University of Illinois Philanthropy Center Earns WELL Platinum Certification

The University of Illinois Philanthropy Center has earned WELL Platinum certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). This is the highest level achievable under the WELL Building Standard, and one of the most rigorous recognitions a workplace can earn.

While certifications such as LEED focus on a building’s environmental footprint, WELL is centered on something more personal: the health and wellbeing of the people inside it. The Platinum rating reflects performance across air and water quality, lighting, thermal comfort, materials, acoustics, movement, nourishment, and mental and community wellbeing.

This is not a routine achievement. It was independently measured and verified by a third party, and it reflects years of thoughtful planning, design, and construction—a direct investment in the health and wellbeing of the people who work at and visit the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center every day.

Reaching Platinum certification places the Philanthropy Center among an elite group of buildings nationally. It is only the second building at the University of Illinois, and the first new construction building in the University of Illinois System, to receive this award.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement. WELL Platinum certification reflects not only the rigor and integrity of how this building was designed and built, but our deep commitment to the health and wellbeing of everyone who walks through our doors,” said James H. Moore, Jr., President and CEO, University of Illinois Foundation.

Going forward, the Philanthropy Center will undergo continued monitoring and formal recertification every three years to maintain its status.

“This certification isn’t a plaque we hang and forget,” said Christy Devocelle, Chief Operating Officer, University of Illinois Foundation. “WELL Platinum requires ongoing monitoring, continuous improvement, and recertification. For us, this is a continued commitment, not the finish line.”