Discover the WELL beta features included in WELL v2

The computer or phone on which you’re likely reading this article is the result of decades of iteration and evolution. Through new, innovative ideas, meaningful progress is achieved—not only for technology but in every aspect of our daily lives. From software to hardware, medical procedures to new building practices and more, ideation and emerging research constantly inform the way we do things.

To keep pace with evolving health challenges around the world, IWBI develops new interventions for the WELL Building Standard in the form of WELL beta features. Beta features are developed in collaboration with our global network of WELL advisors, who play a critical role in evolving WELL by identifying emerging research and innovative solutions to better address health and well-being in buildings and businesses around the world. With WELL v2’s graduation from pilot, there are now more beta features available than ever before for projects pursuing certification.

WELL beta feature summaries

Explore the eight new beta features and one new beta part that are now included in WELL v2.

Nourishment - N14β Red and Processed Meats

This Nourishment beta feature is intended to increase the availability of plant-based foods and decrease individual consumption of red and processed meats. High intake of processed meat is correlated with an increased risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases, and associations have been demonstrated between high red and processed meat intake and increased risk of certain GI cancers.

Studies have shown that repositioning red meat products and reducing red meat portion sizes can help to decrease demand and reduce consumption. Creating a visibility hierarchy which prioritizes plant-based foods over red and processed meat products can help to encourage healthier choices and shift eating patterns. By requiring projects to utilize these strategies, this feature aims to decrease the health risks associated with red and processed meats.

Movement - V11β Ergonomics Programming

This Movement beta feature seeks to enhance well-being and comfort by requiring projects to provide comprehensive ergonomics programming, a commitment to on-going ergonomic improvements and ergonomic support for remote workers. Ergonomic issues can arise within various job disciplines, leading to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and worsening of existing musculoskeletal conditions. The effects of MSDs can be far reaching due to the impact of absenteeism and decreased employee productivity on business and the economy as a whole.

Ergonomic interventions have been shown to be incredibly beneficial, producing a significant return on investment (ROI). This feature aims to establish an ideal ergonomic work environment by championing design of the physical environment, intentional work processes and practices, and education and awareness.

Thermal Comfort - T08β Enhanced Operable Windows

This Thermal Comfort beta feature looks to minimize thermal discomfort associated with operable window use. The ability to access outdoor air has been shown to improve building occupant satisfaction, but access to personally controlled windows can also have negative impacts when pollution levels are high and/or temperatures are extreme. One of the ways to mitigate the negative effects of potentially uncomfortable temperature variation is to provide windows with multiple opening modes.

When outdoor temperatures are high, windows with large openings at the level of the occupant can provide high levels of air exchange and increased air speed, creating a cooling effect. When outdoor temperatures are low, smaller window openings near the ceiling allow outdoor air to warm before reaching occupant level, decreasing the potential for drafts. By requiring specifications for window design and operation, this feature aims to provide the benefits of increased outdoor air supply while minimizing thermal discomfort.

Thermal Comfort - T09β Outdoor Thermal Comfort

This Thermal Comfort beta feature seeks to address individuals’ thermal comfort needs in outdoor project spaces. Urban landscapes are often built with materials that retain heat, which can lead to sustained elevated temperatures relative to adjacent suburban or undeveloped spaces. Higher occurrences of heat-related illness, fatigue, increased breathing and increased heart rate have been identified in these areas, which are referred to as urban heat islands. High wind speeds, another potentially dangerous condition for outdoor space users, are also seen in urban settings, due to the effect of high-rise buildings on air flow.

Several strategies can be implemented to help reduce the impact of these phenomena. Intentionally placed vegetation, shelter canopies and water features can be used to modulate extreme temperatures, while computational fluid dynamics programs can help to model wind conditions and plan countermeasures. This feature aims to encourage the use of these strategies when designing outdoor spaces in order to support the thermal comfort needs of project occupants.

Sound - S08β Enhanced Audio Devices

This Sound beta feature provides ways to enhance speech intelligibility and improve hearing accessibility by requiring high-performance audio technology in dedicated telecommunicating, instruction and public address spaces. Speech intelligibility has been linked to occupant satisfaction and well-being in a multitude of indoor environments.

High speech intelligibility is especially critical for non-native speakers, individuals with hearing loss and neurodiverse populations. The impacts of poor intelligibility are vast, ranging from vocal strain in teachers to task-related operational errors in the workplace. Incorrectly installed audio equipment can further exacerbate intelligibility issues. By prioritizing individual acoustic needs and utilizing specific audio systems commissioned by a professional in audio engineering, this feature aims to promote equitable use of project spaces and support a diverse range of occupants.

