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

WELL Addenda

WELL ADDENDA

Review the complete list of addenda changes made to the WELL Building Standard.

Feature 1: Air quality standards

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

In system diagram, add: "Integumentary" to list under diagram of body system


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "4 pCi/L". Add: "0.148 Bq/L [4 pCi/L]"


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Updated:
Projects may exceed 500 µg/m³ in total VOCs (part 1c), so long as the following individual component VOCs do not exceed the limits listed in CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method V1.1, Table 4.1 (one half the Chronic Reference Exposure Levels (CREL) issued by Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment):

Compound Name CAS No. Allowable Conc (µg/m³)
Benzene 71-43-2 30
Carbon disulfide 75-15-0 400
Carbon tetrachloride 56-23-5 20
Chlorobenzene 108-90-7 500
Chloroform 67-66-3 150
Dichlorobenzene (1,4-) 106-46-7 400
Dichloroethylene (1,1) 75-35-4 35
Ethylbenzene 100-41-4 1000
Hexane (n-) 110-54-3 3500
Isopropyl Alcohol 67-63-0 3500
Methyl chloroform 71-55-6 500
Methylene chloride 75-09-2 200
Methyl tert-butyl ether 1634-04-4 4000
Styrene 100-42-5 450
Tetrachloroethene 127-18-4 17.5
Toluene 108-88-3 150
Trichloroethylene 79-01-6 300
Vinyl acetate 108-05-4 100
Xylene (m, o, p combined) 108-38-3 + 95-47-6 + 106-42-3, 179601-23-1 + 95-47-6, or 1330-20-7 350

Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 09 Feb, 2017

Projects located in areas where annual average ambient PM2.5 levels are 35 µg/m³ or higher may utilize one of the following alternative strategies to satisfy Part 2.
- Replace the PM2.5 level in part 2b with 25 µg/m³. Projects using this option are limited in WELL Certification level to Gold, no matter how many optimizations are achieved.
- Replace the PM2.5 level in part 2b and the PM10 level in part 2c with a level equal to 30% of the 24- or 48-hr average of ambient outdoor levels on the day(s) of Performance Verification. Projects using this option are limited in WELL Certification level to Silver, no matter how many optimizations are achieved.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To ensure a basic level of high indoor air quality.'


Feature 2: Smoking ban

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

For Part 1a, remove: "inside the building". Add: "inside the project"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To deter smoking, minimize occupant exposure to second hand smoke, and reduce smoke pollution.'


Feature 3: Ventilation effectiveness

Type Description
Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007 has not been accepted as an equivalent for the requirements of Feature 03 Part 1 and 3. Note that the ventilation requirements for all space types are not equivalent between ASHRAE Standard 62.1 versions 2007 and 2013. Therefore, these reference standards cannot be considered equivalent for all projects.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

Where projects are restricted from implementing a demand-controlled ventilation system or are unable to retrofit the existing ventilation system to be demand-controlled, the requirements of Feature 03 Part 2 may be met through the following conditions for outdoor air supply rate, whichever is more stringent:
1. Exceed the ventilation rates set in ASHRAE 62.1-2013 (Ventilation Rate Procedure or IAQ Procedure) by 40%. Note that if this feature part applies to more than 50% of the total floor area at the project site, projects are not eligible to receive points for Feature 15 Part 1a.
2. Provide a ventilation supply rate of 12 L/s (25 CFM) per person or higher.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

A thermal comfort survey has not been accepted as an equivalent for the requirements of Feature 03 Part 3. Note that the intent of Feature 03 is to ensure adequate ventilation and high indoor air quality. Additionally, the reference standard for this feature is ASHRAE 62.1-2013: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, not ASHRAE 55-2013.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 11 May, 2018

