Building certification criteria WELL
Find out more about the WELL certification criteria for buildings
WELL criteria
The WELL Building Standard® is an initiative of the International WELL Building Institute pbc (IWBI), which was introduced in 2014. It comprises ten categories, which are referred to as concepts (WELL v2). Each concept includes numerous criteria that address different aspects of the users’ physical and mental health, comfort and sense of community. The 10 building certification criteria are:
- Indoor air quality (Air): Ensuring indoor air quality by minimizing pollutants
- Water quality (Water): Access to clean drinking water
- Nutrition (Nourishment): Promotion of healthy nutrition
- VisualComfort (Light): Natural and artificial light for health and well-being and to improve productivity
- Movement: Promotion of physical activity
- Thermal comfort (Thermal Comfort): Ensuring pleasant room temperatures for all users
- Room and building acoustics (sound): control of noise levels to reduce stress and increase concentration
- Low-emission and resource-conserving building materials: Use of pollutant-free and sustainable materials
- Satisfaction, balance (Mind): Support for mental health and well-being
- Community: Promoting social interactions and a sense of community
These criteria aim to create a holistic environment that supports the physical and mental health and well-being of building users.
WELL Category / WELL Feature (criterion)
| AIR – AIR: | Creating an optimum indoor climate to promote the health and well-being of building users. |
| A01. Fundamental Air Quality | |
| P | A01.1 Meet Thresholds for Particulate Matter |
| A01.2 Meet Thresholds for Organic Gases | |
| A01.3 Meet Thresholds for Inorganic Gases | |
| A01.4 Meet Radon Threshold | |
| A01.5 Monitor Fundamental Air Parameters | |
| A02 Smoke-Free Environment | |
| P | A02.1 Prohibit Indoor Smoking |
| A02.2 Prohibit Outdoor Smoking | |
| A03 Ventilation Effectiveness | |
| P | A03.1 Ensure Adequate Ventilation |
| A03.2 Conduct System Balancing | |
| A04. Construction Pollution Management | |
| P | A04.1 Mitigate Construction Pollution |
| A05. Enhanced Air Quality | |
| O | A05.1 / 2 Points Meet Enhanced Thresholds for Particulate Matter |
| A05.2 / 1 Points Meet Enhanced Thresholds for Organic Gases | |
| A05.3 / 1 Points Meet Enhanced Thresholds for Inorganic Gases | |
| A06 Enhanced ventilation | |
| O | A06.1 / 3 Points Increase Outdoor Air Supply |
| A06.2 / 3 Points Implement Demand-Controlled Ventilation | |
| A06.3 / 1 Points Implement Displacement Ventilation | |
| A06.4 / 3 Points Implement Advanced Air Distribution | |
| A07 Operable Windows | |
| O | A07.1 / 1 Points Provide Operable Windows |
| A07.2 / 1 Points Manage Window Use | |
| A07.3 / 1 Points Apply Universal Design to Windows | |
| A08. Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness | |
| O | A08.1 / 1 Points Implement Indoor Air Monitors |
| A08.2 / 1 Points Promote Air Quality Awareness | |
| A09 Pollution Infiltration Management | |
| O | A09.1 / 1 Points Design Healthy Envelope and Entryways |
| A10. Combustion Minimization | |
| O | A10.1 / 1 Points Manage Combustion |
| A11. Source Separation | |
| O | A11.1 / 1 Points Manage Pollution and Exhaust |
| A12. Air Filtration | |
| O | A12.1 / 1 Points Implement Particle Filtration |
| A13. Active VOC Control | |
| O | A13.1 / 1 Points Implement Carbon Filtration |
| A14. Microbe and Mold Control | |
| O | A14.1 / 1 Points Implement Ultraviolet Air Treatment |
| A14.2 / 1 Points Manage Condensation and Mold | |
| WATER – WATER: Ensure clean water through proper filtration and other processes. | |
| W01 Fundamental Water Quality | |
| P | W01.1 Meet Sediment Thresholds |
