Achieving WELL Certification Through Effective Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in achieving WELL Building Standard certification, which focuses on enhancing the health and well-being of building occupants. Here we will explore how to achieve WELL certification through effective lighting, best practices, standards, goals, and objectives. Additionally, we’ll explain how our company can assist in selecting the correct light fittings to meet these standards.

Understanding WELL Certification and Lighting

The WELL Building Standard emphasizes the importance of natural light integration, appropriate lighting levels, and high-quality electric lighting. These elements are essential for creating environments that support occupant health, comfort, and productivity

Goals and Objectives of WELL Lighting

• Visual Comfort: Ensuring that lighting levels are appropriate for various tasks and activities to reduce eye strain and improve visual clarity.
• Circadian Health: Supporting the body’s natural circadian rhythms through lighting that mimics natural daylight patterns, which can improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being: Using lighting to create environments that positively impact mood and reduce stress.
• Energy Efficiency: Implementing lighting solutions that are energy-efficient and sustainable, contributing to overall building performance.

Best Practices for WELL Lighting

• Daylighting Integration: Maximize the use of natural light through strategic window placement, skylights, and light shelves. This not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances occupant well-being
• Tuneable White Lighting: Utilize tuneable white lighting systems that can adjust colour temperature and intensity throughout the day to support circadian health and visual comfort
• Low Flicker Lighting: Choose light sources with low flicker to prevent discomfort and potential health issues.
• High Colour Rendering Index (CRI): Select lighting with a high CRI to ensure accurate colour representation, which is important for tasks requiring colour differentiation.
• Lighting Controls: Implement advanced lighting controls that allow for customization and adaptability to different activities and times of day.

Standards for WELL Lighting

The WELL Building Standard provides specific criteria for lighting, including:

• Light Exposure and Quality: Ensuring adequate exposure to natural light and high-quality electric lighting.
• Circadian Lighting Design: Designing lighting systems that support circadian rhythms.
• Visual Lighting Design: Providing appropriate lighting levels for various tasks and activities.
• Glare Control: Minimizing glare to enhance visual comfort.

Performance Verification for WELL Certified Lighting

Performance verification is a critical step in achieving WELL certification, ensuring that the building’s lighting systems meet the required standards for occupant health and well-being. Here’s an overview of the process:

Preparation and Documentation

Before the performance verification, all necessary documentation must be prepared. This includes:

• Design Documents: Detailed plans and specifications of the lighting systems.
• Installation Records: Documentation of the installation process and any adjustments made.
• Manufacturer Specifications: Information on the light fittings and fixtures used, including their performance characteristics.

On-Site Assessment

A WELL Assessor conducts an on-site visit to evaluate the lighting systems. This involves:

• Visual Inspections: Checking the installation of lighting fixtures to ensure they match the design documents and are installed correctly.
• Spot Checks: Verifying that the lighting systems are functioning as intended and meet the specified criteria.

Performance Testing

The assessor performs various tests to measure the performance of the lighting systems. Key tests include:

• Light Levels: Measuring the illuminance levels in different areas to ensure they meet the required standards for visual comfort and task performance.
• Colour Rendering Index (CRI): Testing the CRI of the lighting to ensure accurate colour representation.
• Flicker: Assessing the flicker rate of the lighting to prevent discomfort and potential health issues.
• Circadian Lighting: Evaluating the lighting’s ability to support circadian rhythms by measuring the spectral power distribution and timing of light exposure.

Data Analysis and Reporting

After the on-site assessment and performance testing, the data collected is analysed to determine if the lighting systems meet the WELL standards. The assessor compiles a report detailing the findings and any areas that need improvement.

Corrective Actions

If any issues are identified during the performance verification, corrective actions must be taken. This may involve adjusting the lighting systems, replacing fixtures, or making other modifications to meet the required standards.

Final Verification and Certification

Once all corrective actions are completed, a final verification is conducted to ensure that the lighting systems now meet the WELL standards. Upon successful verification, the building receives its WELL certification.

Contact us today to learn more about our lighting solutions and how we can help you achieve your WELL certification goals.