USGBC And IWBI Streamlines Certification For LEED And WELL

The new process simplifies documentation requirements while maintaining the high standards required to achieve both certifications.

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The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), and the International WELL Building Institute pbc (IWBI) released a streamlined process for projects pursuing certifications for the LEED green building rating system and the WELL Building Standard.

The process streamlines documentation for projects that are pursuing both certifications at the same time or that have already earned one certification and are looking to add the other.

A new suite of tools and resources is available to applicants interested in pursuing LEED and WELL certifications, including:

  • LEED + WELL Crosswalk: This tool shows how individual LEED credits map to specific WELL features and vice versa. As buildings are being designed, project teams can use the crosswalk to identify where LEED and WELL are aligned and which strategies and initiatives support both programs.
  • LEED + WELL Submittal Form: This form is required for both LEED and WELL certification reviews. Project teams complete the form to identify which compliance paths are being utilized and communicate that information to the review team.
  • LEED + WELL Streamlined Certification Process Guide: This document outlines the process, requirements and implementation tools available to project teams.
  • FAQ / Help Center Questions: Found in the USGBC help center and the IWBI website, these FAQs speak to specific project questions and scenarios. The following versions of LEED are now eligible for streamlined certification with WELL v2:

“By creating a streamlined process for LEED and WELL certification, we are encouraging every building owner and project team to adopt best practices that maximize benefits to occupant and community health,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC and GBCI.

“This new pathway strengthens synergies between LEED and WELL, supporting projects pursuing both gold standard certifications,” said Rachel Hodgdon, president and CEO, IWBI. “This strategic partnership underscores that human health and planetary health are inextricably linked.”

More information on the program can be found here.

Click here for more information about Green Buildings. 

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