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

WELL Addenda

WELL Addenda

Feature 1: Air quality standards

Type Description
Intent

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
Intent

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
Correction

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."

Intent

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

Equivalency

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 and II as described in the standards.

Equivalency

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.

Correction

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."

Correction

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

Feature 4: VOC reduction

Type Description
Equivalency

Floorscore is accepted as equivalent for the requirements of F04, Parts 2 and 3.

Equivalency

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.

Equivalency

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

Correction

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

Intent

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.'

Equivalency

All standards accepted by LEED and BREEAM based on current European (EN) and international (ISO) standards are equivalent standards for Feature 4, Part 1. Note that projects must adhere to the "Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products" section (found in the Low Emitting Materials Credit of LEED v4 BD+C, under Emissions and Content Requirements) or to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014). All newly applied paints and coatings must be in compliance.

All standards accepted by LEED and BREEAM based on current European (EN) and international (ISO) standards are equivalent standards for Feature 4, Part 2. Note that projects must adhere to the "Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products" section (found in the Low Emitting Materials Credit of LEED v4 BD+C, under Emissions and Content Requirements) or to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014). All newly applied adhesives and sealants must be in compliance.

All standards accepted by LEED and BREEAM based on current European (EN) and international (ISO) standards are equivalent standards for Feature 4, Part 3. Note that projects must adhere to the "Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products" section (found in the Low Emitting Materials Credit of LEED v4 BD+C, under Emissions and Content Requirements). Projects wishing to use BREEAM as an alternative must achieve BREEAM Exemplary level (2 credits) in order to be compliant. All newly installed flooring must be in compliance.

All standards accepted by LEED and BREEAM based on current European (EN) and international (ISO) standards are equivalent standards for Feature 4, Part 4. Note that projects must adhere to the "Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products" section (found in the Low Emitting Materials Credit of LEED v4 BD+C, under Emissions and Content Requirements). All newly installed insulation must be in compliance.

All standards accepted by LEED and BREEAM based on current European (EN) and international (ISO) standards are equivalent standards for Feature 4, Part 5. Note that projects must adhere to the "Furniture Evaluation' section (found in the Low Emitting Materials Credit of LEED v4 BD+C, under Emissions and Content Requirements). Additionally, 95% (by cost) of all newly purchased furniture and furnishing must be in compliance.

Equivalency

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

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.

Alternative Adherence Path

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.

Alternative Adherence Path

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

Alternative Adherence Path

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, or 4.

Correction

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"

Interpretation 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.'
Verification type

Add Contractor Letters of Assurance as required documentation.

Verification type

Add Owner Letter of Assurance as required documentation.

Correction

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

Correction

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

Feature 5: Air filtration

Type Description
Alternative Adherence Path

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

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.

Correction

Add "or combination particle/carbon filters." to the end of Part 1a. Part 1a now reads "Rack space and fan capacity is in place for future carbon filters or combination particle/carbon filters."

Correction

Change Part 1b from "The system is able to accommodate additional filters" to "The mechanical system is sized to accommodate the additional filters."

Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To remove indoor and outdoor airborne contaminants through air filtration.'

Equivalency

Class F 7 (or higher) media filters are an acceptable equivalent to MERV 13 (or higher) media filters.

Alternative Adherence Path

Multifamily Residential projects may use wall-mounted HEPA filters to meet the requirements of Feature 5 Parts 1 and 2, provided the project contains a sufficient quantity of wall mounted HEPA filters in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended area coverage. In addition, a policy document must be provided confirming Part 3 of the Feature and that the Owner will maintain the filters for the units that are located in both common and private areas.

Feature 6: Microbe and mold control

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce mold and bacteria growth within buildings, particularly from water damage or condensation on cooling coils.'

Verification type

Add annotated operations schedule OR MEP drawing as required documentation, remove MEP Letter of Assurance, remove on-site spot checks.

