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For several years, the building industry has been making significant progress in energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and climate resilience. These advancements are essential, but they raise a fundamental question: why do we build buildings?
The answer is simple: for the people who occupy them.
Whether it is an office building, an educational institution, a residential complex, or an institutional facility, the quality of the indoor environment directly influences the daily experience of its occupants. Air quality, lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, access to drinking water, and spaces that foster social interaction are all factors that contribute to health and well-being.
The right to adequate housing is, in fact, enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, for a long time, the health and well-being of occupants were relegated to the background, which even led to "sick building syndrome." Human beings are at the heart of the vast majority of commercial, financial, and industrial activities, and their performance is directly linked to their health and well-being.
It is precisely these issues that the WELL certification addresses.
Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL certification is an assessment system that aims to improve the health, well-being, and experience of occupants through strategies involving design, operations, and organizational policies. It is based on hundreds of measures grounded in scientific research and covers the entire life cycle of a building.
Unlike certifications focused solely on the building itself—such as LEED or Zero Carbon Building—WELL certification places the occupant at the heart of the building's design and operation. It evaluates the building's impact on human health and well-being through ten key concepts:
For property managers, developers, or occupying organizations, the value of a building is no longer limited to its energy performance or operating costs.
Today, the expectations of occupants, investors, and tenants are evolving rapidly. Organizations are looking for environments that can attract talent, improve the employee experience, and support their ESG commitments.
Extensive research shows that indoor environmental conditions have a measurable influence on the comfort, health, and certain cognitive functions of occupants.
For example, the work of theHealthy Buildings program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Healthobserved a significant improvement in cognitive performance in environments with better air quality and increased ventilation. Some studies have even observed a doubling of cognitive function scores in optimized conditions compared to simulated conventional environments.
Another study conducted in certified, high-performance buildings reported:
Although every organization is different and it is difficult to establish a universal return on investment, these results help explain why occupant health is now seen as a strategic issue.
A building can be code-compliant and energy-efficient while still offering an occupant experience that could be improved.
Without necessarily pursuing WELL certification, organizations that ignore indoor environmental quality issues may face:
In many commercial sectors, employee-related costs are by far an organization's largest operating expense. TheWorld Green Building Councilnotes that salaries and benefits often account for nearly 90% of a company's operating costs, which explains why even a modest improvement in comfort or productivity can have a significant impact.
Although requirements vary depending on the type of project, the WELL process generally follows these main steps:
The certification applies to both existing buildings and new construction, and can also be implemented across an entire real estate portfolio.
Obtaining WELL certification goes far beyond simply compiling documents.
The consulting process aims to:
The goal is not just to obtain a certification, but to implement measures that provide real value to occupants and the organization.
The WELL standard is continuing to evolve with the arrival of "One WELL," a new version developed by the IWBI.
This evolution aims to integrate the various WELL programs into a more cohesive structure, simplify the user experience, and further harmonize certification and rating pathways. The ten core concepts remain at the heart of the approach.
For organizations considering this path today, this evolution confirms a major trend: health and well-being are becoming key performance criteria in sustainable real estate.
WELL is generally considered one of the most comprehensive approaches to health and well-being in buildings. However, its requirements and level of depth can represent a significant investment depending on the project context.
For some organizations, Fitwel certification can be a relevant alternative, allowing for the integration of many similar principles with an approach that is often more accessible. We will cover this certification in more detail in a future article.
Building performance is no longer measured solely by kilowatt-hours saved or tonnes of carbon avoided.
Indoor environmental quality, occupant experience, and organizational well-being are playing an increasingly important role in real estate decisions today.
WELL certification offers a structured, research-based framework that turns these often abstract issues into concrete, measurable actions. For owners, managers, and occupying organizations, it is about better understanding how buildings can contribute not only to environmental performance, but also to the health of the people who use them every day.
Are you wondering how to integrate these criteria during the design phase or how to optimize your current building for well-being? Let’s talk. Building for the planet is essential, but building for people is the key to sustainable performance.
Matthieu Kieken
Project Manager - Environmental Certifications
m.kieken@tst-inc.ca
