Today, sustainable certifications are shaping how we live and work – determining the air we breathe, the light at our desks, and even how healthy we feel day to day. Nowhere is this more visible than in WELL-certified office buildings, where sustainability meets human wellbeing.
A global standard for healthier spaces
WELL is used by over 4,000 projects across more than 60 countries, covering more than 46 million square meters of real estate worldwide. What sets WELL apart is its human-centered focus and its rigorous, science-based framework. Every WELL-certified space undergoes third-party review and onsite testing. That means results, not just promises, are required. For people working in these buildings, this translates to a space designed and verified to support health, safety and comfort.
Breathing Easier Indoors
We spend about 90% of our time inside buildings, where air pollution levels can be two to five times higher than outdoors. WELL addresses this by setting strict indoor air quality standards.
Certified buildings are required to:
- Monitor pollutants such as VOCs, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide.
- Submit annual air quality reports.
- Use low-emission materials and control pollution during construction.
The result? Fewer respiratory issues, fewer sick days, and improved long-term health outcomes.
Ventilation that supports wellbeing
Poor ventilation has been linked to symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and respiratory irritation, often referred to as “sick building syndrome.” Effective ventilation systems also regulate humidity levels, which impacts both comfort and health. Too much humidity can lead to mold growth and allergens, while too little can cause dry skin, eye irritation, and respiratory discomfort.
WELL-certified offices rely on high-performance HVAC systems that are designed to continuously supply fresh outdoor air while maintaining optimal air quality. These systems are routinely maintained to ensure consistent ventilation performance and a healthy indoor environment.
Did you know?
WELL takes a firm stance on tobacco exposure. Certified office buildings are entirely smoke-free, not just indoors but also around entrances and air intakes. This protects both smokers and non-smokers from the known risks of second-hand smoke and ensures cleaner shared air for everyone.
WELL certification tackles indoor pollution at every level. That includes:
- Separate ventilation for storage rooms with cleaning chemicals.
- Entryway systems that trap outdoor dust and pollutants.
- Air filtration systems designed to remove harmful particles like PM2.5, which can enter the bloodstream and impact cardiovascular health.
A daily investment in people
Studies consistently show that enhanced indoor air quality improves cognitive performance, productivity, and overall wellbeing. In a WELL-certified office, workers benefit from an environment built not just for sustainability, but for people. It’s a healthier space to work, think, and thrive.
WELL is more than a certification; it’s a sign that an office building values the people inside it. As we rethink how and where we work, WELL offers a powerful framework for creating spaces that protect health and boost performance.
At BuildGreen, we support real estate developers, investors, and companies throughout the WELL certification process—from strategic advisory and documentation to technical implementation and on-site audits. With deep expertise and a regional leadership position in sustainability consulting, we help turn healthy building principles into measurable, certified results.
