Navigating the New WELL Real Estate and Operations Ratings

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) recently expanded its framework with two new focused entry points: the WELL Real Estate Rating and the WELL Operations Rating. These ratings offer a specialized path for building owners and managers to validate healthy building leadership without immediately pursuing full WELL Certification.

For facility managers and building owners, these new standards highlight a critical intersection between HVAC performance and occupant wellness. Here is how specialized HVAC coatings and energy performance solutions serve as a mechanical foundation for meeting these new standards.

The New Ratings: A Targeted Approach to Wellness

The new ratings allow organizations to focus on the specific areas under their direct control:

• WELL Real Estate Rating: Focuses on the "base building" infrastructure. It emphasizes strategies like air quality monitoring, ventilation, and air treatment capabilities.

• WELL Operations Rating: Targets operational excellence, building systems maintenance, and HVAC hygiene.

By focusing on these specific domains, building teams can achieve the "WELL Built" or "WELL Operated" designations through targeted, high-impact improvements.

HVAC Coatings: The Link Between Efficiency and IEQ

A primary challenge in meeting WELL standards is maintaining Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) throughout the lifespan of HVAC equipment. HVAC systems are prone to corrosion and microbial growth, which can degrade air quality and system efficiency. Specialized coatings, such as those used for coil and cabinet protection, provide a multi-layered solution:

1. Improving IAQ and IEQ: HVAC coils often become breeding grounds for mold and biofilm. Protective coatings with antimicrobial properties, like CoilSafe or CoilSafe Plus, prevent this buildup at the source. This ensures that the air being circulated is free from contaminants, directly supporting the Air and Materials concepts within the WELL framework.

2. Restoring and Maintaining Airflow: Corrosion on fins can bridge gaps and restrict airflow, forcing fans to work harder and reducing ventilation effectiveness. By preventing corrosion, CoilSafe and CoilSafe Plus help maintain the original airflow design specifications, which are essential for the WELL Real Estate Rating's ventilation requirements.

Positive Impacts on Building Maintenance

Meeting the WELL Operations Rating requires a rigorous approach to building systems, maintenance, and HVAC hygiene. CoilSafe and CoilSafe Plus simplify this process in several ways:

• Ease of Cleaning: Coated surfaces are smoother and more resistant to the adhesion of debris. This makes routine HVAC hygiene inspections and cleanings faster and more effective.

• Extending Asset Life: By mitigating atmospheric corrosion, especially in high-salt or high-pollution environments, coatings help protect the capital investment in HVAC infrastructure. This proactive approach aligns with WELL's focus on resilient design and operational readiness.

• Energy Performance: Efficiency and wellness are not mutually exclusive. A clean, non-corroded coil transfers heat more effectively. This reduces the building's energy load, contributing to overall sustainability goals while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Strategic Implementation

For portfolios looking to scale healthy building strategies, a gap analysis is the recommended first step. By identifying where current HVAC maintenance or infrastructure may be falling short of WELL’s evidence-based strategies, facility managers can prioritize solutions, such as CoilSafe and CoilSafe Plus, that offer the highest ROI for both energy performance and occupant health.

These new ratings acknowledge that a healthy building starts with its mechanical lungs. By investing in the integrity of the HVAC system, owners can ensure their properties remain "WELL Operated" for years to come.