“With WELL—because there are many Preconditions—some of those Preconditions might present a barrier, particularly for the retrofit market. That will be a little bit more difficult for some types of projects,” Baum explains.
For example, she says in a building where an existing air handler is not designed to meet air-quality requirements, the prerequisite in WELL might be very difficult to meet—inexpensively, anyway. Replacing an air handler might require adding square footage to a mechanical room in an existing space that may be cost-prohibitive. However, Baum points
out WELL was designed with alternative adherence pathways that “are structured in such a way that allow for relatively straightforward achievement of alternative approaches as long as you’re meeting the intent of the requirements,” she says.
She adds larger retrofits, which include mechanical upgrades, are relatively straightforward in terms of meeting WELL’s requirements. Building systems that do not meet current codes, on the other hand, will prove to be much more challenging.
‘Well’ Worth the Effort
In spite of the difficulties with existing buildings, pursuing WELL certification is a path facility executives should consider seriously. According to IWBI, attaining certification can generate increased savings and productivity in addition to a meaningful return on investment to the tenant and building owner. Although the hard costs are difficult to quantify with so little data from existing projects available, it is not uncommon for employers to realize productivity improvements of 8 to 11 percent as a result of better indoor air quality, according to the Toronto-based World Green Building Council, for example.
Although green building alone is a noble goal, focusing on the wellness in a building is better, ultimately. As Gad observes: “Yes, you can save more energy and save more water by designing a high-performance building but by having a healthy pursuit, I think the return will be much, much higher compared to just focusing on energy savings.”
WELL Certification: How It Works
WELL Certification is achieved when projects demonstrate all Preconditions set by the standard, according to the International WELL Building Institute, Washington, D.C. Higher certification levels above Silver can be achieved by pursuing Optimization Features. Because health and wellness objectives vary from one building to the next, WELL provides flexibility when selecting features that best suit the project owner’s goals.
Silver level certification is achieved by meeting 100 percent of the WELL Preconditions applicable to the Typology in all Concepts. Gold level certification is achieved by meeting all the WELL Preconditions, as well as 40 percent or more of the Optimization Features. Platinum level certification is achieved by meeting all the WELL Preconditions, as well as 80 percent or more of the Optimization Features.
The WELL certification process involves five steps:
- 1. Registration: WELL Certification begins with registration through WELL Online, a web-based platform designed to take projects through the WELL certification process from start to finish.
- 2. Documentation: Documentation is required prior to final certification review.
- 3. Performance Verification: A series of onsite post-occupancy performance tests known as Performance Verification occurs.
- 4. Certification: WELL Certification recognizes the project has successfully documented compliance with all features and passed Performance Verification.
- 5. Recertification: Recertification, which must be completed after three years, ensures the project maintains the same high level of design, maintenance and operations over time. For Core & Shell projects, no recertification is required.
For more information, visit the International WELL Building Institute’s website.