Beyond compliance: why healthy workspaces should matter as much as climate goals

As a WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP), I often attend industry events where people talk passionately about carbon reduction. Yet, I’m still surprised by how few have even heard of the WELL Building Standard™. Where BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) have become mainstream, human health in buildings is still treated as an afterthought.

Whilst designing greener offices, we cannot afford to ignore the human experience inside these buildings, as we spend around 90% of our lives indoors. That means the quality of our indoor environment has a direct impact on our health, wellbeing, and productivity. In the rush to design net zero offices and tick compliance boxes, the day-to-day health, comfort, and productivity of the people using these spaces often become secondary considerations. That’s where a gap emerges, and that’s where the WELL Building Standard comes in.

At a glance, you would find that BREEAM, LEED, and WELL Building Standard seem to be aligned. They all promote better sustainable buildings. But they serve different missions:

BREEAM and LEED focus primarily on the environmental performance of a building, such as  energy use, water consumption, materials, pollution, and land use.

WELL is explicitly about the health and wellbeing of people in the building. It focuses on factors like air quality, light, acoustics, thermal comfort, physical activity, nutrition, and mental health.

Why does the human element get left behind?

The reason is often a mix of policy, perception, and priorities:

• Policy: BREEAM is often required by planning authorities or investors. It’s tied to compliance, funding, and reporting. WELL, however, is optional. Without policy mandates, it can be sidelined when budgets or timelines tighten.
• Perception: Many assume that addressing climate change is more urgent than investing in employee wellbeing. In reality, the two go hand-in-hand. A building that is energy efficient but leaves people feeling stressed, unwell, or unproductive isn’t truly sustainable. For example, natural light reduces reliance on artificial lighting, while also supporting mental health and circadian rhythms. In other words, when you design for people, you often improve environmental outcomes too.
• Priorities: Companies focus on carbon, energy, and cost savings because they’re measurable and visible. The human benefits of WELL, such as fewer sick days, higher engagement, and improved cognitive function, are just as measurable, but less widely understood.

The risk of “greenwashing” in wellbeing

’Wellbeing’ has become a catchphrase in workplaces. Some projects claim to be adhering to the design features of WELL while designing, but without certification, there’s no way to know whether they truly deliver.

A design might incorporate biophilic elements, natural light, or flexible spaces, but unless it has been tested against WELL’s rigorous requirements and verification methods, there is no guarantee it delivers measurable health outcomes. WELL certification requires performance verification, site testing, and evidence submission, which separates marketing language from real impact.

Organisations that would like to showcase their commitment to health and wellbeing but prefer a more focused and cost-effective option can pursue one of the four WELL Ratings: Health-Safety, Performance, Equity, or Co-working. Each rating targets specific priorities: Health-Safety focuses on operational strategies and maintenance protocols that protect people’s health, Performance measures and verifies building outcomes, Equity advances inclusivity and accessibility, and Co-working supports shared workspaces. These ratings offer recognition and benefits while being less intensive than the full WELL v2 certification, allowing organisations to choose the pathway that best fits their goals.

Why investing in workplace wellbeing is essential?  

A Building & Environment Study in 2023 found organisations that achieved WELL Certification experienced higher performing workplaces than their non-certified peers. Respondents in WELL offices were, for example, 18% more satisfied with access to sunlight, 11% more satisfied with thermal comfort, and 10% more satisfied with both indoor air quality and air movement.

A mental health research by Deloitte stated that for every £1 spent on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their workforce, employers get on average about £4.70 back in increased productivity.

A pre-occupancy and post-occupancy survey found around 30% improvement in overall satisfaction with the workplace, which jumped from 42% to 70%.

WELL certified offices include features that encourage:  

• Taking the stairs by making them visible, accessible, and inviting
• Choosing healthier foods by offering 50% fruits and vegetables, plus nutrition labels
• Moving throughout the day through standing desks, walking routes, and workout spaces
• Staying hydrated with accessible water stations
• Staying mentally balanced with biophilic design and restorative spaces
• Breathing better air through high air quality standards and real time air monitoring
• Higher hygiene practice by cleaning the entrance mats, HVAC filters and water dispensers

Here at Cundall, we are committed to showcasing health and wellbeing across the world. Cundall’s London office was the first project in Europe to receive WELL certification and Cundall’s Birmingham Office was the second in the Midlands and first in the city centre. Cundall’s Dubai office was one of the first WELL registered projects in the MENA region, alongside Cundall’s Qatar office, which is also WELL registered.

Cundall’s London office experienced in 2018, 27% drop in staff turnover compared to the previous year, saving £122,000 and 50% lower absenteeism than the previous year, leading to an annual saving of £90,000. Cundall’s Birmingham office experienced, over 20% drop in staff turnover compared to the previous year and 50% lower absenteeism leading to an annual saving of £80,000.

Health and wellbeing are not luxuries; they are essential for a modern, high-performing workplace. The challenge is not choosing between climate goals and wellbeing, but integrating both, especially with the WELL + LEED streamlined process and WELL v2 and BREEAM crosswalk, which helps organisations achieve a smoother certification process. I believe it will become just as fundamental as BREEAM and LEED in shaping the workplaces of the future.