The International WELL Building Institute launched the WELL Health-Safety Rating for all building and facility types in June of 2020. The evidence-based, third-party-verified rating system focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, and design strategies for the post-COVID-19 environment. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is one of the earliest outcomes of IWBI’s Task Force on COVID-19, a group of nearly 600 public health experts, virologists, government officials, academics, business leaders, architects, designers, building scientists, and real estate professionals, which was established in late March of 2020 to help guide IWBI’s response to the pandemic.
Providing a centralized source and governing body to validate efforts made by owners and operators, the rating system leverages insights drawn from the IWBI COVID-19 Task Force; guidance from the CDC, WHO, DHHS, OSHA, and NIH; and leading academic and research institutions. Participation in the program requires submission of policies, protocols, and strategies for third-party document review and annual verification. The WELL Health-Safety Rating will begin accepting registrations in June of 2020 for all building and facility typologies, including offices, restaurants, hotels, retail establishments, manufacturing plants, warehouses, sports stadiums, arenas, entertainment venues, schools, multi-family housing, and many others. Current WELL-registered projects and WELL Portfolio participants can earn the WELL Health-Safety Rating as part of their already established certification efforts.
For more information, visit the International WELL Building Institute.
