Achieving WELL Certification can be a powerful differentiator, attracting tenants, boosting property values, and enhancing brand reputation. The “Works with WELL” designation offers a strategic advantage in this competitive landscape, guiding project teams toward products and services that contribute to a healthier built environment.
The “Works with WELL” trademark, granted by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), signifies that a product, material, technology, or service has been assessed and found to align with the WELL Building Standard’s core principles. It’s a valuable indicator, highlighting solutions that can support your WELL strategy and streamline the certification process. While not a certification itself, “Works with WELL” acts as a trusted guide, pointing you toward resources that can facilitate your journey toward a healthier building.
In today’s market, where health and well-being are paramount, “Works with WELL” products offer a competitive edge in several key ways:
- Simplified Documentation and Streamlined Certification: The WELL Certification process involves extensive documentation, 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 drastically reduce the administrative burden, saving time and resources during the certification process. This pre-existing documentation can be a significant advantage, freeing up project teams to focus on other critical aspects of the project.
- Enhanced Contribution to WELL Concepts: These products and technologies are designed with health and well-being at their core. They often directly contribute to specific WELL Concepts and Features, making it easier to achieve the required performance thresholds. For instance, “Works with WELL” certified air purifiers can demonstrably improve indoor air quality, directly supporting the Air concept, while “Works with WELL” certified lighting systems can optimize circadian lighting, contributing to the Light concept.
- Innovation and Efficiency in Achieving WELL Requirements: The “Works with WELL” trademark often highlights innovative solutions that can help projects 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 advantage, allowing projects to achieve WELL Certification without necessarily incurring excessive costs.
- Increased Credibility and Trust with Stakeholders: The designation provides a valuable layer of credibility and trust, signaling 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 communicating with tenants, investors, and other stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to health and well-being backed by a recognized and respected organization. It builds confidence and reinforces the value proposition of your WELL-certified building.
- Improved Occupant Experience and Well-being: Ultimately, the goal of WELL Certification is to create spaces where people thrive. “Works with WELL” products and services contribute directly to this goal by enhancing various aspects of the indoor environment. For example, the uHoo Aura, a “Works with WELL” certified air quality monitor, provides real-time data on a comprehensive suite of indoor environmental parameters. This allows building managers to proactively address potential issues, optimize ventilation strategies, and ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for occupants. By prioritizing occupant well-being, you create a space where people are more productive, engaged, and satisfied.
In the competitive world of real estate, achieving WELL Certification is a powerful differentiator. “Works with WELL” products provide a strategic advantage, streamlining the certification process, enhancing building performance, and ultimately contributing to a healthier and more desirable built environment. By leveraging these designated products and services, building owners and developers can create spaces that not only meet the WELL Building Standard but also truly prioritize the health and well-being of the people who occupy them. This commitment to human health is not just the right thing to do; it’s a smart business strategy that positions your building for success in the years to come.