Feature 7: Construction pollution management

Type Description
Equivalency

Green Star Credit 7: Construction Environmental Management, and Credit 9: Indoor Air Quality are considered partially equivalent to WELL Feature 07: Construction Pollution Management. Compliance with the Green Star credit is sufficient to comply with Parts 1 and 2 of the WELL Feature. Note that projects will still need to comply with Parts 3 and 4 of Feature 7 in order to fully comply with the Feature.

Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To minimize the introduction of construction-related pollutants into indoor air and protect building products from degradation.'

Interpretation Inquiry: My project is an existing project; does Feature 7 apply to my project?
Ruling: For existing projects, it must be demonstrated that the requirements of Feature 7 were met for all construction/renovatiolteration activity that took place during the process of readying the project for WELL certification and all construction/renovatiolteration activity that occurred within 1 year prior to the WELL project registration. If no such activity took place within 1 year prior to the WELL project registration, the feature requirements are met.
Correction

Change title of Part 3 from "VOC Absorption Management" to "Moisture Absorption Management"

Correction

In Part 3, change "To prevent building materials from absorbing and later releasing VOCs emitted by other (source) materials during construction, the following requirements are met: to "To prevent building materials from absorbing water or moisture during construction, the following requirements are met:"

Correction

In Part 3a, change "A secure area is designated to store and protect" to "A separate area is designated to store and protect".

Correction

Remove Parts 3b and 3c.

Feature 8: Healthy entrance

Type Description
Alternative Adherence Path

For projects that have an entryway walk off system that is less than 10 feet in length, but no smaller than 9'6'', temporary rollout mats may be used during potential inclement weather (i.e. a 30% chance or higher) to bring the walk-off system up to 10 feet in length. In addition, projects must commit to cleaning the entrance/lobby multiple times daily, and demonstrate this through a cleaning plan. Provide the cleaning plan as well as a narrative detailing the project policy regarding rollout mats and inclement weather.

Alternative Adherence Path

Where projects are restricted from using an entry vestibule or revolving door (for e.g. projects in the Philippines following the National Building Code, which prohibits revolving doors or vestibules for designated exits), they may use a permanent entryway system 3 meters long, and an air curtain to create an air seal. There are several specifications for this path:

  1. The air curtain must have a minimum velocity of not less than 2 meters per second (6.56 feet per second) at the floor, have been tested in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 220, and must be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. It must also be commissioned prior to occupancy by a qualified agent.
  2. An indoor pressure sensor must be installed in the building lobby that is capable of providing automatic readings at least once an hour.
  3. The project team must specify target pressurization levels for these locations when the building is occupied. These levels have to keep air from entering the building more than the standard amount, allow occupants to open and close doors easily and not cause moisture problems due to exfiltration. Projects must provide documentation of these targeted levels and ensure they achieve the objectives outlines above.

Projects must also provide indoor pressure sensor readings from one day. This should include exhaust and supply sequences. Projects should also provide mechanical drawings of the project space and manufacturer documentation of the air curtain equipment.

Alternative Adherence Path

Where the options of an entry vestibule or revolving door are not possible for projects with regularly occupied lobbies, projects may create a healthy space by installing stand-alone air filters in the breathing zone near the primary seating of occupants, and near the entrance. A narrative must be included with documentation to describe the contaminants that will be filtered out along with an operations schedule for the maintenance of the air filters.

Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To minimize the introduction of pollutants into indoor air at building entrances.'

Alternative Adherence Path

In areas where building vestibules and revolving entrance doors are not common architectural elements, the requirements of Part 2 (Entryway Seal) may be met by controlling building pressure according to the following requirements:

- An indoor pressure sensor must be installed in the building lobby and near any other entrance to the building from the outside. The pressure sensor must be capable of providing automatic readings on a frequency of at least one per hour.
- The project team must specify the targeted building pressurization levels for these locations for when the building is in both cooling mode and heating mode. The pressure levels must keep outside air from entering the building (more than standard practice), allow occupants to open and close doors easily, and must not cause undue condensation or other moisture problems due to exfiltration through the building envelope.