Singapore SS 553:2016 CP Standard has not been accepted as an equivalent for ASHRAE 62.1-2013 of Feature 03. SS 553 Table 1 does not address all applicable and expected space types within an office occupancy. Note also that all Equivalencies are precedent-setting meaning that review of potential equivalent standards or codes cannot be conducted on a project-specific basis. Equivalency proposals must address the variety of project and space types present in the original code or standard. Further, in some cases, the ventilation rates listed in SS 553 Table 1 appear to be less than the default ventilation rates listed in ASHRAE 62.1-2013 Table 6.2.2.1 for the same occupancy types.
Please note that it is acceptable for the project team to bring on another individual with experience using ASHRAE standards to verify design compliance and sign the LOA (e.g. as a peer review), if they wish and/or the engineer of record is unable to do so.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

CIBSE Guide A has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements in ASHRAE 62.1 2013 for Feature 3 Part 1


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Under "Air Feature 3 Ventilation effectiveness, Part 3", remove: "Testing and Balancing Report". Add: "MEP or Contractor" under "Letters of Assurance"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Part 2b, add: "(measured at 1.2-1.8 m [4-6 ft] above the floor)" after "below 800 ppm" and add: "maximum" after "at"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Part 2a, add: "(measured at 1.2-1.8 m [4-6 ft] above the floor)" after "800 ppm" at the end of the sentence


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2017

EN 13779, section A. 15. 2, Table A.10 may be used to comply with Feature 03, Part 2. Note, projects must adhere to Indoor Air Category IDA 1 or 2.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In Part 3a, change "After substantial completion and prior to occupancy, the HVAC system undergoes testing and balancing" to "After substantial completion and prior to occupancy, the HVAC system has (within the last 5 years), or is scheduled to, undergo testing and balancing."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

CEN Standards EN 15251:2007 and EN 13779:2007 may be used in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1-2013 for Feature 03, Part 1.

The requirements of CEN Standard EN 15251-2007 must be met AND the performance requirements of CEN Standard EN 13779:2007 related to ventilation and room conditioning systems must be met (excluding section 7.3, Thermal Environment; section 7.6, Acoustic Environment; section A.16; and section A.17).

Projects must meet Category I or II as described in the standards.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

AS 1668.2 may be used in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1 for Feature 3, Part 1: Ventilation Design. Note that all projects that wish to comply with AS 1668.2 must assume a minimum density of 16 m² per person.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To ensure adequate ventilation and high indoor air quality.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

At the end of Part 1b, add "Quality Standards feature in the WELL Building Standard for at least 95% of all hours in the previous year."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Under Part 2, after “For all spaces” insert the following: “46.5 m² [500 ft²] or larger”


Feature 03: Ventilation effectiveness

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

For Part 4a, remove: "(Ventilation Rate Procedure or IAQ Procedure) for residential buildings of 3 or fewer floors". Add: "(or more recent version) for dwelling units"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

For Part 4b, remove: "(Ventilation Rate Procedure or IAQ Procedure) for residential buildings of more than 3 floors above grade". Add: "for common areas and other spaces apart from dwelling units"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

Remove: "c. Projects comply with all requirements set in the Natural Ventilation Procedure…the previous year."


Feature 4: VOC reduction

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 07 Jun, 2018

For Part 5a, remove: "and". Add: "or"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

The Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) Paints and Coatings PCv2.2iii-2012 standard has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04 Part 1.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation of the European Union (Regulation EC No 1907/2006) has not been accepted as an equivalency for the requirements of Feature 04 Part 4. Note that the Equivalency Proposal outlines a strategy for the elimination of hazardous substances through the use of REACH lists but not an equivalency to requirements set in CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

The Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) Adhesives, Fillers and Sealants (AFSv4.0i-2014) standard has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04 Part 2a.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

The Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) Building Insulation Materials (BIMv2.0-2017) standard has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04 Part 4.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

Headspace GC/MS has not been accepted as an equivalent for the requirements of Feature 04 Part 4. The Headspace method does not test for all VOCs that are limited by CDPH v1.1 2010. Note that the Headspace GC/MS method does test for individual VOCs but does not test for as many VOCs as required by CDPH v1.1 2010, including formaldehyde.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

