WELL
HEALTHY BUILDING RATING SYSTEM
What is WELL?
WELL is a global certification system focused on human health, wellbeing, and occupant experience in the built environment. Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL is grounded in medical and building science and evaluates how buildings support the physical and mental health of the people who use them.
WELL addresses factors such as indoor air and water quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, nourishment, movement, and mental wellbeing; translating building performance into human outcomes.
WELL Rating Systems
WELL Performance
The WELL Performance Rating supports organizations in establishing ongoing measurement and management practices for key aspects of indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
By monitoring building performance across areas such as air, water, thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting, and occupant satisfaction, organizations can better understand how their environments impact health and wellbeing.
Benchmarking performance against globally recognized health standards helps drive continuous improvement and supports healthier, higher-performing spaces.
Key Performance Areas:
Indoor Air Quality & Thermal Comfort
Maintain healthy indoor environments by reducing exposure to airborne pollutants while providing comfortable temperature conditions that support occupant wellbeing.
Water Quality
Improve water safety and quality through effective treatment, filtration, and contaminant management strategies that promote healthier hydration.
Lighting Performance
Create lighting environments that support visual comfort and help align with natural circadian rhythms, contributing to improved focus, productivity, and sleep quality.
Acoustic Quality
Reduce unwanted noise and disruptions to create spaces that enhance concentration, comfort, and overall occupant satisfaction.
Environmental Monitoring
Track building performance through real-time data collection, sensors, and testing to provide ongoing insights into indoor environmental conditions.
Occupant Experience
Gather occupant feedback to better understand how building environments are perceived and identify opportunities for improvement.
WELL Healthy-Safety
The WELL Health-Safety Rating provides organizations with a practical framework for strengthening health, safety, and operational resilience.
It helps establish policies, procedures, and management practices that support preparedness, risk reduction, and confidence among occupants, visitors, and stakeholders.
By implementing internationally recognized health and safety strategies, organizations can better respond to evolving challenges while creating safer and more resilient environments.
Key Performance Areas:
Air and Water Quality Management
Monitor and maintain healthy indoor environmental conditions through ongoing assessment and optimization of air and water quality.
Health and Safety Communication
Promote transparency by clearly communicating health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives to building occupants and stakeholders.
Health Services and Support
Provide access to resources, programs, and services that support occupant health and wellbeing.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Develop and maintain emergency response plans to improve readiness and support business continuity during unexpected events.
Cleaning and Sanitization Practices
Implement effective cleaning, disinfection, and hygiene protocols to help maintain healthier indoor environments.
WELL Equity
The WELL Equity Rating helps organizations create more inclusive, equitable, and supportive environments for all occupants.
Drawing from evidence-based strategies within the WELL Building Standard, the rating provides a framework for improving policies, practices, and spaces to help people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences thrive.
By embedding equity into the design, operation, and management of buildings, organizations can foster a stronger culture of wellbeing, belonging, and opportunity.
Key Focus Areas:
Understanding Occupant Needs
Gather insights into employee experiences, perspectives, and wellbeing needs to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
Responsible Employment and Procurement Practices
Promote fair hiring, ethical business practices, and responsible supply chain management to support social equity and accountability.
Inclusive and Accessible Spaces
Design environments that are welcoming, accessible, and supportive of people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and physical abilities.
Access to Health and Support Services
Expand access to healthcare resources, social services, and employee benefits that contribute to overall wellbeing.
Healthy Behaviours and Wellbeing
Encourage positive habits, wellness initiatives, and supportive programs that help occupants maintain healthy lifestyles.
Community Engagement and Impact
Contribute time, resources, and expertise to support local communities and address broader social needs.
WELL at Scale
For organizations managing multiple buildings or spaces, allowing health and wellbeing strategies to be implemented and tracked at scale.
Bronze
40 - 49 Points
Silver
50 - 59 Points
Gold
60 - 79 Points
Platinum
80+ Points
LEED + WELL
A Complementary Approach
Many projects choose to pursue LEED and WELL together, using each system for what it does best.
LEED focuses on building performance — energy efficiency, carbon reduction, water use, materials, and environmental impact.
WELL focuses on people — health, comfort, productivity, and overall occupant experience.
RCI specializes in integrated LEED and WELL strategies, aligning requirements from early design so both certifications are delivered efficiently. This coordinated approach supports stronger ESG outcomes, reduces duplication, and delivers buildings that perform well technically while enhancing occupant health and experience.
Why Choose WELL?
WELL helps translate building design and operation into measurable human outcomes.
Projects that pursue WELL benefit from:
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Healthier indoor environments that support physical and mental wellbeing
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Improved comfort and productivity through better air quality, lighting, acoustics, and thermal conditions
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Stronger talent attraction and retention, particularly for offices and corporate occupiers
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Clear alignment with ESG and social sustainability goals
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Third-party verified performance, moving beyond design intent to real operational outcomes
By focusing on how buildings affect the people inside them, WELL complements traditional sustainability metrics and helps create spaces that are not only efficient, but genuinely better to work and live in.
RCI’s WELL Advisory Services
RCI provides end-to-end WELL consultancy, from early feasibility through certification and ongoing performance support.
Our services include:
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WELL feasibility studies and pathway selection
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Feature strategy development and gap analysis
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Design and operational policy alignment
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Performance testing coordination and verification support
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Documentation management and submission
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Review support and post-certification advisory
We focus on practical, evidence-based strategies that enhance occupant experience while aligning with broader sustainability and performance goals.
Additional WELL Support Services
Achieving WELL Certification requires more than meeting checklist requirements. It demands careful design, material selection, and measurable performance outcomes.
RCI supports project teams in creating healthier indoor environments that are verified, evidence-based, and aligned with WELL performance standards.
Our additional WELL support services include:
Start Your WELL Journey with RCI
Whether you are delivering a new workplace, upgrading an existing asset, or pairing WELL with LEED to enhance building performance and occupant wellbeing, RCI can guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
Contact us to discuss how WELL and integrated LEED + WELL strategies can support your project goals.