To document this alternative path, the project team must provide the following in the documentation application submission:
- A narrative describing the targeted building pressurization levels for both cooling mode and heating mode.
- A narrative (and other supporting documentation as necessary) demonstrating that the pressure levels keep outside air from entering the building (more than standard practice), allow occupants to open and close doors easily, and do not cause undue condensation or other moisture problems due to exfiltration through the building envelope.
- Indoor pressure readings demonstrating one day of pressure sensor readings from a cooling period, and one day of pressure sensor readings from a heating period. The exhaust and supply sequences must be provided to demonstrate that the desired pressure readings will be achieved.

Correction

Replace the first sentence with the following: "One of the following is in place to slow the movement of air from outdoors to indoors within mechanically ventilated main building entrances:"

Feature 9: Cleaning protocol

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce occupant exposure to pathogens, allergens, and harmful cleaning chemicals.'

Equivalency

Cleaner Air Choices Cleaner Certification (CACC) may not be used in lieu of Green Seal 37 (GS 37) for the product seal requirements of Part 1d. While CACC does prohibit a variety of indoor air contaminants, it is not as stringent (or does not test for) skin irritants and allergens, which are included in GS 37.

Correction

In Part 1 description, change "... a cleaning plan is created and presented" to "... a cleaning plan is created in accordance with Table A4 in Appendix C and presented"

Correction

For Part 1b, add "and entryway walk off mats (if applicable)" after "each high-touch and low-touch surface" in the first sentence.

Feature 10: Pesticide management

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce the presence of pests in buildings and minimizing occupant exposure to harmful chemicals.'

Correction

Under Part 1b, remove "Reduced Risk Pesticide List" and replace with "Hazard Tier Review Process"

Correction

In Part 1 description, change "The following conditions are met for all pesticides and herbicides used on plants:" to "The following conditions are met for all pesticides and herbicides user on outdoor plants."

Feature 11: Fundamental material safety

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce or eliminate occupant exposure to lead, asbestos, and PCBs from building materials.'

Verification type

Add MEP Letter of Assurance as required documentation.

Verification type

Add policy document as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.

Feature 12: Moisture management

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To limit the potential for bacteria and mold growth within buildings from water infiltration and condensation.'

Feature 13: Air flush

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To remediate construction-related indoor air contamination.'

Correction

In Part 1b, change "0.3 CFM fresh air per ft² of floor area" to "0.3 CFM outdoor air per ft² of floor area"

Feature 14: Air infiltration management

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To minimize air quality and thermal comfort issues resulting from the infiltration of untreated air through the building envelope.'

Equivalency

The Green Star Innovation Challenge: Air tightness testing is an accepted equivalent to Feature 14: Air Infiltration Management. Compliance with the Green Star credit is sufficient to comply with the WELL feature.

Alternative Adherence Path

In lieu of performing envelope commissioning in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005 and NIBS Guideline 3-2012 for new construction or structural renovation), the project may complete a thermographic survey, airtightness test, and inspection and correction of defects in accordance with ATTMA TSL2 guidelines.

Feature 15: Increased ventilation

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To expel internally-generated pollutants through an increased supply of outdoor air.'

Equivalency

AS 1668.2 may be used in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1 for Feature 15, Part 1. Note that projects that wish to comply with AS 1668.2 must increase ventilation by 50% rather than the 30% increase required when complying with ASHRAE 62.1.

Correction

Change Part name from "Increased Fresh Air Supply" to "Increased Outdoor Air Supply"

Correction

In Part 1, change "The following is required in terms of the rate of fresh air supply to all regularly occupied spaces:" to "The following is required in terms of the rate of outdoor air supply to all regularly occupied spaces:"

Correction

In Part 1a, change "Exceed ASHRAE fresh air supply rates" to "Exceed ASHRAE outdoor air supply rates"

Feature 16: Humidity control

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To limit the growth of pathogens, reduce off-gassing, and maintain thermal comfort by providing the appropriate level of humidity.'

Feature 17: Direct source ventilation

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To preserve air quality in occupied spaces through the isolation and proper ventilation of indoor pollution sources and chemical storage areas.'

