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 42: Food contamination

Type Description
Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To minimize occupant exposure to food-borne pathogens by providing safe food storage.'


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

Add Owner Letter of Assurance as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.


Feature 44: Artificial ingredients

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 01 Nov, 2018

In 24 Oct, 2016 EP, add: "Freshly prepared food also needs to comply with the labelling requirements." after "…Performance Verification to verify compliance."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 01 Nov, 2018

In 24 Oct, 2016 EP, remove: "these Features" after "…applicable documentation to comply with". Add: "this Feature"


Feature 43: Artificial ingredients

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 01 Nov, 2018

In 26 Jul 2017 EP, remove: "these Features" after "…applicable documentation to comply with". Add: "this Feature"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 01 Nov, 2018

In 26 Jul, 2017 EP, add: "Freshly prepared food also needs to comply with the labelling requirements." after "…Performance Verification to verify compliance."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

The EU Regulation No 1169/2011 may be used to comply with the requirements of Feature 43 regarding labeling for artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Note that projects must still submit all applicable documentation to comply with this Feature, and will also be subject to a spot check or visual inspection during the Performance Verification to verify compliance. Freshly prepared food also needs to comply with the labelling requirements.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "All food sold or distributed on a daily basis on the premises by (or under contract with) the project owner are labeled to indicate if they contain the following". Add: "All foods sold or provided on a daily basis on the premises by (or under contract with) the project owner are clearly labeled on packaging, nearby menus or signage to indicate if they contain the following"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

The Hong Kong Food and Drugs Composition and Labeling Regulations may be used to partially comply with requirements of Feature 43. The project must label monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), (rather than only listing ingredients as flavors or preservatives), in order to comply with WELL. Note that projects must still submit all applicable documentation to comply with these Features, and will also be subject to a spot check or visual inspection during the Performance Verification to verify compliance.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

The China Standards ‘General Rules for Pre-packaged Food Labeling’ (GB7718--2011) and ‘Standard for the Use of Food Additives’ (GB2760-2014) have been approved as acceptable alternatives for F43.
Note that projects must provide signage that clearly indicates: "The following additives have not been evaluated - brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), and sulfite.”


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To help occupants avoid artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives in food.'


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

For projects located in India, the requirements for Feature 43 may be met by providing labeling for all high-shelf life packaged foods in addition to freshly prepared food items offered on-site. Foods must be labeled with the additives outlined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Up to 30% of the low-shelf life packages goods prepared off site may be exempted from artificial substance labeling, but must include clear signage that they have not been evaluated for artificial ingredients or food additives. The latest version of the FSSAI regulation must be made available to building users upon request.


Feature 44: Nutritional information

Type Description
Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Oct, 2018

The Nutrition Labeling Standard under the Health Promotion Act issued by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 44, Part 1 for Japan. Note that projects must still submit all applicable documentation to comply with these Features and will also be subject to a spot check or visual inspection during the Performance Verification to verify compliance. Projects must label the nutritional information outlined in the Nutrition Labeling Standard under the Health Promotion Act for all non-packaged and packaged foods.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 15 Aug, 2018

In 26 Jul, 2017 AAP, remove: "Project teams which seek to use this strategy must have their prompts and ranking system approved by the WELL Performance Testing Agent​​​". Add: "The ranking system will be verified by the WELL Reviewer at the documentation review"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 05 Jul, 2018

The Food Standards Code Australia and New Zealand may be used to comply with the requirements of Feature 44 Part 1. Note that projects must still submit all applicable documentation to comply with these Features, and will also be subject to a spot check or visual inspection during the Performance Verification to verify compliance.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 30 May, 2018

The Hong Kong Food and Drugs Composition and Labeling Regulations are accepted as an alternative to the requirements of Feature 44. Note that projects must still submit all applicable documentation to comply with these Features, and will also be subject to a spot check or visual inspection during the Performance Verification to verify compliance.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 21 Aug, 2017

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) 'Food Safety and standards (Packaging and Labelling) regulation, 2011' may be used to comply with the requirements of Feature 44 Part 1. Projects must still submit all applicable documentation to comply with this feature, and will also be subject to a spot check or visual inspection during the Performance Verification to verify compliance.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "c. Micronutrient content (vitamins A and C, calcium and iron) in weight or international units (IU) and/or as a percent of the estimated daily requirements (daily values)" . Remove: "d. ...content" , Add: "c. ...content"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "For foods and beverages sold or distributed on a daily basis on the premises by (or under contract with) the project owner, the following are displayed (per meal or item) on packaging, menus or signage". Add: "For foods and beverages sold or provided on a daily basis on the premises by (or under contract with) the project owner, the following are displayed (per meal or item) on packaging, menus or signage"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

Under 1b, the reference to the FDA is now removed. 1b now reads "Macronutrient (total protein, total fat and total carbohydrate) in weight and as a percent of estimated daily requirements (Daily Values)."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

The EU Regulation No 1169/2011 is an acceptable alternative to the requirements of Feature 44. Note that projects must still submit all applicable documentation to comply with this Feature, and will also be subject to a spot check or visual inspection during the Performance Verification to verify compliance. Freshly prepared food also needs to comply with the labelling requirements.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To help occupants make informed food consumption choices.'


