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 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 in the main air ducts for recirculated air (if recirculated air is used):

a. Rack space to accommodate future carbon filters.

Part 1: Cooling Coil Mold Reduction

In buildings that rely on a mechanical system for cooling, the following is used to suppress mold growth:

a. Ultraviolet lamps are employed on the cooling coils and drain pans of the mechanical system supplies. Irradiance reaching the cooling coil and drain pan, including the plenum corners, is modeled.

b.⁹ Lamps produce ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of 254 nm so as not to generate ozone.

c. Lamps have ballasts housed in a NEMA-rated enclosure.

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	Tenant Improvement	New Construction
Part 1: Filter Accommodation	P	P	P
Part 1: Cooling Coil Mold Reduction	P	P	P
Part 3: Air Filtration Maintenance	P	P	P

	Commercial Kitchen	Schools	Multifamily Residential	Restaurant	Retail
Part 1: Filter Accommodation	P	P	P	P	P
Part 1: Cooling Coil Mold Reduction	P	P	P	P	P
Part 3: Air Filtration Maintenance	P	P	P	P	P

Verification Methods Matrix

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

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

05. Air filtration

The following is in place in ventilation assemblies in the main air ducts for recirculated air (if recirculated air is used):

In buildings that rely on a mechanical system for cooling, the following is used to suppress mold growth:

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

Applicability Matrix

Verification Methods Matrix