What WELL Certification Means for Indoor Air Quality

With many of us spending the majority of our time inside, it is critical that indoor environments support our wellbeing. Focusing on several factors, including indoor air quality, the WELL building certification aims to significantly enhance our quality of life by ensuring the air we breathe isn’t doing us harm. The adoption of standards such as WELL, combined with Smart technology which has the ability to monitor and maintain optimal indoor air conditions, are powerful tools helping us to herald a new era of health-centric building design.

Whether at home, school, work, or in the mall, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. So, ensuring that the indoor environments we spend so much time in are actually beneficial to our health and wellbeing is very important.

While we are all aware of the damaging effects that outdoor pollutants have on our health, the effects of poor indoor air quality are rarely discussed.    

This may be down to the fact that indoor environments are more complex and variable. Pollutants can come from a wide range of sources, including chemical use, damp, building materials and heating or cooling systems. The concentration of pollutants can also vary between, as well as within, buildings. Poor ventilation in certain areas can cause pollutant levels to rise, or areas that require stringent cleaning may use harsh chemicals that require proper ventilation after use.

With so many features of an indoor space contributing to the indoor environments we live in, prioritising the quality of the air we breathe must be a priority.  

Introducing the WELL Building Standard

Recognising the damaging effect that poor air quality can have on our health, the WELL Building Standard (WELL) was introduced to set the indoor air benchmark.

Certification from WELL is a performance-based system, developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), which measures and monitors various features of the built environment. This includes factors such as air, water, light, and comfort, all of which have a direct impact on our health, wellbeing and mind.

As a critical component of WELL, the WELL Air concept focuses on ensuring indoor air is clean and safe, whilst reducing or eliminating sources of indoor air pollution, and promoting effective ventilation.

The standards set by WELL are high, however, the concept notes that the strategies needed to reduce the negative effects of poor indoor air quality are relatively simple and cost effective. It highlights that through the use of air filters, regular air quality monitoring, and the reduction of contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and microbial pathogens, the damaging effects can be corrected easily.

So, what does this mean for inhabitants? It means that any building you enter that is certified by WELL has made your health and wellness a priority. It demonstrates that factors affecting indoor air quality have been addressed, that air quality is being actively managed and maintained at the highest standards, and that the comfort of occupants is a top priority.

WELL vs. LEED Certifications

While there is some overlap between WELL and LEED certifications, with both aiming to improve the built environment, they have different primary focuses.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) focuses on the building, measuring its sustainability in areas such as energy efficiency, water usage, and the building’s overall environmental footprint. WELL on the other hand focuses primarily on people, prioritising their wellbeing.

Taking indoor air as an example, LEED certification will ensure that the air purifiers and AC units used are energy efficient, while WELL will assess the health-related impacts of air quality on inhabitants, outlining specific requirements for air quality monitoring, reduction of pollutants, and occupant wellbeing initiatives.

The Importance of Maintaining Indoor Air Quality

Maintaining high quality indoor air is crucial for a number of very important reasons:

• It makes us healthier: Studies have proven that poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Contaminants such as dust, mould, and VOCs can exacerbate conditions like asthma and lead to long-term complications.
• It supports better cognitive function: High levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants can impair our cognitive functions, affect concentration levels and reduce overall productivity.
• It boosts our mood: Clean air just feels better, contributing to an overall sense of comfort and wellbeing. Fresher air reduces stress and promotes a healthier, more pleasant indoor environment, enhancing the quality of life for inhabitants.

The Role of Smart Technology in Improving Indoor Air Quality

The strategies needed to improve indoor air quality are straightforward but require ongoing attention and maintenance. However, thanks to Smart technology, air quality management has been revolutionised.

By constantly monitoring and improving the air around us, Smart technology is making air quality control an automated process. Integrated Smart sensors can monitor various parameters and provide real-time data, ensuring systems automatically adjust to maintain optimal air quality. These crucial environmental parameters include:

• Temperature: Setting optimum indoor temperature levels is essential for productivity and comfort. If a space is too cold, it can be uncomfortable and if it’s too warm, can affect concentration levels.
• Humidity: If humidity levels rise, it can lead to the growth of mould and bacteria, as well as causing respiratory issues and discomfort. Low humidity can lead to dry skin, irritation, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
• Carbon dioxide levels: High CO₂ levels can cause drowsiness, headaches, and impaired cognitive function. Monitoring CO₂ levels is essential to ensure air remains fresh and conducive to high performance.
• VOCs: Emitted by furniture, cleaning products, and other materials, VCOs can cause headaches, dizziness, and long-term health issues. Monitoring levels is important to ensure action is taken to reduce their presence and protect occupant wellbeing.

Smart technology can be implemented in any type of building and is applicable to any given space. From commercial washrooms in busy malls to conference rooms in office blocks, factors that directly impact the health and wellbeing of inhabitants can be carefully monitored, managed and optimised.  

The WELL Standard

Achieving WELL certification indicates that a building has set a high standard for indoor air quality. The integration of Smart technology is an effective strategy that buildings can employ to meet these standards, providing real-time monitoring and management of the factors that can negatively impact our wellbeing.

As awareness of the importance of indoor air quality continues to grow, WELL certification and the adoption of strategies to support its ambitions will continue to play a crucial role in shaping healthier indoor spaces.