The WELL Building Standard has become a globally recognized benchmark for healthy buildings, prioritizing human health and well-being. As you explore products and technologies for your WELL project, you’ll likely encounter the “Works with WELL” trademark. This designation, granted by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), signifies that a product, material, technology, or service has been assessed and found to contribute to the achievement of the WELL Building Standard. It’s a signal that the offering aligns with WELL’s core principles and can play a role in creating healthier built environments. However, it’s crucial to understand precisely what this trademark represents and, equally important, what it doesn’t.
The “Works with WELL” trademark is not a certification in itself. It doesn’t guarantee your project will achieve WELL Certification, nor is it a mandatory requirement for specific products. Instead, it acts as a valuable indicator, highlighting solutions that can support your WELL strategy and potentially streamline the certification process. Think of it as a helpful guide, pointing you toward resources that can facilitate your journey toward a healthier building. It’s a recognition of alignment, not a guarantee of success. The ultimate responsibility for achieving WELL Certification rests with the project team and their commitment to implementing the standard comprehensively.
One of the key benefits of working with “Works with WELL” designated products lies in the realm of documentation. WELL Certification involves a substantial amount of paperwork, demonstrating compliance with the standard’s various requirements. “Works with WELL” products often come with pre-approved documentation or data packages that align with these requirements. This can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to compile and submit the necessary paperwork, simplifying a process that can otherwise be quite complex and time-consuming. This pre-existing documentation can be a real asset, allowing project teams to focus on other critical aspects of the project.
Beyond simplifying paperwork, “Works with WELL” products and technologies are often designed to enhance building performance in areas crucial to human health and well-being. These offerings are frequently developed with specific WELL concepts in mind, contributing to improvements in indoor air quality, water quality, thermal comfort, lighting, and other factors that impact occupant health. By incorporating these solutions, projects can more easily achieve the performance thresholds required by the WELL Building Standard and create environments that actively support the health and well-being of building occupants.
Furthermore, the “Works with WELL” trademark can be a marker of innovation and efficiency. It often highlights cutting-edge solutions that can help projects meet WELL requirements in more effective or cost-efficient ways. This can be particularly important when working with budget constraints or seeking novel approaches to healthy building design. These innovative solutions can offer a competitive edge, allowing projects to achieve WELL Certification without necessarily incurring excessive costs.
Finally, the “Works with WELL” designation provides a valuable layer of credibility and trust. It indicates that the offering has been reviewed by the IWBI and found to be consistent with the WELL Building Standard’s goals. This can be a significant advantage when making purchasing decisions, as it provides assurance that the product or service aligns with the values and objectives of the WELL Building Standard. It also strengthens communication with stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to health and well-being backed by a recognized and respected organization.
However, it’s essential to remember that the “Works with WELL” trademark is not a substitute for careful planning and strategic implementation. A comprehensive WELL strategy is still essential, including the selection of the appropriate combination of products and technologies, proper installation, and ongoing maintenance. A WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of WELL Certification and maximizing the value of “Works with WELL” offerings. They can provide expert guidance on how to best integrate these products into a holistic WELL plan, ensuring that the project achieves its certification goals and creates a truly healthy and supportive environment. The “Works with WELL” trademark is a valuable tool, but it’s most effective when used in conjunction with expert guidance and a well-defined strategy.
The Works with WELL trademark recognizes uHoo Aura as a means to help clients secure WELL certification.