The level© certification has been accepted as an alternative to the ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard sections 7.6.1 and 7.6.2, tested in accordance with ANSI/BIFMA Standard Method M7.1-2011, requirements of Feature 04. Note that section 7.6 Low Emitting Furniture credits (7.6.1 and 7.6.2) from level© certification must be achieved.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

GreenGuard Gold has been accepted as an equivalent for California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.1-2010 of Feature 04 Part 3.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

NEN-EN-ISO 17895 has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04 Parts 1 and 2. Note that while NEN-EN-ISO 17895 is acceptable for determining VOC content, the products must adhere to the VOC limits set forth in CARB 2007, Suggested Control Measures (SCM) for Architectural Coatings, or South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113 and Rule 1168.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Apr, 2018

The Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) Floor Coverings issued July 2017 has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04, Part 3.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 12 Apr, 2018

Formaldehyde E1 class has been accepted as an alternative to the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5 for furniture substrates. Note that this is only acceptable for projects in Europe.
Also note that the Formaldehyde E1 class is the Option 1 performance requirement for wood panels listed within BREEAM UK New Construction: Hea 02 Indoor Air Quality. Please refer to the previously approved EP on 07 April 2017 (http://standard.wellcertified.com/air/voc-reduction?page=3&view=equivalency) for additional information on Hea 02 Indoor Air Quality.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 03 Apr, 2018

TÜV Rheinland LGA testing standard 2011 has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5. Note that this equivalency may only be used for workstation cabinetry for projects in Europe.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 03 Apr, 2018

CertiPUR has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5. Note this only applies to projects in Europe, specific to polyurthane foam used in bedding and upholstered furniture. This Equivalency does not cover any other furniture or furnishing components except for the polyurethane foam. All other non-foam components of installed furniture must be separately tested and held to the limits specified in ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 section 7.6.1 and 7.6.2, or other relevant, equivalent standard.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Mar, 2018

RAL-GZ-430 has not been accepted as an equivalent for the ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard sections 7.6.1 and 7.6.2, of Feature 04, Part 5.
Note that RAL-GZ-430 does not identify a comparable requirement for TVOC and 4-Phenylcyclohexene emissions for workstations and seating. Additionally, for cupboard furniture and upholstered furniture, the formaldehyde emissions threshold indicated in RAL-GZ-430 is significantly higher than that mandated by CDPH.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 23 Mar, 2018

CertiPUR/EUROPUR has been accepted as an alternative to the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5, specific to polyurethane foam used in bedding and upholstered furniture. This Equivalency does not cover any other furniture and furnishing components except for the polyurethane foam.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2018

Blue Angel (Blauer Engel) is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements of Feature 04, Part 5. However, please note that projects must still adhere to the formaldehyde requirements specified in ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

TÜV Rheinland Green Product Mark Furniture criteria, 2PfG E1992, has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 4 Part 5.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

In part description, remove: "inside the waterproofing membrane". Add: "interior" after "newly installed"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

The GB 18580-2001 Indoor Decorating and Refurbishing Materials - Limit of Formaldehyde Emission of Wood-based Panels and Finishing Products has not been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 4 Part 3, 4 and 5. Note the proposed testing method standard does not include methods for testing VOCs other than formaldehyde.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

In part description, add: "interior" after "newly purchased"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

In part description, add: "interior" after "newly applied"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

In part description, add: "interior" after "newly installed"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 05 Jan, 2018

REACH Standard No 1907/2006 has not been accepted as an equivalency to the requirements set in Feature 04 Part 4. Note that the Equivalency Proposal outlines a strategy for the elimination of hazardous substances through the use of REACH lists, but not an equivalency to requirements set in CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 21 Dec, 2017

