Today, increasing attention is being paid to the quality of indoor environments in buildings where we spend most of our time. The WELL certification is an internationally recognized standard that assesses and ensures healthy conditions inside buildings, based on scientific knowledge of the impact of the environment on human health and well-being. This certification focuses on areas such as air and water quality lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and other aspects that can affect the physical and mental health of building users. Obtaining WELL certification provides greater comfort and a healthier environment for employees, which, in the long term, increases tenant interest and ensures their satisfaction with office spaces, thereby reducing tenant turnover.
Grinity as a Leader in WELL Performance Verification Testing in the Czech Republic
Grinity is the first organization in the Czech Republic to be approved as a WELL Performance Testing Organization. This license authorizes the company to conduct the WELL Performance Verification testing process, a crucial component of achieving the prestigious WELL certification. Testing is performed after the building or fit-out is completed, with the primary goal of verifying that the constructed project meets the strict WELL standards. This rigorous process is conducted by a WELL Performance Testing Agent (PTA), who must have no conflict of interest and be properly certified. "Our goal is to ensure that all certified buildings not only meet the required standards on paper but, most importantly, provide a healthy and comfortable environment for their users. We sometimes encounter unexpected measurement results, which could have long-term impacts on human health if corrective measures are not implemented; that’s why this process is essential," says Petr Schorsch, Sector Leader LEED & Energy at Grinity.
Currently, five projects in the Czech Republic are certified at the highest WELL Platinum level (two of which are administered by Grinity), six projects hold WELL Gold certification, and nine projects hold a WELL Health-Safety rating, including Grinity’s own office. Compared to neighboring countries, the Czech Republic is performing very well: Austria currently has only one WELL-certified project, Germany has ten, and Slovakia has six. This makes the Czech Republic among the leaders in implementing WELL standards within Central Europe.
What Aspects Are Assessed During Testing?
Testing involves a thorough inspection of various indoor environment parameters, such as air quality, water quality, thermal comfort, artificial lighting, and acoustics. In the area of air quality, the presence of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and inorganic substances that can cause respiratory problems, allergies, or asthma is monitored. "We encounter various challenges during testing, such as improperly positioned central fresh air intakes, which can introduce polluted air from the surrounding environment into the building. These factors can significantly impact not only indoor air quality but also the maintenance of HVAC systems," adds Petr Schorsch.
Another key factor is the quality of drinking water. Although water in the Czech Republic generally meets basic standards, exceptions can occur. For example, construction works nearby can increase water turbidity, and in some cases, coliform bacteria have been detected in Prague’s water supply. Thermal comfort is individual but still standardizable. Measurements often reveal issues such as strong drafts in meeting rooms caused by poorly positioned air distribution terminals or inadequately balanced HVAC systems.
Artificial lighting is a significant topic today, as its impact on human health and circadian rhythms is increasingly studied. "WELL certification assesses not only light intensity in lux but also parameters related to the biological effects of artificial lighting on humans. This aspect is becoming increasingly important, as confirmed by our experience—more and more lighting manufacturers are responding to this market demand and placing greater emphasis on these factors in their products," notes Karolína Skřivanová, WELL Consultant at Grinity.
Building acoustics are influenced not only by the materials used but also by proper construction techniques. Correctly set acoustic parameters have a significant impact on concentration, productivity, and mental well-being at work. Excessive noise can lead to distraction, headaches, or long-term health issues such as migraines or depression.
How do WELL standards differ from common building codes?
WELL standards are often stricter than common building codes. For example, limits on volatile organic compounds in building materials are not yet defined by regulations in the Czech Republic, whereas WELL requires their consistent measurement. Similarly, WELL’s acoustic requirements are more stringent than standard codes, as they consider not only maximum permissible noise levels but also the long-term impact of noise on human health.
Why Invest in WELL Certification?
Measurements in buildings sometimes reveal situations where, for example, a poorly designed HVAC system draws exhaust fumes from cars or polluted air from the surrounding environment into the building. Such issues can cause a significant effect on the health of building occupants. Thanks to the WELL certification process integrated into the early stages of a project and subsequent WELL Performance Verification testing, such problems can not only be detected and resolved promptly, but testing upon project completion also identifies deficiencies in construction execution and system commissioning.
Obtaining WELL certification is thus not merely about meeting formal requirements but primarily about investing in the health and comfort of the people who use the building. Tenants gain confidence that the building is not only designed but also built to the highest quality standards and contributes to the overall well-being, health, and productivity of their employees. Therefore, a certified building becomes a more attractive option for tenants, reducing their need to relocate their office spaces.