In today’s world, companies must think not only about sustainability but also about human health. The WELL Building Standard offers a science-based framework for designing and operating buildings that support occupant well-being, and it can drive major benefits in the workplace.
What Is the WELL Building Standard?
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based certification system managed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It evaluates building features across categories such as air, water, light, movement, nourishment, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community1.
In the UK, WELL is growing in recognition as a key part of designing healthy offices2
Why It Matters in the UK Workplace
- On average, UK employees spend 90% of their time indoors2.
- Poor indoor air quality, inadequate lighting, and uncomfortable acoustics can reduce productivity. According to UK research, improving ventilation and lowering CO₂ levels can boost performance by up to 14%3.
- Mental health is a major concern: long-term mental ill-health remains a leading cause of workplace absence, costing UK employers £33 billion–£42 billion annually3.
Business Benefits: Well-Being = Productivity
Implementing WELL strategies is not just good for people; it’s good for business:
- A global IWBI report found that WELL-certified buildings deliver 39% higher occupant satisfaction than non-certified ones4.
- According to IWBI, better ventilation can increase productivity by as much as US$7,500 per employee per year4.
- Rents for WELL-certified spaces tend to be 4% to 7% higher, according to multiple studies4.
Health Gains for Occupants
A longitudinal study of WELL-certified offices found:
- 30% increase in overall workplace satisfaction4.
- 26% boost in well-being scores4.
- 10% rise in perceived mental health and a 2% increase in physical health4.
- A 10-point jump in median productivity scores4.
How WELL Aligns with Syntegra’s Environmental Engineering Services
At Syntegra Group, we specialize in multi-disciplinary environmental engineering and planning. Our services can help clients integrate WELL strategies into design:
- Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation: We design HVAC systems that meet WELL air-quality criteria.
- Thermal Comfort & Acoustics: Through building modelling, we optimise thermal and acoustic environments to support occupant comfort and health.
- Lighting & Daylight Analysis: We assess and improve natural and artificial lighting to align with WELL light standards.
- Sustainable Water Systems: We can engineer water purification and distribution systems that comply with WELL’s water-quality requirements.
By working with Syntegra, building owners and developers in the UK can pursue WELL certification and create truly healthy, productive, and resilient workplaces.
Footnotes
- IWBI longitudinal study on occupant satisfaction, health & productivity. wellcertified.com
- McCann & Partners on WELL principles. Planning, Building & Construction Today
- Sustainability: The WELL Standard. Building.co.uk
- IWBI report on global business case for healthy buildings. resources.wellcertified.com
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