Feature 43: Nutritional information

Type Description
Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

For projects that prepare foods on site from raw ingredients, which are not able to comply with the requirements of Part 1, the project may offer point-of-decision prompts in lieu of labeling. The prompts must be based on a ranking system that encourages the consumption of nutritionally-dense foods. Food prompts must be clearly displayed and must be used in conjunction with a food advertising and/or messaging campaign​ that allows individuals to quickly and easily identify nutritious foods and beverages​. An explanation of the ranking system must be made available to all occupants.

The ranking system will be verified by the WELL Reviewer at the documentation review.​ All strategies should comply with best practices and/or dietary guidelines and be supported by existing scientific, medical, or industry research.​ Please note that all foods offered will still need to comply with Feature 39 Processed foods.


Feature 45: Food advertising

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

In part description, remove: "a total of". Add: "different" after "...at least 3"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

In part description, add: "per project" after "instances of messaging"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

In part heading, Remove: "intended to achieve each of the following requirements". Add "intended to achieve either or both of the following requirements"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: ", beverages and snacks". Add: "and beverages"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote healthy food consumption choices.'


Feature 46: Safe food preparation materials

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

For Part 3, remove: "No serving or food storage containers or plates is". Add: "No serving containers or plates are"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce occupant exposure to harmful contaminants that may originate from food preparation materials and eliminate surfaces that harbor pathogens.'


Feature 47: Serving sizes

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

In part description, add: "," after "project owner" and after "self-serve"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

In part description, remove: "Where" before "food...". Add: "If"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Under intent, add: "and encourage portion control", after "overconsumption"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

For Part 1a, remove "calories" after "650". Add: "kcal [650 Cal]".


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Where food sold or distributed on a daily basis on the premises by (or under contract with) the project owner is self-serve and requires the use of serving plate, bowl, or cup, each of the following is met (as applicable)". Add: "Where food is sold or provided on a daily basis on the premises by (or under contract with) the project owner is self-serve and requires the use of serving plate, bowl, or cup, each of the following is met (as applicable)"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "24 cm [9.5 in]". Add: "25 cm [10 in]"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "452 cm² [70 in²]". Add: "507 cm² [79 in²]"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "296 mL [10 oz]". Add: "473 mL [16 oz]"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "240 mL [8 oz]". Add "473 mL [16 oz]"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Where food sold or distributed on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner is prepared to order, for at least half of all avilable entrees, the following option is available and listed on the menu". Add: "Where food is sold or provided on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner and is prepared to order, the following is available and listed on the menu for at least half of all available main course options"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "entrée". Add: "main course"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Dinnerware sizes". Add: "Dishware"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce unintended overconsumption.'


Feature 48: Special diets

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

For Part 1f, add: "or seafood" after "animal"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

For Part 1e, add: ", seafood or dairy" after "animal"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

For Part 1e, remove: "Vegan (contains no animal products)". Add: "Contains no animal products"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

For Part 1f, remove: "Vegetarian (contains no animal products, except for eggs and dairy)". Add: "Contains no animal products, except for eggs and dairy"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

Add: "main course" after "...at least one"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: ", in compliance with the definitions and restrictions set forth by the FDA in 21 C.F.R.§ 101.92"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To provide alternative food choices to individuals with food restrictions or allergies.'


Feature 49: Responsible food production

Type Description
Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 06 Sep, 2018

The Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) organic system has been accepted as an equivalent for the Federally Certified Organic program of Feature 49 Part 1a and 2b for projects in Japan.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

The European Union Organic Logo has been accepted as an alternative for the Federally Certified Organic labeling requirements of Feature 49 Part 1 and 2.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 29 May, 2018

Organizations approved by the Australian Department of Agriculture as organic certifying organizations against the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce are accepted as an equivalent for the Federally Certified Organic program of Feature 49 Part 1a and 2b.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2018

Soil Association Organic Standards Farming and Growing v17.4 August 2016 has been accepted as an alternative to Federally Certified Organic for the requirements of Feature 49, Part 2. Note that this equivalency applies only to projects in the United Kingdom.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2018

Scoring a 3 out of 3 in accordance with the "Beter Life" label (Beter Leven keurmerk) has been accepted as an alternative for the Certified Human Labeling requirements of Feature 49 - Responsible Food Production, Part 2.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

For Part 2a, remove: "Humane Certified". Add: "Certified Humane"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 21 Aug, 2017

"India Organic" certification by the APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Products Export Development Authority) per the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 49 Part 1.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Produce is sold or distributed on the premises on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner and it meets the following criteria". Add: "Produce is sold or provided on the premises on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner that meets the following criteria"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "(based on country)