US EPA Method 24 has been accepted as an alternative to the requirements of Feature 04 VOC Reduction, Part 2. Please note that the products must have VOC content below the allowable limits established in SCAQMD as outlined in Part 2a. This equivalency may be used only in India.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 02 Nov, 2017

CRI Green Label Plus is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements specified in the CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 for Feature 4 Part 2 and 3.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 02 Nov, 2017

Blue Angel is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements of Feature 4 VOC Reduction Part 1, 2 and 3. Note, projects must adhere to the minimum formaldehyde requirement specified in the CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 for VOC emissions.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 02 Nov, 2017

AgBB is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements of Feature 4 VOC Reduction Part 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Note, projects must adhere to the minimum formaldehyde requirement specified in the CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 for VOC emissions.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 02 Nov, 2017

OEKO-TEX is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements of Feature 4 Part 4.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 02 Nov, 2017

GEV-EMICODE EC1 and EC1Plus is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements of Feature 4 VOC Reduction Part 1, 2, 3 and 4. Note, projects must adhere to the minimum formaldehyde requirement specified in the CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 for VOC emissions.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 02 Nov, 2017

M1 (ISO 16000) is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements of Feature 4 VOC Reduction Part 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Note, projects must adhere to the minimum formaldehyde requirement specified in CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 for VOC emissions.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 02 Nov, 2017

M1 (EN-717-1:2004) is approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements of Feature 4 VOC Reduction Part 5.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Oct, 2017

The REACH standard has not been accepted as an equivalent to the CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 guidelines for Feature 04 Part 5. Note that the VOC limit thresholds specified in CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 guidelines must be met. The VOC limit thresholds for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) listed in REACH are not acceptable.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 05 Oct, 2017

Conformance to the ANSI/BIFMA e3 standard by an accredited third-party product certification body is an acceptable alternative for the requirements for Feature 4, Part 5.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 05 Oct, 2017

EN 13964:2014 emission testing method has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 4, Part 4 for suspended ceilings. Ceilings with heating or cooling properties and walls must meet limits set by the California Department of Public Health Standard Method v1.1-2010. Formaldehyde emission should be measured in accordance with EN 717-1:2004.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 04 Oct, 2017

SGS TVOC laboratory testing method has been accepted as an alternative equivalent to Feature 04 Part 4. Note, projects must adhere to the minimum VOC limit requirements of the CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 for VOC emissions. This equivalency may only be used for projects in India.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 02 Oct, 2017

Global GreenTag has been approved as an acceptable equivalent to the requirements for Feature 04 Part 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 21 Sep, 2017

The Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS) has been accepted as an equivalent for CDPH Standard Method v1.1 of Feature 4 Part 1.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 18 Sep, 2017

IS 101.2.2.1986 and IS 101.2.1.1988 are acceptable equivalent testing method standards in order to measure in accordance with the VOC content threshold limits specified in SCAQMD Rule 1168 for Part 2a.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Sep, 2017

IS 101.2.2.1986 and IS 101.2.1.1988 are acceptable equivalent testing method standards in order to measure in accordance with the VOC content threshold limits specified in SCAQMD Rule 1113 for Part 1a.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Exemplary level emission criteria for BREEAM International New Construction 2016 scheme has been accepted as an equivalent standard to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard method v1.1-2010 as specified in Part 4a of this feature. The thresholds are as follows:
Formaldehyde limit of 9 µg/m³
TVOC limits of ≤ 0.3 mg/m³
The insulation materials may be tested using one of the following methodologies:
ISO 16000-9
CEN/TS 16516
CDPH Standard Method v1.1


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

For Part 2a, add: "for VOC content", after "South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1168"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

BREEAM-NL New Construction 2014, Hea 09 - Volatile Organic Compounds, is an approved alternative to BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 Hea 02 - Indoor Air Quality to meet WELL Feature 04 Parts 1-3.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

MAS Certified Green® has been accepted for Feature 04 Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
The MAS Certified Green® program integrates testing requirements of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method V1.1, the BIFMAM7.1 Test Method and Formaldehyde emission testing requirements of the Cal EPA – ARB with chemical emission limits referenced by the USGBC LEED, CHPS and CARB organizations. The MAS Certified Green® program is ISO/TEC 17025 and 17065 compliant and recognized by LEED, CDPH, BIFMA and CHPS.

