Air filtration

Air quality is subject to variability due to weather, dust, traffic and localized sources of pollutants. Seasonal variations in ozone, particles and pollen can affect occupants who are prone to asthma, cardiovascular disease and allergies.

This feature requires proper filtration to achieve reliable air quality performance over time. Carbon filters are designed to absorb volatile pollutants and remove the largest of particles, while media filters are meant to address smaller particles. This feature is especially important when outdoor air quality routinely fails the pollutant concentrations outlined in the WELL Air Quality Standards feature.

Part 1: Filter Accommodation

The following is in place in ventilation assemblies:

a) Rack space to accommodate future carbon filters.

Part 2: Particle Filtration

One of the following requirements is met:

a) MERV 13 (or higher) media filters are used in the ventilation system to filter outdoor air and MERV 8 (or higher) media filters are used in the ventilation system to filter recirculated air.

b) Project demonstrates that for 95% of all hours in a calendar year, ambient outdoor PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ levels are below the limits set in the WELL Air Quality Standards Feature.

Part 3: Air Filtration Maintenance

To verify that the filtration system continues to operate as designed, projects must annually provide IWBI with:

a) Records of air filtration maintenance, including evidence that filters have been properly maintained as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Respiratory

Nervous

Integumentary

Lymphatic

Endocrine

Cardiovascular

Immune

	Core & Shell	New Construction	WELL Interiors
Part 1: Filter Accommodation	P	P	P
Part 2: Particle Filtration	P	P	P
Part 3: Air Filtration Maintenance	P	P	P

	Commercial Kitchen	Education	Multifamily Residential	Retail
Part 1: Filter Accommodation	P	P	P	P
Part 2: Particle Filtration	P	P	P	P
Part 3: Air Filtration Maintenance	P	P	P	P

Verification Methods Matrix

	Letters of Assurance	Annotated Documents	On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design) Filter Accommodation	MEP		Spot Check
PART 2 (Design) Particle Filtration	MEP		Spot Check
PART 3 (Design) Air Filtration Maintenance		Operations Schedule

Show Standard Citations

1

U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction. Washington D.C.: U.S. Green Building Council; 2013: 37, 43-44, 542-43, 545, 541-552, 567, 605, 623, 645-53, 658-61, 682, 685-6, 723-4.
5.2.a	USGBC's LEED v4 EQ Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies requires ventilation systems for outdoor air with particle filters to have a MERV of 13 or higher or Class F7 or higher (CEN Standard EN 779-2002) particle air filters.

This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

05. Air filtration