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

Post-occupancy surveys

Given the diversity of built environments, it is difficult to prescribe a comprehensive set of features that are effective across all settings. Occupancy surveys can be useful in measuring the extent to which a building is effectively promoting and protecting the health and comfort needs of its occupants. In addition, the ability to offer feedback and have a recognized stake in one’s comfort and well-being can have a positive impact on occupant mood.

This feature uses occupancy surveys to offer insight into the success of WELL features in a particular building environment, and to provide feedback for the improvement of the WELL Building Standard.

Part 1: Occupant Survey Content

In buildings with 10 or more employees, the Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ from the Center for the Built Environment at UC Berkeley (or approved alternative) is given to a representative sample of at least 30% of employees at least once per year unless otherwise noted. The survey covers the following topics of occupant satisfaction:

a.35 Acoustics.
b.35 Thermal comfort, including humidity and air flow, at least twice a year (once during the cooling season and once during the heating season).
c.35 Furnishings.
d.35 Workspace light levels and quality.
e.35 Odors, stuffiness and other air quality concerns.
f.35 Cleanliness and maintenance.
g.35 Layout.
Part 2: Information Reporting

Aggregate results from surveys are reported within 30 days to the following groups:

a. Building owners and managers.
b. Building occupants (upon request).
c. The International WELL Building Institute.

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Occupant Survey Content - P P
Part 2: Information Reporting - P P
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Occupant Survey Content - P - O O
Part 2: Information Reporting - P - O O

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
Part 1: Occupant Survey Content Policy Document
Part 2: Information Reporting Policy Document
35

Center for the Built Environment. Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey. http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu/research/survey.htm. Accessed June 8, 2015.

86.1.a

CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including acoustic quality.

86.1.b

CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including thermal comfort.

86.1.c

CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including office furnishings.

86.1.d

CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including lighting.

86.1.e

CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including air quality.

86.1.f

CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including cleanliness and maintenance.

86.1.g

CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including office layout.