Enhancing Well-Being indoors with the International WELL Building Institute
well building advisory 2025
WELL Building Standard and Certification
The WELL Building Standard is a global rating system designed to improve comfort, encourage healthier choices, and enhance human health and wellness in built environments.
WELL v2 is the latest version of this system, focused on refining the standards and offering a more advanced approach to promoting well-being. Meanwhile, the WELL Community Standard pilot sets a global benchmark for developing healthy communities, ensuring that entire neighbourhoods can benefit from well-designed, health-conscious spaces.
For organisations looking to scale their commitment to well-being, the WELL Portfolio program provides the tools to enhance building performance and improve human health across multiple properties.
The WELL Building Standard is a technically robust, performance-based system that measures and monitors building performance, focusing specifically on human health and well-being. This approach is transforming the way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated, ensuring they meet the highest standards of health and comfort.
In 2025, Matt Morley, Founder of Biofilico, will serve as an official Advisor to the IWBI on the Movement category of the WELL Building Standard, contributing to the ongoing development of this vital global framework.
Benefits of WELL Certification
Demonstrates Leadership and Commitment:
Achieving WELL Certification showcases an organisation’s dedication to transforming health. This commitment positions companies as leaders in sustainable building design, enhancing their reputation and attracting tenants, employees, and customers who value wellness.
Increases Revenue Through Organisational and Building Improvements:
WELL Certification can boost revenue by improving the appeal of buildings, particularly in flexible workspaces. Enhancing key features like air quality, lighting, and access to nature can lead to higher occupancy rates, better tenant retention, and improved returns on investment.
Enhances Building Performance and Well-being at Scale:
WELL Certification enhances building performance by setting high standards in energy efficiency, comfort, and health. By creating environments that foster productivity and creativity, it supports both organisational success and the well-being of the occupants on a larger scale, contributing to the global movement towards healthier buildings.
Promotes Health and Well-being Through Activities and Education:
WELL Certification goes beyond just the physical environment. It also promotes health and well-being by offering various activities and educational resources. Organisations can leverage these tools to encourage healthy behaviours, improving employee well-being and fostering a positive and productive workplace culture.
Globally Recognised Standard:
As a leading standard for healthy buildings and communities, WELL Certification is recognised worldwide and is often featured on Fast Company's list of innovative design standards. It provides a clear benchmark for organisations striving to improve their environmental impact while supporting the physical and mental health of their occupants.
About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the world’s leading organization focused on deploying people-first places to advance a global culture of health.
IWBI is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and helps companies advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the use of WELL.
IWBI administers the WELL Building Standard and the WELL Health-Safety Rating.
IWBI manages the WELL AP credential and pursues applicable research.
IWBI develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote health and well-being everywhere.
WELL Rating options, targeted subsets from the WELL Standard
The WELL Building Standard offers various rating options tailored to specific health and well-being aspects within the built environment. These options enable organisations to customise their approach based on their unique needs. Below are three key WELL Rating options:
What is the WELL Performance Rated?
The WELL Performance Rated option recognises buildings or spaces that optimise environmental impact while promoting human health. This rating assesses key performance areas, such as air and water quality, light exposure, thermal comfort, and acoustics.
It ensures spaces are not only healthy for occupants but also designed to meet sustainability and energy-efficiency goals. WELL Performance Rated buildings are recognised for outstanding operational performance, advancing the goal of creating healthier, more sustainable spaces.
What is the WELL Health & Safety Rating?
The WELL Health & Safety Rating focuses on strategies to enhance occupant safety and well-being. Developed in response to global health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, it addresses concerns such as indoor air quality, cleaning protocols, ventilation, and illness prevention.
Earning this rating shows a building’s commitment to protecting its occupants with clear, actionable health measures, offering peace of mind for tenants, employees, and visitors.
What is the WELL Equity Rated?
The WELL Equity Rated option, a newer addition to the WELL Rating system, ensures spaces are inclusive, accessible, and supportive of all individuals, regardless of background or ability. This rating promotes diversity and addresses inequalities in the built environment.
It includes key areas such as inclusive design, accessibility, and spaces that meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of all people. A WELL Equity Rated space fosters fairness and inclusion, supporting broader social sustainability goals.