| W01.2 Meet Microorganisms Thresholds | |
| W01.3 Monitor Fundamental Water Parameters | |
| W02 Water contaminants | |
| P | W02.1 Meet Dissolved Metal Thresholds |
| W02.2 Meet Organic Pollutant Thresholds | |
| W02.3 Meet Disinfectant Byproducts Thresholds | |
| W02.4 Meet Herbicide and Pesticide Thresholds | |
| W02.5 Meet Fertilizer Thresholds | |
| W02.6 Meet Public Water Additive Thresholds | |
| W02.7 Monitor Water Contaminant Parameters | |
| W03 Legionella Control | |
| P | W03.1 Implement Legionella Management Plan |
| W04 Enhanced Water Quality | |
| O | W04.1 / 1 Points Meet Drinking Water Taste Properties |
| W05 Water Quality Consistency | |
| O | W05.1 / 1 Points Test and Display Water Quality |
| W05.2 / 1 Points Filter Drinking Water | |
| W06 Drinking Water Promotion | |
| O | W06.1 / 1 Points Ensure Drinking Water Access |
| W07 Moisture management | |
| O | W07.1 / 1 Points Manage Exterior Liquid Water |
| W07.2 / 1 Points Isolate Moisture-sensitive Materials | |
| W07.3 / 1 Points Manage Interior Liquid Water | |
| W08. Handwashing | |
| O | W08.1 / 1 Points Provide Adequate Sink |
| W08.2 / 1 Points Provide Handwashing Support | |
| W09. β – Onsite Non-Potable Water Reuse | |
| O | W09.1 / 1 Points Implement Safety Plan for Non-Potable Water Capture and Reuse |
| NOURISHMENT – FOOD: Creating access to fresh and healthy food while reducing unhealthy food choices. | |
| N01 Fruits and Vegetables | |
| P | N01.1 Ensure Fruit and Vegetable Availability |
| N01.2 Promote Fruit and Vegetable Visibility | |
| N02 Nutritional Transparency | |
| P | N02.1 Provide Nutritional Information |
| N02.2 Implement Ingredient Labeling | |
| N02.3 Implement Refined Ingredient Labeling | |
| N03 Refined Ingredients | |
| O | N03.1 / 1 Points Limit Total Sugars |
| N03.2 / 1 Points Promote Whole Grains | |
| N03.3 / 1 Points Manage Oils | |
| N04 Food Advertising | |
| O | N04.1 / 1 Points Promote Healthy Nutritional Messaging |
| N04.2 / 1 Points Implement Healthy Menu Design | |
| N05 Artificial Ingredients | |
| O | N05.1 / 1 Points Restrict Artificial Ingredients |
| N06 Portion Sizes | |
| O | N06.1 / 1 Points Promote Healthy Portions |
| N07. Nutrition Education | |
| O | N07.1 / 1 Points Provide Nutrition Education |
| N08 Mindful Eating | |
| O | N08.1 / 1 Points Include Designated Eating Space |
| N08.2 / 1 Points Provide Daily Meal Breaks | |
| N09 Special Diets | |
| O | N09.1 / 1 Points Manage Allergies and Alternatives |
| N09.2 / 1 Points Implement Enhanced Ingredient Labeling | |
| N10. Food Preparation | |
| O | N10.1 / 1 Points Provide Meal Support |
| N11. Responsible Food Sourcing | |
| O | N11.1 / 1 Points Implement Responsible Sourcing |
| N12. Food Production | |
| O | N12.1 / 1 Points Provide Gardening Space |
| N12.2 / 1 Points Provide Planting Support | |
| N13. Local Food Environment | |
| O | N13.1 / 1 Points Ensure Food Access |
| LIGHT – LIGHT: | Using various lighting solutions to minimize disruption to the circadian system, increase productivity and alertness and create suitable visual conditions. |
| L01 Light Exposure and Education | |
| P | L01.1 Ensure Indoor Light Exposure |
| L01.2 Promote Lighting Education | |
| L02 Visual Lighting Design | |
| P | L02.1 Light Levels for Visual Acuity |
| L03 Circadian Lighting Design | |
| O | L03.1 / 3 Points Lighting for the Circadian System |
| L04 Glare Control | |
| O | L04.1 / 2 Points Control Solar Glare |
| L04.2 / 2 Points Manage Glare from Electric Lighting | |
| L05 Enhanced Daylight Access | |
| O | L05.1 / 1 Points Implement Enhanced Daylight Plan |
| L05.2 / 2 Points Implement Enhanced Daylight Simulation | |
| L05.3 / 1 Points Ensure Views | |
| L06 Visual Balance | |
| O | L06.1 / 1 Points Manage Brightness |
