LEED + WELL
Streamlined Certification
Process Guide
2023
LEED + WELL Streamlined Certification Process Guide
Where we spend our time—in our communities, at work, at home—impacts our well-being and
consequently creates a footprint that impacts our world. In addressing the health of our buildings,
we address our own human health and that of the planet. Foundational support of the health of
people and the planet is a core principle across LEED and WELL.
This understanding, further supported by events of the last several years, has given rise to a greater
market focus and commitment to pursuing both LEED and WELL. As part of their deep strategic
partnership, the International WELL Building Institute and U.S. Green Building Council have
launched the LEED + WELL Streamlined Certification Process. The following versions of LEED
are eligible for streamlined certification with WELL v2:
• LEED v4 BD+C,
• LEED v4 ID+C,
• LEED v4.1 BD+C, or
• LEED v4.1 ID+C.
Note the project boundary and scope must be the same for both certification programs.
From identifying comparable strategies to streamlining documentation, this new process identifies
synergies between LEED and WELL and creates efficiencies for organizations pursuing both
certification programs. It creates an opportunity for organizations to apply an integrated approach
to health and sustainability, transforming how they unite stakeholders and make key business
decisions.
In addition to this guide, the process is supported by:
LEED + WELL Crosswalk: this crosswalk outlines how individual WELL features map to specific
LEED credits and vice versa. As buildings are being designed, project teams can use this document
to understand where WELL and LEED are aligned and what strategies and initiatives will support
both programs.
The use of this crosswalk is optional, and project teams may choose to use some or all of the
credits/features listed. The notes column clarifies how points are awarded for the corresponding
feature or credit in the other standard. There are three categories of pathways identified:
• Either the LEED or WELL approach may be used for compliance: The LEED credit
achievement can be used to achieve the corresponding WELL feature(s) or the WELL
feature achievement can be used to achieve the corresponding LEED credit.
• The LEED credit achievement can be used to achieve a corresponding WELL feature, but
the reverse is not applicable.
• WELL feature achievement can be used to achieve a corresponding LEED credit, but the
reverse is not applicable.
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LEED + WELL Submittal Form: This form is a required submittal document for both LEED and
WELL reviews and identifies the team’s selected compliance pathways for third-party reviewers.
Registration and certification
The following steps outline the LEED + WELL streamlined certification process:
• Registration
◦ For projects that are not yet registered for LEED or WELL:
When registering a LEED project, select the checkbox indicating the project is
pursuing (or has earned) WELL, and enter the WELL project ID and project name.
When registering a WELL project, select the checkbox indicating the project is
pursuing (or has earned) LEED, enter the LEED project ID and project name,
and select the checkbox indicating intent to use the LEED + WELL crosswalk
and streamlined certification process. Select the LEED + WELL Streamlined
Certification card in the dashboard to opt-in, enter the LEED project information or
learn more.
◦ For projects that are already registered under either or both platforms:
Edit the project details page in LEED Online or WELL Online by selecting the
checkbox indicating the project is pursuing either certification
Enter the corresponding project details
In WELL Online, select the checkbox indicating intent to use the LEED + WELL
streamlined certification process.
• Documentation Submission
◦ Use the LEED + WELL Submittal Form to identify which credits and features from the
crosswalk are being attempted and the compliance path pursued.
◦ Upload the LEED + WELL Submittal Form as documentation within both LEED Online
and WELL Online:
In WELL Online, upload as one of the general documents.
In LEED Online, upload in the Special Circumstances section of the Project
Information Form for LEED. Additionally, in LEED Online, for each credit pursuing
the WELL compliance option, replace the required LEED documentation with a
“LEED + WELL” note in the Special Circumstances section of the form.
◦ To document compliance with specific credits and features leveraging the crosswalk,
upload documentation in the platform associated with the compliance pathway
you have chosen. Teams are not required to upload documents in both locations.
For example, if the LEED credit is being used for compliance, upload associated
documentation in LEED Online.
◦ Your digital scorecards within LEED Online and WELL Online should indicate each
credit and feature you are attempting for each certification program. Credits and
features utilizing the crosswalk should be listed as attempting or pursuing in each
digital scorecard, even if documentation will be provided through the other platform.
The credits and features marked as attempted on each digital scorecard must match
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the relevant sections in the submittal form.
◦ Submit for the applicable phase of review within both LEED Online and WELL Online.
◦ If LEED and WELL reviews are submitted at the same time, a simultaneous review will
be performed as long as all of the above steps are complete.
• Documentation Reviews
◦ Both the LEED and WELL reviews will be completed and returned per the applicable
review phase timeline. Any credits or features that use the crosswalk will have an
aligned/coordinated status when reviews are returned.
◦ If a feature or credit that is using the compliance path from one program is pending in
the preliminary review, it will also be marked pending in the other program.
◦ If an issue arises that impacts both projects, both reviews will be placed on hold. If the
issue only impacts one project, then the impacted review may be placed on hold while
the other is returned.
◦ Upon completion, the coordinated reviews for each program will be returned in their
respective platforms.
USGBC and IWBI are committed to fully supporting all projects. Have questions? Contact us.
Photos on cover:
(SFO) Harvey Milk Terminal 1 | LEED Platinum | WELL Core Certification
Photo: © San Francisco International Airport
Phipps Center for Sustainable Landscapes | LEED Platinum | WELL Platinum | SITES Platinum
Photo: ©Denmarsh Photography, Inc.
Good Nature Station | LEED Silver | WELL Gold
Photo: © Yabuuchi
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