IWBI Launches WELL for Residential Program to Promote Healthier Living Spaces

IWBI launches WELL for residential program, offering certification for homes that prioritize health and well-being, with global pilot projects across 10 countries.

 

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has introduced a groundbreaking global certificate program named WELL for residential, aimed at promoting the creation of healthier and more resilient homes. This program, underpinned by the robust, evidence-based WELL Building Standard (WELL) and its ten guiding concepts, provides over 100 strategies for building homes that enhance the health, comfort, and wellbeing of residents.

The WELL for residential program is designed for a wide array of stakeholders in the housing sector, including builders, developers, operators, architects, designers, and homeowners. It is applicable to both single-family homes and multifamily residences, offering a comprehensive framework to incorporate health-first strategies into the design, construction, and maintenance of homes.

Launching with 25 global pilot participants, the program encompasses almost 30,000 homes and residences across ten countries, such as the US, Canada, China, Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Spain, Montenegro, and the Netherlands. One notable early adopter is the Velvaere community by Magleby Development, a wellness-oriented development in Utah.

IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with pilot participants and stakeholders across the residential sector. The program aims to provide a transformative roadmap for incorporating health-first approaches into residential design and operation, ensuring that healthier living environments are accessible to individuals from all backgrounds.

The development of WELL for residential was informed by two years of comprehensive industry consultations, market analysis, and recommendations from IWBI’s WELL for residential Advisory. This group consists of over 100 globally recognized experts, including prominent builders, developers, architects, engineers, public health experts, building scientists, government officials, academics, and other real estate professionals.

To achieve WELL Residence certification, projects undergo a third-party review and verification process, needing to accumulate at least 40 points for certification. Additionally, the program offers the option for projects to attain a pre-certified WELL Residence status after a preliminary design review, allowing them to showcase their achievements even before construction completion. This initiative marks a significant step towards transforming the global residential landscape into one that fundamentally supports and enhances human health and wellness.