Understanding the WELL Building Standard

When you step into a space, have you ever noticed how it makes you feel? Is it calming, energizing, or maybe a bit stressful? The environment around us plays a huge role in our well-being, often in ways we don’t immediately realize. That’s why building health standards are becoming more important than ever. They help create spaces that support our physical and mental health, making our homes and workplaces places where we can truly thrive.

One of the most thoughtful and comprehensive approaches to this is the well building standard. It’s designed to nurture your health through the very walls that surround you. Let’s explore what this means and how it can transform your living or working environment.

What is the Difference Between WELL and LEED?

You might have heard of LEED certification before, which is another popular building standard. While both WELL and LEED focus on sustainability and health, they have different priorities and approaches.

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Primarily focuses on environmental sustainability. It looks at energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and the overall environmental impact of a building. LEED-certified buildings are designed to reduce their carbon footprint and conserve natural resources.

  
  

• WELL Building Standard: Concentrates on human health and wellness inside the building. It addresses how the indoor environment affects the people living or working there, focusing on air, water, light, comfort, and mental health.

  
  

In simple terms, LEED is about protecting the planet, while WELL is about protecting the people inside the building. Both are important, and many projects aim to achieve both certifications to create spaces that are good for the earth and for you.

If you want a home or office that feels good to be in every day, WELL might be the better fit. If your goal is to minimize environmental impact, LEED is a great choice. And if you want both, you can absolutely combine their principles.

What Are Building Health Standards and Why Do They Matter?

Building health standards are guidelines and certifications that focus on creating healthier indoor environments. Unlike traditional building codes that prioritize safety and structural integrity, these standards emphasize the quality of air, light, water, and even the emotional comfort of the people inside.

Imagine walking into a home where the air feels fresh, natural light fills every room, and the layout encourages movement and relaxation. That’s the kind of experience these standards aim to deliver. They are especially important for those who spend a lot of time indoors, like busy professionals or families focused on wellness.

How the WELL Building Standard Supports Your Well-Being

The well building standard is a certification system that goes beyond traditional building practices. It’s based on scientific research about how our environments affect our health. When a building meets WELL criteria, it means the space has been thoughtfully designed to support your body and mind.

What makes WELL unique is its holistic approach. It covers seven core concepts:

1. Air: Ensuring clean, fresh air free from harmful chemicals and pollutants.

2. Water: Providing access to clean, safe drinking water.

3. Nourishment: Encouraging healthy eating habits through design and amenities.

4. Light: Optimizing natural and artificial lighting to support circadian rhythms.

5. Fitness: Promoting physical activity with design features like accessible stairs.

6. Comfort: Creating spaces that reduce stress and increase relaxation.

7. Mind: Supporting mental health through thoughtful design and community engagement.

   
   

For example, a WELL-certified home might include air filtration systems that remove allergens, windows positioned to maximize daylight, and quiet zones designed to reduce noise. These features aren’t just nice extras - they actively contribute to your health every day.

If you’re considering a renovation or new build, aiming for WELL certification can be a powerful way to ensure your space truly supports your lifestyle and well-being.

Air purifier enhancing indoor air quality

Practical Steps to Incorporate WELL Principles in Your Space

You don’t need to be an expert or undertake a massive renovation to start benefiting from the principles behind the WELL Building Standard. Here are some simple, practical ways you can bring wellness into your home or workspace:

• Improve Air Quality: Open windows regularly to let fresh air in. Use houseplants known for air-purifying qualities, like spider plants or peace lilies. Consider investing in an air purifier if you live in a city with pollution.

  
  

• Maximize Natural Light: Arrange furniture near windows to soak up daylight. Use light-colored curtains that diffuse sunlight gently. Avoid harsh overhead lighting when possible.

  
  

• Create Quiet Zones: Designate a corner or room for relaxation and quiet time. Use soft rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to reduce noise.

  
  

• Encourage Movement: Place your printer or trash bin a little further away to encourage walking. Use a standing desk or take short breaks to stretch during work.

  
  

• Choose Non-Toxic Materials: When redecorating, opt for paints, furniture, and flooring with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These materials reduce harmful chemical exposure.

  
  

• Support Mental Health: Add elements that bring you joy and calm, like artwork, soothing colors, or a small indoor fountain. Consider spaces for meditation or mindfulness practices.

  
  

By taking these steps, you’re not just improving your space aesthetically - you’re actively supporting your health and peace of mind.

Embracing a Healthier Future with WellNest Design

At WellNest Design, the mission is clear: to create residential environments that genuinely support health, clarity, and peace of mind. This work is grounded in evidence-based design principles and informed by the WELL Building Standard, adapted thoughtfully for real homes and real lives. Choosing a design partner who understands building health standards means investing not only in aesthetics, but in long-term quality of life.

I am a WELL Accredited Professional, which allows me to guide homeowners through wellness-focused decisions with a clear, structured, and professional framework. My work focuses on translating WELL principles into practical residential strategies - from air and water quality to light, materials, comfort, and daily living patterns.

For homeowners who want clarity without overwhelm, I offer a Home Health and Wellness Assessment. This is a focused review of your existing home, identifying opportunities to better support sleep, nervous system regulation, indoor air quality, and overall well-being. It is designed as a first step - educational, personalized, and grounded in both science and lived experience.

I hope this guide has encouraged you to see your environment through a new lens. The spaces we inhabit quietly shape how we feel, function, and recover every day. With the right knowledge and intention, your home can become a true foundation for health - not someday, but now.