| L07 Electric Light Quality | |
| O | L07.1 / 1 Points Ensure Color Rendering Quality |
| L07.2 / 1 Points Manage Flicker | |
| L08 Occupant Control of Lighting Environments | |
| O | L08.1 / 1 Points Enhance Occupant Controllability |
| L08.2 / 1 Points Provide Supplemental Lighting | |
| MOVEMENT – MOVEMENT: Integrating movement and fitness into everyday working life. | |
| V01 Active Buildings and Communities | |
| P | V01.1 Design Active Buildings and Communities |
| V02 Visual and Physical Ergonomics | |
| P | V02.1 Support Visual Ergonomics |
| V02.2 Ensure Desk Height Flexibility | |
| V02.3 Ensure Seat Flexibility | |
| V02.4 Provide Standing Support | |
| V02.5 Provide Ergonomics Education | |
| V03 Movement Network and Circulation | |
| O | V03.1 / 1 Points Design Aesthetic Circulation Networks |
| V03.2 / 1 Points Integrate Point-of-Decision Signage | |
| V03.3 / 1 Points Promote Visible Stairs | |
| V04 Active Commuter and Occupant Support | |
| O | V04.1 / 2 Points Provide Bicycle Storage |
| V04.2 / 2 Points Provide Facilities for Active Occupants | |
| V05 Site Planning and Selection | |
| O | V05.1 / 2 Points Select Sites with Diverse Uses |
| V05.2 / 2 Points Select Sites with Access to Mass Transit | |
| V05.3 / 2 Points Select Sites with Pedestrian Friendly Streets | |
| V05.4 / 2 Points Select Sites with Bike Friendly Streets | |
| V06 Physical Activity Opportunities | |
| O | V06.1 / 2 Points Implement Activity Programs for Employees |
| V06.2 / 2 Points Implement Activity Programs for Students | |
| V07 Active Furnishings | |
| O | V07.1 / 2 Points Provide Active Workstations |
| V08 Physical Activity Spaces and Equipment | |
| O | V08.1 / 1 Points Provide Dedicated Activity Spaces |
| V08.2 / 1 Points Provide Physical Activity Equipment | |
| V08.3 / 1 Points Provide Off-Site Activity Spaces | |
| V09 Exterior Active Design | |
| O | V09.1 / 1 Points Integrate Active Façades |
| V09.2 / 1 Points Provide On-Site Pedestrian Destinations | |
| V10. Enhanced Ergonomics | |
| O | V10.1 / 1 Points Utilize Ergonomic Consultation |
| V11. Physical Activity Promotion | |
| O | V11.1 / 1 Points Promote Physical Activity |
| V11.2 / 1 Points Promote Participation Awareness | |
| V12. Self-monitoring | |
| O | V12.1 / 1 Points Provide Self-Monitoring Tools |
| THERMAL COMFORT – THERMAL COMFORT: Creating an indoor environment that is pleasant and comfortable and increases the user’s productivity. | |
| T01. | |
| P | T01.1 Support Thermal Environment |
| T01.2 Monitor Thermal Parameters | |
| T02. | |
| O | T02.1 / 1 Points Enhance Thermal Environment |
| T02.2 / 3 Points Achieve Thermal Comfort | |
| T03 Thermal Zoning | |
| O | T03.1 / 2 Points Ensure Thermostat Control |
| T03.2 / 1 Points Promote Free Address | |
| T04 Individual Thermal Control | |
| O | T04.1 / 3 Points Ensure Personal Thermal Comfort |
| T04.2 / 1 Points Facilitate Thermal Adaptation | |
| T05. Radiant Thermal Comfort | |
| O | T05.1 / 1 Points Implement Radiant Systems |
| T05.2 / 1 Points Implement Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems | |
| T06 Thermal Comfort Monitoring | |
| O | T06.1 / 1 Points Monitor Thermal Environment |
| T07 Humidity Control | |
| O | T07.1 / 1 Points Manage Relative Humidity |
| SOUND – ACOUSTIC COMFORT: Create an indoor environment that is distraction-free, comfortable and increases user productivity. | |
| S01. Sound mapping | |
| P | S01.1 Manage Background Noise Level |
| S01.2 Manage Acoustical Privacy | |
| S01.3 Label Acoustic Zones | |
| S02. Maximum noise levels | |
| O | S02.1 / 3 Points Limit Background Noise Levels |
| S03 Sound Barriers | |
| O | S03.1 / 2 Points Ensure Adequate Wall Construction |
| S03.2 / 1 Points Ensure Proper Door Specifications | |