MAS Certified Green® is also accepted for LEED v4 EQ Credit Low-Emitting Materials Third Party Certifications and Labels. It meets CDPH for emissions, CARB or SCAQMD for VOC content (wet-applied), and ANSI/BIFMA for furniture.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

GUT has been accepted for Feature 04 Part 3.

The GUT standard was created by the European carpet industry, and aims ""to improve continuously all environmental and consumer protection aspects throughout the life cycle of a textile floor covering (from production to installation, to use phase and recycling"".

This standard is only applicable to Part 3, and thresholds are as follows:

Termination criteria 3 days after loading:
TVOC: 250 µg/m³
Formaldehyde: 9 µg/m³

Desired values 28 days after loading:
TVOC: 100 µg/m³
Formaldehyde: 4 µg/m³


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

VOC ETL class 2 and 3, VOC+ ETL Environmental and Formaldehyde-Free, has been accepted for Feature 04 Part 5.
2nd class: VOC+ certificate states conformance to ANSI/ BIFMA e3 standard credits 7.6.1, 7.6.2 and / or credit 7.6.3 which includes California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.1 01350 (2010).
3rd class: Formaldehyde-Free program includes compliance to the second class listed above, VOC+ ETL Environmental, and compliance to formaldehyde requirements for ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) and no added formaldehyde resins.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jul, 2017

eco-INSTITUT-Label (2015 version) has been deemed acceptable for Feature 04 Part 1 - 4 with the following requirement:
The formaldehyde limit of 9 µg/m³ at 28 days must be met for products using this label.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 07 Jul, 2017

Indoor Air Comfort Gold has been approved for Feature 04 - Part 1, 2, 3 and 4. However, Indoor Air Comfort is not an accepted label for meeting WELL Feature 04 Part 1, 2, 3 and 4.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "July 1, 2005 for VOC content". Add: "Volatile organic compound (VOC) limits correspond to an effective date of July 1, 2005 and rule amendment date of January 7, 2005."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Previously published as an AAP:
Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC) emissions testing is approved as an emissions testing methodology only for furniture and furnishings that are made up of a uniform material and have flat testing surfaces on which the FLEC emissions testing methodology may be applied. For example, flat surfaced cabinetry that is made up of a uniform material may be tested using this methodology. However, chairs that are made from a variety of materials that lack flat surfaces may not be tested using this methodology. The emissions test must be administered by a third party investigator with no affiliation with the project. The associated costs are the responsibility of the project team. Additional tests performed in accordance with ISO 16000 methodology must be performed for total aldehydes and 4-Phenylcyclohexane and must meet the thresholds specified in the WELL Building Standard.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Previously published as an AAP:
The following referenced standards may be used in lieu of ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard Section 7.6.1 and 7.6.2, testing in accordance with ANSI/BIFMA Standard Method M7.1-2011:
- the Finnish M1 label for non-upholstered furniture
- the Blue Angel label for upholstered furniture
If these standards are used, the furniture must also be separately tested for 4-phenylcyclohexane and total aldehydes and held to the same limits specified in ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 section 7.6.1 and 7.6.2


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "b. For furnishings, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.1-2010."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Previously published as an AAP:
Products and materials that have an A or A+ class rating under the French legislation on VOC emissions meet the requirements of Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 07 Apr, 2017

GreenGuard Gold is accepted as an equivalent for Feature 4, Part 5


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 07 Apr, 2017

Updated:
LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting materials credit is deemed equivalent for Part 1. Please note that the project must adhere to the ""Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products"" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, all newly applied paints and coatings must be in compliance.
BREEAM UK NC/RFO 2014, INC. 2016 and IRFO 2015 Hea 02: Indoor air quality - Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels (products) credit is deemed equivalent for Part 1. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014, Table 20 in the UK RFO 2014, Table 17 and 18 in the INC 2016). Additionally, all newly applied paints and coatings must be in compliance.

LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting materials credit is deemed equivalent for Part 2. Please note that the project must adhere to the ""Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products"" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, all newly applied adhesives and sealants must be in compliance.
BREEAM UK NC/RFO 2014, INC 2016 and IRFO 2015 Hea 02: Indoor air quality - Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels (products)credit is deemed equivalent for Part 2. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014, Table 20 in the UK RFO 2014, Table 17 and 18 in the INC 2016). Additionally, all newly applied adhesives and sealants must be in compliance.

LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting materials credit is deemed equivalent for Part 3. Please note that the project must adhere to the ""General emissions evaluation"" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, all newly installed flooring must be in compliance.
BREEAM UK NC/RFO 2014, INC 2016 and IRFO 2015 Hea 02: Indoor air quality - Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels (products) credit is deemed equivalent for Part 3. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014, Table 20 in the UK RFO 2014, Table 17 and 18 in the INC 2016). Additionally, all newly installed flooring must be in compliance.

LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting materials credit is deemed equivalent for Part 4. Please note that the project must adhere to the ""General emissions evaluation"" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, all newly installed insulation must be in compliance.

LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting material credit is deemed equivalent for Part 5. Please note that the project must adhere to the ""Furniture evaluation"" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, 95% (by cost) of all newly purchased furniture and furnishing must be in compliance.

Note BREEAM equivalency is only applicable for Feature 4 Parts 1-3.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

ORIGINAL RULING (10/24/2016):
(Not approved)
GreenGuard Certification is not an accepted equivalent standard to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard method v1.1-2010 as specified in Part 4a of this feature. Therefore Greenstuf is not an acceptable material for newly installed thermal or acoustic insulation, based on the evidence provided. The excerpt taken from GreenGuard Standard Method for Measuring and Evaluating Chemical Emissions from Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings Using Dynamic Environmental Chambers refers to the GreenGuard Children and School certification (now GreenGuard Gold Certification), which does in fact meet/exceed CDPH standards. However, according to the Material Safety Data Sheet provided, Greenstuf is GreenGuard Certified and is not GreenGuard Gold Certified.

UPDATED RULING (1/11/2017):
(Approved)
Greenstuf has been considered an acceptable material, as it complies with GreenGuard Gold Certification, which has been approved as an equivalent standard for Feature 04, Part 4.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

Indoor Advantage Gold has been approved as an acceptable alternative for F04, Parts 1, 2, 4, and 5.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

For Feature 4, Part 5, as an alternative to the formaldehyde emissions thresholds cited in ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 7.6.2, projects may use certain approved thresholds. For systems furniture laminates: CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 limits (9 ug/m3) may be used. For furniture substrates: CARB Phase II limits (50 ppb for hardwood plywood with veneer core, 50 ppb for hardwood plywood with composite core, 90 ppb for particleboard, 110 ppb for medium density fiberboard, and 113 ppb for thin medium density fiberboard) may be used. Additionally, note that the project will still be required to demonstrate Feature 01: Air Quality Standards.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

CalGreen 2013 Title 24, Part 11, California Green Building code has been approved as an equivalent for F04, Parts 1 and 2. For Part 3, projects are required to meet 100% of the resilient flooring requirements according to CalGreen 2013 Title 24 in order to fully comply with WELL requirements.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In Parts 3, 4 and 5 of this Feature, change 'VOC content' to 'VOC emissions'


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

AFRDI Green Tick Furniture is compliant with Feature 4, Part 5.
It should be noted that GECA's allowable emission levels exceed those required in the ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard, and GECA does not address the VOC emission concentration thresholds required by the ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard. However, GECA is currently deemed a best in class within its market at this time.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

