There are numerous different ways to apply WELL strategies to multiple buildings. In the first section, this article starts with a decision tree to help you choose the right pathway for your buildings. Each pathway is then briefly described in the second section.
Pathways for multiple buildings
There are several pathways to apply WELL strategies for multiple buildings. The optimal pathway depends on several factors. You can choose WELL at scale, WELL Ratings, WELL Community, individual registration for WELL Certification or registering multiple buildings as one project. For multiple projects that are individually registered, there is also an additional pathway that allows projects to share amenities between buildings. Each of these pathways has its own criteria, which are described below:
WELL at scale
WELL at scale is the best pathway when an owner is looking to apply WELL across 5 or more locations. These locations do not have to be adjacent to each other. The program also provides numerous further benefits to clients and differentiates between Portfolio and Enterprise level.
Learn more about WELL at scale and the program benefits
WELL Ratings
With WELL Ratings you can apply a specific topic within WELL to your building or multiple buildings. The ratings include the WELL Health-Safety Rating, the WELL Performance Rating and the WELL Equity Rating.
Learn more about WELL Ratings:
WELL Community
The WELL Community Standard is a district-scale rating system and focuses on health and well-being in public spaces around the buildings.
Learn more about WELL Community and its eligibility criteria
WELL Certification
WELL Certification is the achievement of applying the WELL Building Standard (WELL) to a single location. When registering multiple buildings for WELL Certification, WELL can be applied to each building individually or the two pathways outlined below could make the certification process more efficient.
WELL Certification – Single registration for multiple buildings
A single WELL project may encompass multiple distinct structures that are not physically connected, provided the following conditions are met:
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All buildings must be under the same ownership and management.
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The buildings must be located adjacent to each other (i.e., there is no land unaffiliated with the project intervening), and the project boundary must encompass all outdoor space affiliated with the project.
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The buildings must be related to each other, and the project name must accurately describe the group of buildings.
This pathway allows the group of buildings to be treated as a single building with one project registration and one project certification. The buildings are analyzed as a whole (i.e., in aggregate) for all features and with regard to project size. Since the buildings constitute a single project, documentation must be submitted for review at the same time and they must undergo performance testing together. The same set of features must be applied to all buildings, and the project will receive a single level of certification.
To use this pathway, the multiple buildings can register under one name in WELL Online. The WELL project area should reflect the sum of the area of all buildings included.
For further reading about the single registration for multiple buildings and its eligibility criteria, please see the WELL Program Guidebook.
If the criteria for single registrations cannot be met, the project can consider the following option:
WELL Certification – Shared amenities between co-located buildings
This option allows projects to earn certain WELL features for amenities that are located within adjacent buildings. For example, projects sharing a canteen with multiple buildings can meet N08 Mindful Eating, even if the feature's distance requirements are exceeded.
This option is applicable for two or more co-located buildings that meet all of the following criteria:
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The buildings serve a common population (e.g., students, employees, residents).
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Amenities are distributed throughout the area and users have access to all relevant buildings (e.g., gym is located in Building C, canteen is located in Building D, Bike parking is located in Building E).
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All buildings are under the same management or owner.
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All buildings are within a reasonable distance of one another. Buildings can be accessible through transportation services, bike or walking routes.
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The buildings in which shared amenities are located or associated must be enrolled in WELL. This ensures that the amenity complies with critical requirements such as preconditions.
Example projects that could use this pathway are office parks or education campuses. This option can also be used within WELL at scale.
Using this pathway requires approval from IWBI. Please contact your coaching support through the Support tab for further information