The WELL Building Standard has emerged as a leading framework for creating healthier buildings, placing human health and wellness at the forefront of design and operations. For building owners, achieving WELL Certification offers a multitude of benefits, from increased property value and tenant attraction to improved occupant health and productivity.
WELL Certification signifies a commitment to creating spaces that prioritize human health. It’s a rigorous process that evaluates and verifies a building’s performance across 10 key concepts: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Materials, Mind, Community, and Equity. Achieving WELL Certification isn’t simply a matter of adopting a few green practices; it requires a holistic approach that considers every aspect of the built environment and its impact on occupants.
Why is WELL Certification so important for building owners? The benefits are numerous and compelling:
- Increased Property Value: WELL-certified buildings command higher rents and resale values, attracting tenants and investors who prioritize health and sustainability. In a competitive market, WELL Certification provides a significant competitive edge.
- Attracting and Retaining Top Talent: Employees are increasingly seeking workplaces that support their well-being. WELL Certification signals a commitment to creating a healthy and supportive environment, making your building more attractive to top talent and improving employee retention.
- Improved Occupant Health and Productivity: WELL-certified buildings are designed to optimize occupant health, reducing sick building syndrome, improving indoor air quality, and promoting physical activity. This translates to healthier, more productive employees, leading to increased business performance.
- Enhanced Brand Reputation: WELL Certification enhances your brand reputation, demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This can be a valuable asset in attracting customers, partners, and investors.
- Reduced Operating Costs: While the initial investment in WELL Certification may seem significant, the long-term benefits can include reduced operating costs through energy efficiency, water conservation, and improved occupant health.
Now, how can “Works with WELL” products help you achieve WELL Certification? These products and services have been assessed by the IWBI and found to contribute to the achievement of the WELL Building Standard. They’re not mandatory, but they can significantly streamline the certification process and enhance your building’s performance.
Here’s how “Works with WELL” products can benefit your WELL journey:
- Simplified Documentation: WELL Certification requires extensive documentation to demonstrate compliance with the standard’s requirements. “Works with WELL” products often come with pre-approved documentation or data packages that align with these requirements, reducing the time and effort needed to compile the necessary paperwork. This can be a significant advantage, particularly for busy building owners and project teams.
- Contribution to WELL Features: These products and technologies are designed with health and well-being in mind. They often directly contribute to specific WELL Concepts and Features, making it easier to achieve the required performance thresholds. For example, “Works with WELL” certified air purifiers can help improve indoor air quality, contributing to the Air concept, while “Works with WELL” certified lighting systems can support the Light concept by optimizing circadian lighting.
- Innovation and Efficiency: The “Works with WELL” designation often highlights innovative solutions that can help you meet WELL requirements more efficiently or cost-effectively. This can be particularly valuable when working within budget constraints or seeking creative approaches to healthy building design. These innovative solutions can offer a competitive edge, allowing you to achieve WELL Certification without necessarily incurring excessive costs.
- Credibility and Trust: The “Works with WELL” trademark provides a valuable layer of credibility and trust. It signifies 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.
In conclusion, WELL Certification is a valuable investment for building owners, offering a wide range of benefits from increased property value to improved occupant health. “Works with WELL” products such as the uHoo Aura can play a crucial role in simplifying the certification process, enhancing building performance, and demonstrating your commitment to creating healthier and more sustainable spaces. By strategically selecting and integrating these products, you can maximize your chances of achieving WELL Certification and creating a building where people truly thrive.
