As the concepts of SDGs and ESG management that emphasize people and the environment are spreading, interest in WELL certification, which evaluates buildings and office spaces that consider the health of workers, is growing. Here, we introduce the overview of WELL certification, the requirements for obtaining it, and the benefits of acquisition.
What is WELL Certification
WELL certification (WELL Building Standard™) is an international standard certification system that evaluates spaces such as offices and facilities from the perspective of worker health. It began in the United States in 2014 and is managed by the public benefit corporation IWBI (International WELL Building Institute).
WELL certification is characterized as an evaluation system focused on people's health, assessing whether an office space allows people to work in a physicallymentallyand socially healthy manner. It can be said to be a certification system aligned with current trends, emphasizing the well-being (*1) of workers. As corporate approaches and individual work styles are being reconsidered, it is expected to become the new standard for offices in the future.
Globally, the increase in WELL certification registrations and certifications is remarkable, with 731 certifications (33 countries) as of August 2022, plus 696 (35 countries) that have received pre-certification. Developed countries such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia are actively registering for WELL certification, and its acquisition is spreading in offices, commercial facilities, hotels, and more.
In Japan as well, with growing interest in SDGs and ESG management (*2), companies aiming to obtain WELL certification have been increasing. Since 2016, the number has grown year by year, with a cumulative total of 102 project registrations, of which 24 have obtained certification. (As of September 20, 2022)
*1 Well-being is a concept meaning being in a physicallymentallyand socially good state. It represents not only physical and mental health, but also health and happiness in a broad sense where all needs are fulfilled.
*2 ESG management is a management approach that emphasizes three elements: Environment, Society, and Governance. ESG management is said to have the benefit of increasing evaluation from investors and making it easier to raise funds.
WELL Certification Evaluation Items
WELL certification, after several revisions and trials, currently conducts new registrations according to WELL certification v2 (WELL v2), which started on September 15, 2020. Basically all building types are eligible.
WELL v2 evaluation items consist of 10 concepts: AirWaterNourishmentLightMovementThermal ComfortSoundMaterialsMindCommunity, plus Innovation. All items are reviewed, and after meeting certain standards, certification at one of the following levels can be obtained based on points: BronzeSilverGoldPlatinum.
Each concept has defined preconditions and optimizations to be achieved, and companies must first clear the preconditions and then work on the optimizations. For example, in the case of Air, all four standards must be met: Air QualitySmoke-Free EnvironmentVentilation DesignConstruction Pollution Management. Then, additional points are pursued by meeting optimizations.
The review is conducted in two stages, and after passing the document review, environmental measurements and spot checks are conducted in an on-site review.
What are the Benefits of Obtaining WELL Certification
Since WELL certification is an evaluation system focused on well-being, employees working in that office space naturally receive many benefits. Furthermore, there are significant advantages for companies undertaking this initiative, which has been attracting attention in recent years.
Employee Well-Being Improves
Through WELL certification initiatives, an environment is established where employees can work in a physically and mentally healthy manner. This is expected to improve employee satisfaction and make it easier to secure excellent talent. In an excellent environment, intellectual productivity can also be expected to improve.
Corporate Value Increases
Since WELL certification is an international standard certification, obtaining it can be expected to improve corporate status. Additionally, it overlaps significantly with the concepts of SDGs and ESG management, and certification is expected to increase evaluation from domestic and international investors. As a result, it is believed to have invaluable benefits for corporate management, such as making it easier to raise funds.
Real Estate Value Increases
As a facility that has obtained international standard certification related to health and comfort, the building's value increases. It becomes a property favored and chosen by tenants and real estate investors.
Summary
WELL certification achieves improved well-being for people working in offices, while also offering significant benefits for companies. The path to obtaining certification has many hurdles and is by no means easy, but the value of obtaining it is great, and the number of companies aiming for certification will undoubtedly continue to increase.
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