Materials - X12β Contact Reduction

This Materials beta feature aims to decrease exposure to contaminated respiratory particles and reduce contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Viral diseases can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even exhales, shedding virus-laden particles. These contaminated respiratory particles can land on or be deposited on inanimate surfaces, and the pathogens can spread when touched. Close proximity to an infected person and contact with a contaminated surface can increase risk of viral transmission.

Establishing requirements for physical distancing by addressing circulation, developing protocols for shared spaces and implementing the use of protective barriers can help decrease transmission risk at times when the incidence of respiratory disease is likely to be high (e.g., flu season). Offering hands-free mechanisms and hand hygiene support can help reduce this risk even further. By incorporating these strategies into project design and policy, this feature aims to support occupant health by reducing contact with pathogens.

Mind - M03 Part 4β Support Mental Health Recovery

This Mind beta part is focused on providing mental health services and resources to support recovery from traumatic events. Adequate mental health services are often difficult to access due to lack of healthcare coverage and stigma associated with mental health, among many other reasons. Access to mental health services can be especially critical when an individual goes through an emergency situation, as the psychological distress commonly experienced during a traumatic event can be correlated with an increased likelihood of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Psychological first aid, crisis counseling and bereavement counseling have shown to be beneficial during trying times. By requiring that projects offer these resources to employees, this feature aims to decrease the barriers to mental health services and support the unique mental health challenges that people may encounter in response to difficult circumstances.

Community - C15β Emergency Resilience and Recovery

This Community beta feature strives to help individuals, businesses and communities navigate emergency situations and facilitate post-emergency recovery. In 2019, natural disaster events caused significant global economic losses. Infectious disease outbreaks of the 21st century, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have also had dramatic impacts on both health and economies, resulting from fast spread and global reach due to frequent international travel, increased trade transport and rapid urbanization. When small businesses are forced to shut down, studies have shown that 90% will fail if they are unable to resume normal operations within five days.

Business continuity planning can help to manage disruption and decrease financial loss when emergencies occur. When necessary, incorporating remote work policies and relief assistance programs can support employee well-being and help maintain productivity levels. Procedures for sheltering in place during emergencies can be critical for maintaining individual and collective safety. Developing a re-entry plan after emergencies that require evacuation is also critical, as it can help to address safety concerns, employee needs and potential re-closure measures. By requiring projects to create business continuity plans, establish re-entry plans and offer supportive resources for resilience, this feature seeks to support both individual and collective physical, mental and social health and well-being during and after an emergency.

Community - C17β Responsible Labor Practices

This Community beta feature aims to support human rights and help address modern slavery by requiring that organizations commit to responsible labor practices. In 2016, the Global Slavery Index estimated that there were over 40 million victims of modern slavery worldwide. Modern slavery refers to situations in which a person is recruited, transported or compelled to work through force, fraud or coercion and can include human trafficking, the worst forms of child labor, forced or bonded labor and involuntary servitude. Modern slavery is recognized as a serious global public health issue, given its severe consequences for victim health and well-being. These impacts include, but are not limited to, physical injuries, exposure to infectious disease and mental health issues like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many global supply chains originate in the Asia Pacific region, where roughly 25 million of the estimated 40 million victims reside.

Businesses can play a critical role in helping to identify, prevent and mitigate incidents of modern slavery by performing risk assessments of potential modern slavery practices in the supply chain, disclosing the results and establishing goals and strategies to address any modern slavery practices identified. Implementing annual targets for modern slavery prevention in the supply chain, ethical procurement and anti-slavery policies, and protocols for reporting, reviewing and remediating incidents of modern slavery can also aid in modern slavery prevention. By requiring organizational supply chain transparency and actionable commitments to responsible labor practices, this feature looks to help prevent modern slavery and support human rights worldwide.

Supporting a better WELL Building Standard

With the help of emerging research and our network of leading scientific and technical advisors, the team at IWBI is committed to ensuring the WELL Building Standard is dynamic, resilient and optimized for the needs of organizations everywhere. With WELL beta features, project teams have the opportunity to incorporate the innovative strategies and solutions they need to achieve their mission for health and well-being. Explore WELL v2 in its entirety and discover which WELL beta features are right for your next project.