What is the WELL Building Standard?

Introduced by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in October 2014, the WELL Building Standard is “the first standard of its kind that focuses solely on the health and wellness of building occupants.”

WELL is a performance-based system that measures, certifies and monitors seven factors of the built environment that affect human health and wellbeing. These factors are air, water, nourishment, light, fitness comfort and mind. The extremely detailed standard uses 102 features to make up these seven concepts, covering everything from air filtration to hand washing.

IWBI’s objective is for buildings to be designed with the health and wellbeing of occupants as a core focus. For projects to become certified, they must comply with a certain number of features. Because building conditions can deteriorate over time, WELL certification is maintained by re-assessment at least every three years.

Performance verification is carried out by an authorised WELL assessor and usually takes between one and three days to complete. The assessor carries out inspection and testing relating to all WELL concepts including air and water quality and sound and lights levels. Each concept is graded on a numerical scale to determine the final level of certification, which is set at silver, gold or platinum.

In order to achieve and maintain a WELL Building Standard accreditation, project and facilities managers should consider innovative solutions during design and construction. CoilCare® is an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system provided by Gibbons Ultraviolet Solutions in association with BioZone Scientific International.

CoilCare® is a state-of-the-art disinfection system for HVAC equipment that eradicates 99% of contaminants. The equipment can be fitted to new and existing installations, providing a permanent solution that not only removes contaminants but prevents future build-up, resulting in improved indoor air quality. This helps increase the health and wellbeing of staff, which in turn improves productivity while lowering the risk of absenteeism.

To find out more about CoilCare®, call Colin Hardman of Gibbons Ultraviolet Solutions on 07940 544206 or email colin@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.