WELL and BREEAM align
In November 2016, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and BRE announced an alignment between the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and BREEAM. Combining the two standards is intended to make it easier for projects seeking to conform with them.
The agreement will involve the identification of specific credits which will be recognised by both organisations, resulting in savings in time and money as project teams will not have to submit the same documentation twice.
The WELL Building Standard was launched in 2013, focusing on human health and wellness. It marries best practice in design and construction with evidence-based medical and scientific research – harnessing the built environment as a vehicle to support human health and wellbeing. Since launching, more than 300 projects encompassing 60 million sq. ft have been registered or certified in 27 countries.
BREEAM sets best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings through design, specification, construction and operation.
Certification in both systems is achieved through the submission of project documentation and on-site post-occupancy performance testing.
WELL's certifying body, Green Business Certification Inc, is working with BRE to identify the applicable credits between the two standards, with an expected completion date of January 2017.
Gavin Dunn, Director of Building Performance Group at BRE, said: “We’re excited about the opportunity to join forces in a way that will advance the inclusion of health and well-being considerations in Europe’s built environment."
Rick Fedrizzi, chairman and CEO, IWBI said: “Since the beginning, IWBI has worked to find ways that WELL can work harmoniously with the world’s leading sustainable building standards, because we believe sustainability and health are synonymous. We look forward to partnering with BRE to advance this important concept by helping project teams who are using both BREEAM and WELL deliver a more sustainable and healthier built environment as efficiently as possible.”
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Assessing health and wellbeing in buildings.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BREEAM.
- BREEAM assessor.
- Building Back Better: Health.
- Closing the gap between design and as-built performance.
- Greenbuild 2017.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED.
- Measuring the wellbeing benefits of interior materials.
- Performance in use.
- WELL Building Standard.
- Wellbeing and buildings.
- Wellbeing considerations for property managers.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).