The WELL Building Standard has become a leading global benchmark for healthy buildings, focusing on human health and well-being. Achieving WELL Certification is a powerful testament to your commitment to creating spaces where people thrive. However, the path to WELL Certification involves meeting stringent requirements across ten core concepts. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you navigate the process and achieve WELL Certification for your building.
Phase 1: Understanding and Planning
Step 1: Deep Dive into the WELL Building Standard: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the WELL Building Standard. Explore the ten WELL Concepts (Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Materials, Mind, Community, and Equity) and the specific Features within each Concept. Understand the prerequisites (mandatory requirements) and optimizations (optional but valuable enhancements) associated with each Feature. The WELL Standard document, available on the IWBI website (wellcertified.com), is your primary resource.
Step 2: Define Your Project Goals and Scope: Clearly define your project’s goals for WELL Certification. Which Concepts are most important to you? Are you aiming for a specific certification level (Silver, Gold, or Platinum)? Determine the scope of your project – is it a new construction, a renovation, or an existing building? Defining your goals and scope will guide your strategy and resource allocation.
Step 3: Assemble Your WELL Team: Build a strong team with the expertise needed to navigate the WELL process. This might include a WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP), architects, engineers, contractors, sustainability consultants, and other specialists. A WELL AP can provide invaluable guidance throughout the certification journey.
Step 4: Conduct a Gap Analysis: Assess your building’s current performance against the WELL Building Standard requirements. Identify any gaps between your existing conditions and the target performance levels. This gap analysis will highlight the areas where you need to focus your efforts and resources. For example, you might discover that your indoor air quality doesn’t meet the WELL thresholds for particulate matter or VOCs. This is where tools like uHoo air quality monitors can be invaluable, providing real-time data to accurately assess your current IAQ performance and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Phase 2: Design and Implementation
Step 5: Develop a WELL Strategy: Based on your gap analysis, develop a comprehensive WELL strategy that outlines how you will meet the requirements for each chosen Concept and Feature. This strategy should include specific actions, timelines, responsible parties, and budget considerations. If your gap analysis revealed IAQ issues, your strategy might include upgrading ventilation systems, implementing enhanced filtration, or utilizing air purifiers. The data from uHoo monitors can help inform these decisions and track progress over time.
Step 6: Select “Works with WELL” Products and Services (Where Applicable): Consider incorporating “Works with WELL” designated products and services into your project. These offerings have been pre-assessed by the IWBI and can streamline the documentation process and contribute to achieving specific WELL Features. For example, you might choose a “Works with WELL” certified air purifier or a low-VOC paint. uHoo air monitors themselves are “Works with WELL” designated, offering a significant advantage in tracking and documenting IAQ performance.
Step 7: Implement Design and Construction Strategies: Implement the design and construction strategies outlined in your WELL strategy. This might involve installing new equipment, upgrading existing systems, modifying building layouts, or implementing new operational protocols. Ensure that all work is performed to the highest standards and documented thoroughly. If you’re upgrading your HVAC system, uHoo monitors can help you assess the effectiveness of the upgrades and ensure they’re achieving the desired IAQ improvements.
Step 8: Conduct Performance Testing: Conduct performance testing to verify that your building meets the required performance levels for each chosen WELL Feature. This might involve air and water quality testing, thermal comfort assessments, lighting measurements, and other evaluations. Use accredited testing professionals and follow established protocols. uHoo monitors can play a crucial role in this stage, providing continuous data that can be used to demonstrate compliance and identify any potential issues.
Phase 3: Documentation and Certification
Step 9: Gather Documentation: Compile all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with the WELL Building Standard. This includes performance test results, product specifications, maintenance records, operational protocols, and other relevant information. Organize your documentation clearly and ensure it is readily accessible. The data collected by uHoo monitors can be easily integrated into your WELL documentation, providing a robust and transparent record of your IAQ performance.
Step 10: Submit Your Application: Submit your WELL Certification application through the IWBI’s online portal. Be prepared to pay the certification fee.
Step 11: Undergo IWBI Review: The IWBI will review your application and documentation. They may request additional information or clarification during this process. Respond promptly and thoroughly to any inquiries from the IWBI.
Step 12: Achieve WELL Certification: If your application is successful, you will achieve WELL Certification and receive official recognition from the IWBI. Celebrate your achievement and communicate your commitment to healthy buildings to your stakeholders.
Phase 4: Ongoing Performance and Improvement
Step 13: Monitor and Maintain Performance: WELL Certification is not a one-time event. It requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure continued compliance with the standard. Implement a regular monitoring program to track key performance indicators and identify any potential issues. uHoo monitors are invaluable for this ongoing monitoring, providing continuous data that can help you maintain optimal IAQ levels and proactively address any emerging problems.
Step 14: Pursue Recertification: WELL Certification is valid for a specific period. To maintain your certification, you will need to undergo recertification. This involves demonstrating continued compliance with the standard and may require additional performance testing and documentation. The historical data collected by uHoo monitors will be essential for demonstrating consistent performance and streamlining the recertification process.
Key Considerations for Success:
- Engage a WELL AP: A WELL Accredited Professional can provide invaluable guidance and expertise throughout the WELL Certification process.
- Prioritize Occupant Health: Keep occupant health and well-being at the center of your decision-making.
- Be Data-Driven: Use data, like that provided by uHoo monitors, to track performance, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate compliance.
- Plan Ahead: The WELL Certification process takes time, so it’s essential to plan ahead and allocate sufficient resources.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes or updates to the WELL Building Standard.