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "If meat, egg or dairy products are sold or distributed on the premises on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner, they meet the following criteria for the humane treatment of livestock". Add: ""If meat, egg or dairy products are sold or provided on the premises on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner, they meet the following criteria for the humane treatment of livestock"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove:"(based on the country)". Add: "or equivalent"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce occupant exposure to pesticides or hormones, limit environmental degradation and promote humane livestock practices.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

Change “All produce sold or distributed on the premises on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner meets the following criteria:” to “Produce is sold or distributed on the premises on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner and it meets the following criteria:”


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

Change “All meat egg and dairy products sold or distributed on the premises on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner meet the following criteria…” to “If meat, egg or dairy products are sold or distributed on the premises on a daily basis by (or under contract with) the project owner, they meet the following criteria…”


Feature 50: Food storage

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

Add: "one of" before "the following"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

Add: "b. Evidence that the volume provided exceeds occupant demand by at least 20%."


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To encourage the consumption of fresh foods by providing sufficient cold food storage to occupants.'


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

Add Owner Letter of Assurance as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.


Feature 51: Food production

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

Add: "with food-bearing plants" after "A garden"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "with food-bearing plants" after "A greenhouse"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "c. Edible landscaping (e.g., fruit trees, herbs)."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove:"allocated". Add: "accessible and located"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To improve access to fresh produce by providing space, infrastructure and tools for on-site food production.'


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

Add Owner Letters of Assurance as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.


Feature 52: Mindful eating

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

In part description, remove: "early education, elementary, middle, and high schools". Add: "early education, primary and secondary schools"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 20 Oct, 2017

In Appendix I, remove: "Extent of Developer Buildout with Capacity for Tenant Achievement". Add: "Entire Building"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

In part description, Remove: "employees". Add: "occupants"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "employee". Add: "occupant"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

In part description, Remove: "employees". Add: "occupants"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

In Part 1 and Part 2, remove: "employees". Add: "occupants"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "employees". Add: "occupants"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "b. Are located within 60 m [200 ft] of at least 90% of all occupants"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To encourage mindful eating behaviors and socialization by providing communal eating spaces.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

In Part 2a, change “Refrigerator, microwave and sink” to “Refrigerator, device for reheating food (such as microwave or toaster oven) and sink”


Feature 53: Visual lighting design

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 15 Aug, 2018

In 17 Jan, 2017 EP, remove: "Note that this...China GB50034-2013 to ensure compliance."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 07 Jun, 2018

For Part 5a, remove: "elementary, middle and high schools". Add: "primary and secondary schools"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 07 Jun, 2018

For Part 1c, add "average" before "ambient light"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 07 Jun, 2018

For Part 1a, remove: "plane, 0.76 m [30 inches] above finished floor". Add: "work plane"


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 05 Feb, 2018

Projects may meet requirements outlined in Part 1b by zoning the space into banks according to proximity to windows or corresponding to location of departments even if the areas differ from those prescribed in Part 1b.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Brightness contract between main rooms and ancillary spaces, such as corridors and stairwells, if present". Add: "Maximum brightness contrasts between main rooms and ancillary spaces, such as corridors and stairwells, if present. For example, projects may establish that, while still maintaining lighting variety, a main room cannot exhibit 10 times greater or lesser luminance than an ancillary space"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Brightness contrasts between task surfaces and immediately adjacent surfaces, including adjacent visual display terminal screens". Add: "Maximum brightness contrasts between task surfaces and immediately adjacent surfaces, including adjacent visual display terminal screens. For example, projects may establish that, while still maintaining lighting variety, a surface cannot exhibit 3 times greater or lesser luminance than an adjacent surface"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Brightness contrasts between task surfaces and remote, non-adjacent surfaces in the same room". Add: "Brightness contrasts between task surfaces and remote, non-adjacent surfaces in the same room. For example, projects may establish that, while still maintaining lighting variety, a surface cannot exhibit 10 times greater or lesser luminance than another remote surface in the same room"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "The way brightness is distributed across ceilings in a given room". Add: "The way brightness is distributed across ceilings in a given room that maintains lighting variety but avoids both dark spots, or excessively bright, potentially glaring spots. For example, projects may establish that, while still maintaining lighting variety, one part of the ceiling cannot be 10 times greater or lesser luminance than another part of the ceiling in the same room"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

The China standard GB50034-2013 has been approved to meet the requirements of Feature 53 Part 1a.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To support visual acuity by setting a threshold for adequate light levels and requiring luminance to be balanced within and across indoor spaces.'


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

For Feature 53, Part 1 add Policy Document as required documentation, along with Architect Letter of Assurance and Spot Measurement. This policy document should be used to confirm the requirements of Part 1c of this feature.


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

Add professional narrative as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance, remove on-site spot measurements.


Feature 54: Circadian lighting design

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 01 Nov, 2018

For Part 2b, remove: "Lights" before "provide not more than…". Add: "During the nighttime, lights"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 07 Jun, 2018

For Part 4a, remove: "elementary, middle and high schools". Add: "primary and secondary schools"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 07 Jun, 2018

For Part 4b, remove: "elementary school, middle school, or high school". Add: "primary and secondary school"