WELL Certification
International WELL Building Institute
WELL v2: Health-focused building certification for better living.
The WELL Certification takes approximately 52 weeks.
Key Strengths
- Globally recognized gold standard for health and wellness in the built environment
- Evidence-based framework developed with leading medical and scientific researchers
- Covers 10 comprehensive concepts: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community
- Strong brand recognition and marketing value for attracting premium tenants and investors
- Aligns with ESG reporting frameworks and corporate wellness strategies
- Third-party verified through on-site performance testing and documentation review
Ideal For
WELL Certification is best suited for commercial real estate developers, building owners, and corporate occupiers seeking to demonstrate a commitment to occupant health and wellness. It is particularly valuable for organizations pursuing ESG goals, attracting health-conscious tenants, or differentiating their portfolio in competitive real estate markets.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Recognized By
- WELL Standard
Building Scope
Overview
The WELL Certification, found at www.wellcertified.com/certification/v2, focuses on improving health and wellness in buildings through specific standards. Established by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), it covers aspects like air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. The certification is based on evidence-backed research and has become a global standard since its inception. Buildings earn certification by meeting criteria in these areas. Key clients include significant corporations and non-profits. The program emphasizes measurable impacts through rigorous testing and regular assessments. It also partners with architects, designers, and building owners to promote healthier spaces.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Applicants must submit documentation demonstrating compliance with selected WELL features across the 10 WELL concepts. This includes design and construction documents, policies, programs, and operational procedures. Performance verification is conducted through on-site testing of environmental parameters (e.g., air quality, water quality, lighting levels, acoustic performance) carried out by a WELL Performance Testing Agent (WELL PTA). Documentation is reviewed by IWBI's technical team, and any non-conformances must be resolved before certification is awarded.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
WELL Certification does not involve a traditional exam. Instead, the assessment process consists of two stages: (1) Documentation Review — project teams submit evidence of compliance with selected WELL features through IWBI's WELL digital platform, reviewed by IWBI's technical team; and (2) Performance Verification — a WELL Performance Testing Agent (WELL PTA) conducts on-site testing of environmental parameters such as air quality, water quality, light levels, and acoustics. Projects must achieve a minimum number of precondition and optimization points to qualify for Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification levels.
Renewal & Compliance
WELL Certification must be renewed every three years through a recertification process. Recertification requires updated documentation demonstrating continued compliance with WELL features, as well as a new round of on-site performance testing by a WELL Performance Testing Agent. Fees apply for recertification. Projects may also opt for annual WELL Health-Safety Rating renewals as an interim accountability measure.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations with limited budgets or small facilities may find the cost and complexity of WELL Certification prohibitive compared to lighter-touch wellness programs. If the primary goal is energy efficiency or environmental sustainability rather than occupant health, LEED or BREEAM may be more appropriate alternatives.
Alternative Programs
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2014
Available
How to Display This Recognition
Certification Details
Assessment
Verification
Structure
Governance
Fee Structure
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Sources & Citations
Content on this page is AI-enriched from primary sources.
International WELL Building InstituteLast verified Mar 10, 2026