What are the differences between LEED and WELL building standards?

1 LEED overview

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a certification program developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998. LEED evaluates buildings based on their performance in six categories: location and transportation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. LEED also has additional credits for innovation, regional priority, and integrative process. LEED has four levels of certification: certified, silver, gold, and platinum.

2 WELL overview

WELL stands for Wellness in the Built Environment. It is a certification program launched by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in 2014. WELL assesses buildings based on their impact on human health and well-being in ten categories: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community. WELL also has additional features for innovation and equity. WELL has three levels of certification: bronze, silver, and gold.

3 LEED vs WELL: similarities

Both LEED and WELL are voluntary, third-party verified, and globally applicable green building standards and ratings. They share a common goal of improving the environmental and social outcomes of buildings. They also have some overlapping criteria, such as water quality, energy efficiency, and low-emitting materials. Both LEED and WELL require documentation, verification, and recertification to maintain their status. They also offer online tools, resources, and education to support their applicants and users.

5 LEED vs WELL: benefits

Both LEED and WELL offer significant benefits for facilities engineers, building owners, and occupants. LEED can help reduce the environmental impact, operational costs, and carbon footprint of buildings, while enhancing their market value, reputation, and resilience. WELL can help improve the physical, mental, and emotional health, productivity, and satisfaction of occupants, while creating a more positive, supportive, and inclusive culture and community. Both LEED and WELL can also help meet the growing demand and expectations for green and healthy buildings from customers, investors, regulators, and society.

6 LEED vs WELL: challenges

Both LEED and WELL also pose some challenges for facilities engineers, building owners, and occupants. LEED can be costly, complex, and time-consuming to achieve and maintain, especially for existing or retrofitted buildings. WELL can be difficult, intrusive, and disruptive to implement and monitor, especially for sensitive or confidential spaces. Both LEED and WELL can also face some barriers, such as lack of awareness, knowledge, or skills, resistance to change, or conflicting interests or priorities among stakeholders.

7 LEED vs WELL: opportunities

Both LEED and WELL offer exciting opportunities for facilities engineers, building owners, and occupants to create and enjoy more sustainable and healthy buildings. LEED and WELL can complement each other and create synergies, as they address different aspects of building performance and occupant experience. LEED and WELL can also evolve and improve over time, as they incorporate new research, technology, and feedback. LEED and WELL can also inspire and influence other green building standards and ratings, as well as broader policies and practices, to advance the global movement for green and healthy buildings.

8 Here’s what else to consider

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