Integrating Nature into Norms: Evaluating Biophilic Design Attributes in Building Rating Systems

A 2025 Purdue University study evaluated 29 global building rating systems—including LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and the Living Building Challenge—to assess how effectively they incorporate Kellert’s six biophilic design attributes. The findings reveal that Environmental Features (like plants, daylight, and views of nature) and Place-Based Relationships are well represented, largely due to their measurable health and sustainability benefits. In contrast, more complex and subjective attributes—such as Natural Patterns, Shapes & Forms, and Evolved Human-Nature Relationships—are significantly underrepresented. The Living Building Challenge leads in comprehensive integration, with WELL 2.0 also showing strong alignment due to its health-focused framework. The study highlights a key opportunity to advocate for broader, deeper biophilic integration—especially by showcasing how plants can enrich underrepresented attributes and contribute to more holistic, human-centered environments.