WELL certification for companies with the air-Q air measurement device

What is WELL certification?

WELL certification is an internationally recognized standard for buildings. It aims to improve the health and well-being of the people who live and work in the buildings. The focus is on various aspects such as air and water quality, nutrition, fitness, comfort and mental well-being. WELL-certified buildings must meet strict criteria developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in order to receive the award. To obtain certification for a building, independent analysts check whether the required criteria for certification have been met. By obtaining the seal, companies and real estate developers can position their buildings as healthy and sustainable environments.

For which areas can I apply for WELL certification?

The WELL certification covers a wide range of areas. All criteria assess the extent to which the constitution of the building or the interior design affects the physical and mental health, comfort and well-being of workers and residents. Aspects of the community of users are also taken into account. These areas are referred to as WELL categories and include the following parameters:

1. Air: Measures to improve air quality, including the control of pollutants and the promotion of good ventilation. You can use the air-Q air measurement device to check this parameter and qualify for certification.
2. Water: Ensuring the quality and accessibility of drinking water and promoting responsible water consumption.
3. Nutrition: Promoting healthy eating habits through access to healthy food and eating areas.
4. Light: Optimization of lighting to promote visual health and support the natural sleep-wake rhythm.
5. Physical activity: Creating environments that promote physical activity and encourage an active lifestyle.
6. (Thermal) comfort: Creating a pleasant and productive working environment through ergonomic design and temperature control.
7. Noise protection: Noise can cause stress, impair concentration and performance and even have long-term effects on physical and mental health. The certification therefore assesses appropriate measures that block sound from outside and create good room acoustics by reducing the reverberation time and sound reflection and improving speech intelligibility.
8. Materials: The focus is on the use of low-emission and resource-saving building materials.
9. Community: The aim is to create a connection between the building and the surrounding community in order to promote health and well-being for all. 
10. Mental well-being: Promoting stress management, concentration and positive interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

To receive the award, buildings must meet minimum requirements. There are the following levels of certification: WELL Bronze (40 points), WELL Silver (50 points), WELL Gold (60 points) and WELL Platinum (80 points).

Why is WELL certification worthwhile for employers?

WELL certification demonstrates that employers are responsible and caring organizations that look after the well-being of their employees.  

1. Employee health & wellbeing: WELL-certified buildings promote employee health and well-being. This can lead to higher satisfaction, lower sickness rates and better work performance.
2. Attractiveness as an employer: The WELL label serves as a signal to potential employees that the company cares about their health and well-being. This can help to attract and retain top talent.
3. Increased productivity: A healthy and comfortable working environment can increase employees' productivity by improving their concentration, reducing fatigue and boosting their creativity.
4. Reducing sickness costs: By creating a healthier working environment, employers can reduce sickness costs by reducing sickness absence.
5. Sustainability & environmental friendliness: Many of the criteria for WELL certification are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of buildings, for example by reducing energy and water consumption and promoting the use of sustainable materials.

WELL certification with the air-Q air measuring device

Air quality has a significant influence on the well-being and health of people indoors. WELL certification therefore takes a very close look at and evaluates air quality. This ensures that the air in a building is clean, fresh and healthy.

If you are aiming for the WELL label, the air-Q air measuring device can support you. You need to ensure continuous air quality measurement for the air parameter. The air-Q, the most powerful air measuring device with the most sensors on the market, meets all the requirements for this. We are therefore aiming to include it in the WELL portfolio and will apply for approval. The air measuring device offers you corresponding evaluations for the following criteria:

Air pollutants

With up to 16 sensors, the air-Q records all relevant air parameters in real time and analyzes them in terms of their effect on health and performance. Based on this measurement data, you can take measures to minimize exposure to air pollutants such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde and evaporating pollutants from building products, furniture and cleaning agents, as well as noise or particulates minimize.

Humidity & ventilation

By checking the humidity, you can keep it at the optimum level to prevent the growth of mold and the spread of pathogens. You can also use the air analysis to ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air and control the CO₂ content indoors, which improves the concentration and well-being of users.

Filtration & cleaning

The smart home-capable air-Q complements your air filtration system. This allows your air purifier to be controlled based on data for demand-oriented air purification. If the air-Q detects a need for action, it activates the air purifier so that pollutants and particles are removed from the air exactly when they need to be.

With our partner AIRY, you also contribute to improved air quality. The cachepots with innovative biofilters and a patented natural room air purification system clean the room air of VOCs, particulates and other air pollutants. The air-Q and AIRY systems are the perfect combination for clean air, especially in offices. We have tested the effectiveness of the AIRY systems in a practical test, the results can be found in our article. Further information on the smart air purification systems can be found at airy.green.

Smoke-free

With the smoke alarm, you can ensure that the office is smoke-free. This allows you to detect and minimize exposure to tobacco smoke and even e-cigarettes and vapes and protect the air quality for your employees.

The compact air-Q air measurement device can be easily integrated into your office and can even be mounted on a wall bracket. Your air-Q sends the collected data to the air-Q Cloud and/or your own system via the WLAN connection. The air-Q health and performance index tells you how good the air in the office is and what measures you can take to improve air quality. Using clear diagrams, you can quickly evaluate the measured value trends, recognize when limit values are exceeded and remain capable of taking action. This is because the air-Q uses its intuitive LED bar to show you how the air quality in the room is behaving and also sends push messages and e-mails when it is time to change the air.