Explore the standards buildings must meet to earn the prestigious certification..
WELL Certification isn’t just another sustainability stamp. It’s a commitment to the people who use a space every day. Unlike certifications focused solely on energy or materials, WELL zeroes in on how a building actively supports human health, comfort, and well-being. From clean air and access to natural light to sound control and mental wellness features, the standard is built around creating environments where people can thrive.
What Is WELL Certification?
WELL Certification is a performance-based system that evaluates how a building’s design, operations, and policies support the health and well-being of the people inside. Unlike other certifications that focus mostly on environmental impact, WELL is centered on the human experience—how a space feels, functions, and supports physical and mental wellness.
Who Sets the WELL Standards?
WELL Certification is managed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), a global organization dedicated to transforming buildings and communities in ways that help people thrive.
What Are the 10 WELL Concepts?
To earn WELL Certification, buildings must meet standards in ten core areas that influence human health:
- Air: Promote clean, well-ventilated indoor environments
- Water: Ensure safe, accessible drinking water
- Nourishment: Support healthy eating habits and choices
- Light: Maximize natural light and circadian-friendly lighting
- Movement: Encourage physical activity through design and amenities
- Thermal Comfort: Maintain comfortable temperature and humidity levels
- Sound: Reduce noise and enhance acoustic comfort
- Materials: Use non-toxic, low-emission building materials
- Mind: Foster mental health and emotional well-being
- Community: Promote equity, inclusion, and social connection
Each concept is designed to create healthier spaces that go beyond sustainability and create environments where people can live, work, and feel their best.
What Building Standards Are Required for WELL?
WELL Certification includes specific, measurable requirements across multiple building systems. Here’s what’s involved, and how Ketchum & Walton helps ensure your project meets the mark.
- Use MERV-13 or higher filters to reduce airborne contaminants
- Meet or exceed minimum outdoor air rates for ventilation
- Maintain humidity levels between 30%–60% for respiratory comfort
Ketchum & Walton helps design and test HVAC systems with advanced filtration and ventilation strategies tailored to WELL standards.
- Comply with ASHRAE 55 for temperature and humidity
- Design systems that support individual thermal comfort preferences
Our team supports engineering mechanical systems that balance performance with personalized comfort.
- Control background noise from mechanical systems and equipment
- Incorporate zoning, sound masking, and absorption materials to reduce distractions
We integrate acoustic modeling and materials selection early in design to optimize sound performance.
- Implement circadian lighting strategies that support sleep-wake cycles
- Use glare control and appropriate light levels for various tasks
We supply buildings with smart roller shades that adjust automatically depending on the position of the sun – controlling glare and excessive heat-gain.
- Provide continuous monitoring of indoor air quality for
- PM2.5 (fine particulate matter)
- COâ‚‚ levels
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Make real-time data available to occupants
Ketchum & Walton supports WELL projects by assessing your building’s current level of air quality and prescribing the right solution for your needs, either before or after the construction phase.Â
By integrating these performance criteria into the design and construction process, Ketchum & Walton helps clients create WELL-ready buildings built for health and backed by data.
WELL Certification FAQs
WELL Certification is gaining traction, but some persistent myths can create confusion. Here’s the truth behind a few of the most common questions regarding WELL:
Is WELL Just Another Sustainability Badge?
While WELL and sustainability certifications like LEED often go hand-in-hand, they have different goals. WELL is centered on people; how building design and operations impact physical and mental health, not just the environment.
Is WELL Certification Expensive?
Building owners and developers often avoid WELL certified solutions, opting for low-cost products to avoid sticker shock. However, there are many ways to achieve WELL certification without breaking the bank. While it may require a larger investment, WELL solutions pay for themselves in the long run. In fact, a recent case study testing the performance of Camfil filters showed that the energy savings alone will likely pay for the initial cost of the filter in just three months. That, in addition to the cost savings associated with improved productivity and occupant health, it’s hard to justify not making the upfront investment.
Why WELL Certification Matters for Building Owners
Investing in WELL Certification isn’t just good for people. It’s good for business too. Here’s how it delivers long-term value:
- Healthier Workplaces: WELL strategies like better air quality, lighting, and acoustics create more comfortable, productive environments for occupants.
- Leasing Advantage: Tenants are increasingly seeking health-conscious spaces. WELL Certification can help command higher rents and improve retention.
- Post-COVID Expectations: Health and wellness are now baseline expectations. WELL signals that your building is designed for today’s realities.
- Competitive Differentiator: In a crowded market, WELL sets your property apart as a forward-thinking space that puts people first.
From improving occupant satisfaction to enhancing marketability, WELL Certification is a smart move for owners who want to future-proof their assets.
How Ketchum & Walton Helps Buildings Meet WELL Standards
At Ketchum & Walton, we engineer building systems for human health, comfort, and performance. Our expertise helps project teams align with WELL Certification requirements from the start.
- Healthy Air, by Design: We engineer HVAC systems that meet or exceed WELL air quality standards through smart ventilation strategies, high-efficiency filtration, and humidity control.
- Quiet, Comfortable Spaces: Our team incorporates acoustic zoning and noise mitigation strategies to support the WELL Sound concept, creating environments that promote focus and comfort.
- Verified Performance: Through detailed commissioning services, we test and validate that air quality, thermal conditions, and acoustic performance meet WELL’s rigorous benchmarks.
WELL Certification Fast-Track Features
Looking to make quick, high-impact progress toward WELL Certification? Start with these proven strategies that deliver measurable wellness benefits without major design overhauls:
- MERV-13+ Filtration: Upgrade air filters to capture fine particulates and improve indoor air quality.
- Demand-Controlled Ventilation: Adjust ventilation rates based on occupancy for healthier, more efficient airflow.
- Continuous IAQ Monitoring: Track indoor air quality in real time for key metrics like COâ‚‚, VOCs, and particulate matter.
Build for Wellness. Design for People.
At Ketchum & Walton, we help you go beyond the checklist with high-performance mechanical systems that align with WELL standards and elevate the human experience. From air quality to acoustics, we design environments that are healthier, more comfortable, and built for real-life performance.