a clear and objective measurement method. The measurement tools mainly include on-site performance testing, instrument monitoring, document review, and user questionnaires:
1. Air: Measures PM2.5, PM10, VOC, CO, CO₂, ozone, and other indicators. Professional instruments are required for on-site testing, and the values must be below the standard upper limit.
2. Water: Test drinking water for turbidity, pH, TDS, residual chlorine, heavy metals (lead, copper, etc.) and bacterial content. Regular sampling and testing is required.
3. Nutrition: Review documents such as dining options, nutrition labeling, healthy eating policies, and supply chain management.
4. Light: Measure illuminance, color temperature, sunshine hours, etc. on site to ensure sufficient natural light and appropriate artificial lighting.
5. Sports: Review athletic facilities, activity spaces, policies encouraging activity, and participation records.
6. Thermal comfort: On-site measurements of temperature, humidity, and air velocity, combined with user comfort questionnaires.
7. Acoustic environment: Use instruments to measure background noise, reverberation time, sound insulation, etc.
8. Materials: Check the building material composition report to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals (such as formaldehyde, VOC, etc.).
9. Spirituality: Comprehensive assessment through employee questionnaires, mental health policies, meditation space design, etc.
10. Community: Review documents and participation data on inclusion policies, health promotion activities, and healthcare resources.
Each concept must undergo on-site spot checks or continuous monitoring to ensure that the data is authentic and reliable, so as to objectively reflect the actual impact of buildings on health.
WELL Certification Consulting Services
HKEA offers one-stop WELL certification consulting services, with a dedicated team of WELL AP (Accredited Professional) professionals providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process. WELL AP is a professional certification awarded by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), signifying proficiency in the WELL Building Standard and a commitment to promoting health and well-being in buildings and communities. WELL APs must pass an official exam covering ten key areas: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, acoustics, materials, mind, and community. The exam assesses knowledge, application, and analytical skills, with a minimum score of 170. After obtaining the WELL AP designation, ongoing mandatory training is required to ensure every WELL AP is up-to-date. WELL APs can guide projects through WELL certification applications, assist with design, construction, and operations, enhance the impact of buildings on human health, and support businesses in implementing ESG and wellness management practices. Please feel free to inquire about our WELL certification consulting services .