| S04. Sound absorption | |
| O | S04.1 / 1 Points Meet Thresholds for Reverberation Time |
| S04.2 / 1 Points Implement Sound Reducing Ceilings | |
| S04.3 / 1 Points Implement Sound Reducing Vertical Surfaces | |
| S05. Sound Masking | |
| O | S05.1 / 2 Points Implement Sound Masking |
| S06. β – Impact Noise Management | |
| O | S06.1 / 1 Points Specify Impact Noise Reducing Flooring |
| S06.2 / 2 Points Meet Thresholds for Impact Noise Rating | |
| MATERIALS – MATERIALS: Reduce or prevent the health impact of harmful building material components and replace these components with harmless ones. | |
| X01. | |
| P | X01.1 Restrict Asbestos |
| X01.2 Limit Mercury | |
| X01.3 Restrict Lead | |
| X02 Hazardous Material Abatement | |
| P | X02.1 Manage Asbestos Hazards |
| X02.2 Manage Lead Hazards | |
| X02.3 Manage Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Hazards | |
| X03. | |
| P | X03.1 Ensure Acceptable Structures |
| X03.2 Manage Exterior Paint and Soil | |
| X04 Waste management | |
| O | X04.1 / 1 Points Manage Hazardous Waste |
| X05 In-place management | |
| O | X05.1 / 2 Points Manage Hazardous Materials |
| X06 Site remediation | |
| O | X06.1 / 2 Points Implement Site Assessment and Cleanup |
| X07 Pesticide Use | |
| O | X07.1 / 1 Points Manage Pesticides |
| X08. | |
| O | X08.1 / 1 Points Limit Hazardous Materials |
| X09 Cleaning Products and Protocol | |
| O | X09.1 / 1 Points Ensure Acceptable Cleaning Ingredients |
| X09.2 / 1 Points Implement Acceptable Cleaning Practices | |
| X10. | |
| O | X10.1 / 2 Points Manage Volatile Organic Compounds |
| X10.2 / 1 Points Manage Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) | |
| X10.3 / 1 Points Purchase Compliant Products | |
| X11. | |
| O | X11.1 / 2 Points Manage Furniture and Furnishings Emissions |
| X11.2 / 1 Points Manage Flooring and Insulation Emissions | |
| X12. | |
| O | X12.1 / 3 Points Manage Product Emissions: Adhesives, Sealants, Paints and Coatings |
| X12.2 / 2 Points Manage Product Content: Adhesives, Sealants, Paints and Coatings | |
| X13 Enhanced Material Precaution | |
| O | X13.1 / 2 Points Select Optimized Materials |
| X14. | |
| O | X14.1 / 2 Points Promote Ingredient Disclosure |
| MIND – MENTAL HEALTH: Promoting cognitive and emotional well-being through a suitable physical environment. | |
| M01 Mental Health Promotion | |
| P | M01.1 Commit to Mental Health Promotion |
| M01.2 Promote Mental Health Literacy | |
| M02 Access to Nature | |
| P | M02.1 / 1 Points Provide Access to Nature |
| M03 Mental Health Support | |
| O | M03.1 / 1 Points Provide Mental Health Screening |
| M03.2 / 1 Points Provide Mental Health Coverage | |
| M03.3 / 1 Points Provide Workplace Support | |
| M04 Mental Health Education | |
| O | M04.1 / 1 Points Offer Mental Health Education |
| M04.2 / 1 Points Offer Mental Health Education for Managers | |
| M05. Stress Support | |
| O | M05.1 / 1 Points Develop Stress Management Plan |
| M05.2 / 1 Points Support Stress Management Programs | |
| M06. Restorative Opportunities | |
| O | M06.1 / 1 Points Provide Micro- and Macro-Breaks |
| M07 Restorative Spaces | |
| O | M07.1 / 1 Points Provide Restorative Indoor Spaces |
| M07.2 / 1 Points Provide Restorative Outdoor Spaces | |
| M08. Restorative Programming | |
| O | M08.1 / 1 Points Provide Restorative Programming |
| M09. Enhanced Access to Nature | |
| O | M09.1 / 1 Points Provide Enhanced Access to Nature |
| M10. Focus support | |
| O | M10.1 / 1 Points Assess Work Environment |
| M10.2 / 1 Points Integrate Space Management | |
| M11. Sleep Support | |
| O | M11.1 / 1 Points Provide Workplace Sleep Support |
| M11.2 / 1 Points Provide Non-Workplace Sleep Support | |