Verification type

Add annotated mechanical and architectural drawing as required documentation, remove MEP Letter of Assurance, remove on-site spot checks.

Feature 18: Air quality monitoring and feedback

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To monitor and effectively remediate indoor air quality issues and inform building managers and occupants of the quality of the indoor environment.'

Correction

In Part 1 description, change "Monitors measure 2 of the following pollutants in a regularly occupied space" to "Monitors measure 2 of the following pollutants in a regularly occupied or common space"

Alternative Adherence Path

In projects with strict data privacy requirements, the requirements of Part 3 (Environmental Measures Display) may be met by hosting the required data on a website accessible to occupants and in locations where the physical display would be located, placing signage indicating the website where the data may be accessed.

Verification type

Add on-site spot checks as required verification.

Feature 19: Operable windows

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To increase the supply of high quality outdoor air and promote a connection to the outdoor environment by encouraging occupants to open windows when outdoor air quality is acceptable.'

Correction

Change "Every regularly occupied space has operable windows that provide access to fresh air" to "Every regularly occupied space has operable windows that provide access to outdoor air"

Verification type

Add policy document as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.

Verification type

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

Verification type

Add Architect Letter of Assurance as required documentation, remove annotated architectural drawing.

Feature 20: Outdoor air systems

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To allow buildings to control the outdoor air supply independently from the heating/cooling needs of the building.'

Feature 21: Displacement ventilation

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To improve air quality in the breathing zone of the room and maintain thermal comfort by supplying low velocity outdoor air near the floor and expelling near the ceiling.'

Correction

Replace "One of the following is met for projects implementing a displacement ventilation system for heading and/or cooling:" with "Projects implement a displacement ventilation system for heating and/or cooling in which one of the following is met:"

Feature 22: Pest control

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce the presence of pests in buildings and minimize occupant exposure to pest-related allergens.'

Alternative Adherence Path

Inquiry: For Part 1b, our garbage cans are integrated into casework. The casework has a 6 inch opening at the top for users to insert waste. The garbage is collected from the garbage cans daily to minimize the time that waste remains in the garbage cans. Will this design meet the requirements of Part 1b?

Ruling: No, the design as described is not approved. The openings are large enough to allow pests to gain access to the garbage and allow for discarded trash to fall outside the garbage receptacle within the casework.

Verification type

Change Part 1 verification type from Visual Inspection to Operations Schedule and Spot Check.

Correction

In introduction language, remove "and furniture be covered in washable covers" from the last sentence in the second paragraph. The last sentence becomes: "To minimize allergenic pests, this feature requires that pest inspections be conducted regularly and food be stored and sealed."

Feature 23: Advanced air purification

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To improve recirculated indoor air quality through the implementation of advanced air purification strategies.'

Feature 24: Combustion minimization

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce occupant exposure to combustion-related air pollution from heating and transportation sources.'

Verification type

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

Feature 25: Toxic material reduction

Type Description
Correction

To the last line of the first paragraph of the feature description, add: "All parts of this feature only apply to materials installed inside the weather proofing membrane of a project. (Please refer to Table A3 for additional details)"

Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To minimize the impact of hazardous building material chemicals on indoor air quality and protect the health of manufacturing and maintenance workers.'

Verification type

Add Owner Letter of Assurance as required documentation.

Verification type

Add Contractor Letters of Assurance as required documentation.

Feature 26: Enhanced material safety

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To minimize the impact of hazardous building material ingredients on indoor air quality and protect the health of manufacturing and maintenance workers.'

Verification type

Add Contractor Letter of Assurance as required documentation, add Owner Letter of Assurance as required documentation.

Feature 27: Antimicrobial activity for surfaces

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce occupant exposure to both harmful pathogens and hazardous cleaning agents.'

Verification type

Add annotated architectural drawing or operations schedule as required documentation, remove architect Letter of Assurance.

Feature 28: Cleanable environment

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce occupant exposure to pathogens on high-touch surfaces.'

Verification type

Add on-site spot checks as required verification.