Green Star Credit 13: Indoor Pollutants is considered partially equivalent to WELL Feature 04: VOC reduction.
Compliance with the Green Star credit is sufficient to comply with Parts 1 and 2, as well as to a portion of Part 3 (only flooring that is classified as carpeting) of the WELL feature.
Projects will still need to comply with Part 3 (all non-carpet flooring), as well as with Parts 4 and 5 in order to fully comply with the Feature.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

Floorscore has been approved as an equivalent standard F04, Parts 2 and 3.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

Indoor Advantage Gold is accepted as an equivalent for F04, Parts 1, 2, 4, and 5.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To minimize the effect of VOCs in building materials on indoor air quality.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

Change “The VOC content of all newly installed thermal and acoustic insulation in ceilings and walls…” to “The VOC content of all newly installed thermal and acoustic insulation inside the waterproofing membrane…”


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC) emissions testing is approved as an emissions testing methodology ONLY for furniture and furnishings that are made up of a uniform material and have flat testing surfaces on which the FLEC emissions testing methodology may be applied. For example, flat surfaced cabinetry that is made up of a uniform material may be tested using this methodology. However, chairs that are made from a variety of materials that lack flat surfaces may not be tested using this methodology. The emissions test must be administered by a third party investigator with no affiliation with the project. The associated costs are the responsibility of the project team.

Additional tests performed in accordance with ISO 16000 methodology must be performed for total aldehydes and 4-Phenylcyclohexane and must meet the thresholds specified in the WELL Building Standard.


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add Contractor Letters of Assurance as required documentation.


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add Owner Letter of Assurance as required documentation.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Under Part 1c, delete "VOC control" and replace with "VOC content".


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Under Part 2c, delete "VOC control" and replace with "VOC content".


Interpretation
Type: Interpretation
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016
Inquiry: Feature 4 Parts 1 through 5 apply to newly applied/installed/purchased products and materials. What products and materials are considered to be ‘new’?
Ruling: Products or materials applied or installed within a timeframe of, at a minimum, one year prior to the WELL project registration are considered to be 'new.' UPDATED RULING. Post Date 1/11/2017. Ruling: Products or materials applied or installed within a timeframe of, at a minimum, one year prior to the WELL Performance Verification are considered to be 'new.'

Feature 5: Air filtration

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Rack space and fan capacity is in place for future carbon filters or combination particle/carbon filters." Add: "Rack space is available and rack location identified for future implementation of carbon filters or combination particle/carbon filters."


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Projects registered as New and Existing Interiors that can demonstrate that aspects of the base building design is outside of their control are not required to achieve Feature 05, Part 1: Filter Accommodation.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In a project with a split-system air conditioning unit that does not allow for accommodating MERV 13 filters, the following measures may be implemented as an alternative. For Parts 1 and 2a of this feature, a standalone air purifier with carbon filter and HEPA filter performing equivalent to MERV 17-20 may be used in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines. Installation of the HEPA filters may not be conditional based on the criteria in Part 2b. A sufficient quantity of stand-alone air purifiers and carbon filters and HEPA filters must be provided in accordance with the manufacturers recommended area coverage. Provide a policy document to confirm Part 3 of this Feature, and a policy document that confirms that the project owner will maintain and replace the filters and filter units located within the project as per manufacturer specifications.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

Projects unable to provide additional space for carbon filters may instead educate future tenants on their ability to buy and install stand-alone air purifiers with carbon filters. The project team must provide a letter signed by the project owner to confirm that if required for WELL certification in the future, the project owner will buy and install the air purifiers with filters on behalf of the tenant. It must be demonstrated that adequate wall space is accommodated to install wall-mounted air purifiers. The WELL Assessor will confirm the available wall space and examine a copy of all the information given to tenants during the project’s Performance Verification.