Certifications
Wellness Certification Guide
Not all certifications are equal. Understand what each one measures, how much it costs, and which makes sense for your project.
WELL
Salud y bienestar humano dentro del edificio
Fitwel
Diseño activo y salud comunitaria
LEED
Sustentabilidad ambiental (con créditos de bienestar)
WELL
WELL Building Standard
International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
4,500
projects globally
The most rigorous standard in the world focused exclusively on the impact of buildings on human health. It evaluates 10 concepts with verifiable metrics and requires continuous post-certification monitoring.
Focus
Human health and wellness inside buildings
Levels
Estimated cost
$15,000 - $150,000+ USD (depending on size)
Certification time
Typically 12-18 months
Categories evaluated
12 projects in Mexico
4,500 projects globally
Fitwel
Fitwel Certification System
Center for Active Design (CfAD)
3,200
projects globally
Originally developed by the CDC and GSA of the United States. More accessible than WELL in cost and complexity. Focused on promoting physical activity and community health through design.
Focus
Active design and community health
Levels
Estimated cost
$3,000 - $15,000 USD
Certification time
3-6 months
Categories evaluated
8 projects in Mexico
3,200 projects globally
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
100,000
projects globally
The most recognized green certification in the world. Although its primary focus is environmental, the 'Indoor Environmental Quality' credits cover wellness aspects such as air quality, natural lighting, and acoustic comfort.
Focus
Environmental sustainability (with wellness credits)
Levels
Estimated cost
$25,000 - $100,000+ USD
Certification time
12-24 months
Categories evaluated
450 projects in Mexico
100,000 projects globally
How to choose
Tight budget
Fitwel is the most accessible option. Under $15,000 USD and 3-6 months. Ideal for a first approach to wellness certification.
→ Fitwel
Maximum wellness rigor
WELL is the gold standard. 10 health concepts, continuous monitoring, third-party verification. For projects that want to be references.
→ WELL
Sustainability + wellness
If you're already pursuing LEED, the Indoor Environmental Quality credits cover wellness. Two birds one stone, but not as deep as WELL.
→ LEED
Need guidance?
Certifying a building is complex. It doesn't have to be.
If you're evaluating certifying your development and need a team that understands both design and certification, meet our wellness architecture team.
Learn about Arquitectura Introspectiva