| M12. Business Travel | |
| O | M12.1 / 1 Points Provide Business Travel Support |
| M13. Tobacco Prevention and Cessation | |
| O | M13.1 / 1 Points Promote Tobacco Prevention |
| M13.2 / 2 Points Support Tobacco Cessation | |
| M14. Substance Use Education and Services | |
| O | M14.1 / 1 Points Promote Substance Abuse Prevention and Education |
| M14.2 / 2 Points Provide Access to Substance Use Services | |
| M15. Opioid Emergency Response Plan | |
| O | M15.1 / 3 Points Provide Opioid Emergency Response Kits and Training |
| COMMUNITY: Access to basic healthcare, creating a healthcare culture that meets the diverse needs of the population and building an inclusive, engaged user community. | |
| C01. Health and Wellness Awareness | |
| P | C01.1 Provide WELL Feature Guide |
| C01.2 Promote Health and Wellness Education | |
| C02. Integrative design | |
| P | C02.1 Facilitate Stakeholder Charrette |
| C02.2 Integrate Beauty and Design | |
| C02.3 Promote Health-Oriented Mission | |
| C02.4 Facilitate Stakeholder Orientation | |
| C03 Occupant Survey | |
| P | C03.1 Select Project Survey |
| C03.2 Administer Survey and Report Results | |
| C04 Enhanced Occupant Survey | |
| O | C04.1 / 1 Points Select Enhanced Survey |
| C04.2 / 1 Points Administer Pre-Occupancy Survey and Report Results | |
| C04.3 / 1 Points Monitor and Analyze Survey Responses | |
| C04.4 / 1 Points Facilitate Interviews, Focus Groups and/or Observation | |
| C05 Health Services and Benefits | |
| O | C05.1 / 2 Points Promote Health Benefits |
| C05.2 / 1 Points Offer On-Demand Health Services | |
| C06 Health Promotion | |
| O | C06.1 / 2 Points Promote Culture of Health |
| C06.2 / 1 Points Offer Health Risk Assessments | |
| C07 Community Immunity | |
| O | C07.1 / 1 Points Promote Seasonal Flu Prevention |
| C07.2 / 1 Points Implement Immunization Schedule | |
| C08. New Parent Support | |
| O | C08.1 / 3 Points Offer New Parent Leave |
| C08.2 / 1 Points Promote Workplace Support | |
| C09. New Mother Support | |
| O | C09.1 / 1 Points Offer Workplace Breastfeeding Support |
| C09.2 / 2 Points Design Lactation Room | |
| C09.3 / 1 Points Promote Breastfeeding Education and Support | |
| C10. Family Support | |
| O | C10.1 / 1 Points Offer Childcare Support |
| C10.2 / 1 Points Offer Eldercare Support | |
| C10.3 / 1 Points Offer Family Leave | |
| C10.4 / 1 Points Offer Bereavement Support | |
| C11. Civic Engagement | |
| O | C11.1 / 1 Points Promote Civic Engagement |
| C12. Organizational Transparency | |
| O | C12.1 / 2 Points Promote Equity Program Participation |
| C13. Accessibility and Universal Design | |
| O | C13.1 / 1 Points Ensure Essential Accessibility |
| C13.2 / 2 Points Integrate Universal Design | |
| C14. Bathroom Accommodations | |
| O | C14.1 / 1 Points Provide Essential Accommodations |
| C14.2 / 1 Points Provide Single-User Bathrooms | |
| C14.3 / 1 Points Provide Family Bathrooms | |
| C15. Emergency Preparedness | |
| O | C15.1 / 1 Points Develop Emergency Preparedness Plan |
| C15.2 / 2 Points Promote Emergency Resources | |
| C16. Community Access and Engagement | |
| O | C16.1 / 1 Points Provide Community Space |
| INNOVATIONS – INNOVATIONS: Extra points for developing new unique strategies to create healthier environments that are not already included in the ten WELL categories. | |
| I01 Innovate WELL | |
| O | I01.1 / 10 Points Propose Innovations |
| I02 WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) | |
| O | I02.1 / 1 Points WELL AP |
| I03 Educate WELL | |
| O | I03.1 / 1 Points Offer WELL Educational Tours |
| I04 Gateways to Wellness | |
| O | I04.1 / 1 Points Complete Health and Wellness Program |
| I05. | |
| O | I05.1 / 5 Points Achieve Sustainable Building Certification |