The WELL Standard is an international certification system originating from the United States, developed in 2014, and has gained popularity in Hungary over the past five years, particularly among office developers and tenants. It focuses specifically on the creation and evaluation of healthy and more livable interior and exterior spaces.
WELL is actually a family of certifications, offering several types of certifications and ratings with different focus areas, which we will introduce in more detail below.
WELL Building Standard v2
A total of over 180 credits can be earned across 10 categories, ensuring that the highest certification level can be achieved very flexibly, by choosing from a variety of pathways and compliance options.
Below, we present the categories and the key topics they cover:
AIR
Ventilation efficiency and air exchange rates
Control of airborne particulate matter (PMs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants
Active and passive air purification strategies
WATER
- Monitoring of drinking water quality parameters (chemical and microbiological)
- Water treatment and filtration solutions
- Optimizing access to hydration points
NOURISHMENT
- Nutrient and ingredient transparency
- Guidelines for health-conscious food offerings
- Regulation of portion sizes and choice structures
LIGHT
- Circadian rhythm adaptation
- Lighting levels, glare, and contrast control
- Integrated design of natural and artificial lighting
MOVEMENT
- Building strategies that support physical activity
- Ergonomic pathways and spatial organization
- Encouraging stair use and prioritizing pedestrians
THERMAL COMFORT
- Application of comfort models (PMV/PPD)
- Thermal zoning and personalized spaces
- Minimizing temperature fluctuations and draughts
SOUND
- Control of background noise levels and reverberation time
- Acoustic finishes and noise-reduction systems
- Creation of function-based acoustic zones
MATERIALS
- Minimizing hazardous materials (VOCs, flame retardants, heavy metals etc)
- Material and composition transparency
- Selection of low-emission, sustainable materials
MIND
- Principles for stress, workload, and cognitive support
- Neurodiversity-friendly spatial design
- Creation of restorative, focus, and quiet zones
COMMUNITY
- Inclusive and accessible environment (universal design, physical and digital accessibility, usability for all user groups)
- Organizational CO₂ inventory and corporate-level monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions (relevant Scope 1–3 categories)
- Health-supportive organizational policies and community engagement mechanisms
- Processes that enhance social well-being and employee support
A key difference from most certification systems is that WELL assessments are based on on-site measurements and/or continuous sensor data collection (Performance Verification).
Both existing and new buildings can achieve certification. The Core certification does not cover leased areas; it only evaluates common areas and the performance of the building management team responsible for operations. The certification must be renewed after three years, and annual data reporting is required in the meantime.
Benefits of WELL certification for property developers
1. Market advantage and premium positioning
- WELL certification differentiates a building in the market, resulting in stronger brand value and faster leasing.
- Demand for “wellbeing”-focused buildings is continuously growing, especially in the modern office market.
2. Higher rental income and improved marketability
- WELL-certified buildings often command higher rental rates.
- They are more attractive to investors and institutional buyers, as they represent long-term value.
3. Risk reduction and future-proofing
- WELL aligns with the future needs of the workplace and living spaces: health, safety, and comfort.
- It reduces the risk of property obsolescence in light of sustainability and HR trends.
4. Tenant engagement and reduced fluctuation
- In buildings that provide a healthy environment, tenants stay longer and initiate fewer moves.
- This provides more stable income for developers and operators.
5. More efficient building management
- WELL encourages regular measurements, strict verification, and improved indoor environmental performance.
- This enables more efficient operations and long-term cost savings.
Benefits of WELL certification for tenants
1. Healthier and more productive work environment
- WELL focuses on factors such as air quality, natural light, acoustics, water quality, and ergonomics.
- It has been shown to increase employee performance and satisfaction while reducing absenteeism.
- Stress decreases, comfort improves, and the overall workplace atmosphere is enhanced.
2. Strengthen ESG „S” and „G” pillars
- WELL provides objective, measurable KPIs (air quality, water quality, noise, lighting, ergonomics) that can be directly incorporated into sustainability reporting.
- WELL meets requirements that directly contribute to the “Social” dimension (employee health, safety, and wellbeing).
- WELL requirements are audited and standardized → this also strengthens governance.
3. Stronger employer branding and HR benefits
- Modern employees place high value on a healthy and inspiring workplace.
- WELL-certified offices help attract and retain talent, providing a strategic HR advantage.
4. Lower operational risk
- The design reduces health risks, including issues arising from poor air quality, lighting, or noise.
- It creates a safer and more hygienic environment, a factor that has become especially important since the COVID pandemic.
5. Reliable and transparent quality assurance
- WELL’s third-party verification system ensures that the workplace genuinely meets international health and comfort standards.
- Tenants can be confident that they are receiving real, measurable value.
WELL for Residence certification
WELL for Residence is a certification pathway within the WELL framework that focuses on creating healthier living environments in residential buildings. It addresses factors such as air and water quality, lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, materials, and mental well-being, ensuring that homes actively support occupants’ health and quality of life.
It is applicable to new and existing residential buildings (long-therm living environment), including multi-family housing, apartment buildings, and residential portfolios.
WELL Health and Safety rating
The WELL Health-Safety Rating (HSR) was created after the COVID-19 pandemic as a “little brother” of the WELL certification. It evaluates the safe operation of buildings based on five categories (hygiene, emergency preparedness, healthcare, air and water quality, and communication). The WELL HSR therefore supports the safe, controlled operation of facilities by examining their developed operating guidelines, emergency plans, and education of building users. To achieve the certification, 15 of the 28 guidelines developed in the standard must be met. There are no grades, a project either obtains the certification or not. The certification obtained must be renewed annually. The proof is based on data provision, there is no on-site inspection.
Comprehensive WELL consultancy in the CEE region
With WELL AP credential and extensive experience in both development and consulting projects, we support our clients throughout every step of the WELL certification process — from concept design and planning, through on-site performance verification, to achieving certification in the CEE region.