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WELL Addenda

WELL Addenda

Feature 67: Exterior active design

Type Description
Verification type

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

Feature 68: Physical activity spaces

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'To promote physical activity through complementary on-site indoor and local outdoor physical activity spaces.'

Verification type

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

Feature 69: Active transportation support

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote daily physical activity through the provision of on-site support for active commuting.'

Verification type

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

Feature 70: Fitness equipment

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote both cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening exercise by providing on-site fitness equipment.'

Verification type

Add Owner Letters of Assurance as required documentation, add on-site spot checks as required verification, remove visual inspections.

Feature 71: Active furnishings

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce sedentary behavior by making active workstations readily available to occupants.'

Verification type

Add Owner Letters of Assurance as required documentation, add on-site spot checks as required verification, remove visual inspections.

Feature 72: Accessible design

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote equity by providing buildings that are accessible and usable by people of all physical abilities.'

Correction

Change the name of the feature from "ADA Accessible Design Standards" to "Accessible Design"

Equivalency

The Dutch Integral Accessibility Standard is an accepted equivalent for the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the Dutch Integral Accessibility Standard must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the code.

Equivalency

The Madrid Technical Building Code for Accessibility is an accepted equivalent for the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the Madrid Technical Building Code for Accessibility must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the code.

Equivalency

The Building Requirements for Persons with Disabilities from British Columbia Building Code has been deemed equivalent to the ADA for Feature 72. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the BC Building Code must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the code.

Equivalency

The Chinese Code for Accessibility Design (GB50763-2012) is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations, with the exception of restrooms. The code must be adapted to provide at least one restroom (or two if located within a single-sex restroom) on each floor. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the code must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the law.

Equivalency

The Codi d´Accesibilitat de Catalunya is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the code must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the law.

Equivalency

The Australian Disability Discrimination Act is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the Australian Disability Discrimination Act must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the code.

Equivalency

The French Law 2005-102 regarding PMRs or 'personnes à mobilité réduite' is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the code must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the law.

Correction

Replace the existing Part 1 text with the following:
"Part 1: Accessibility and Usability

The projects demonstrates compliance with one of the following:
a. Current ADA Standards for Accessible Design
b. ISO 21542:2011 - Building Construction - Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment, Appendix B: Standards"

Feature 73: Ergonomics: visual and physical

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce physical strain and maximize ergonomic comfort and safety.'

Alternative Adherence Path

For Part 3 (Seat Flexibility), alternative seat height adjustability and seat depth adjustability ranges may be accepted if the average height of the expected occupants differs significantly from the average height of the US population.

Correction

In Part 3b, delete "or BIFMA G1 guidelines."

Verification type

Add Owner Letters of Assurance as required documentation, add on-site spot checks as required verification, remove visual inspections.

Correction

In Part 2a, change "Adjustable Height standing desks." to "Adjustable height sit-stand desks."

Feature 74: Exterior noise intrusion

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce acoustic disruptions by limiting external noise intrusion.'

Feature 75: Internally generated noise

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce acoustic disruptions and increase speech privacy by creating an acoustic plan and limiting internal noise levels.'

Alternative Adherence Path

Noise Rating curve values may be used in lieu of Noise Criterion curve values for the mechanical equipment sound levels required in Part 2 of this feature using the same maximum criteria values listed for each space type. The project team must indicate in their documentation application if Noise Rating is to be used in lieu of Noise Criterion.

Correction

In Part 2a, change "Open office spaces and lobbies:" to "Open office spaces and lobbies that are regularly occupied and/or contain workstations:"

Feature 76: Thermal comfort

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote occupant productivity and ensure a sufficient level of thermal comfort.'

Equivalency

The Green Star Credit 14 is an accepted equivalent to the requirements of Feature 76: Thermal Comfort. Compliance with the Green Star credit is sufficient to comply with the requirements of Feature 76.

Alternative Adherence Path

ISO 7730:2005 and/or CEN Standard EN 15251:2007 may be used in lieu of ASHRAE 55-2003 Sections 5.3 and 5.4. The requirements of these standards must be met in all spaces, rather than 75% of regularly occupied spaces in the project. When selecting either ISO 7730:2005 or CEN Standard EN 15251:2007, the most appropriate standard must be selected for the space. Note that some naturally ventilated spaces may not qualify to use CEN Standard EN 15251:2007 if certain criteria are not met.

In addition, when utilizing CEN Standard EN 15251:2007, the project must comply with either Category I or Category II as described in Table A.1 of the standard in order to be within +/- 0.5 of the PMV for the space.

Alternative Adherence Path

Inquiry: In residential units, are the requirements of Feature 55 met if individual unit controls for heating are provided?

Ruling: No, an exemption from ASHRAE 55 requirements may not be granted in residential units if individual unit controls are provided. It is typical for each unit in a multifamily residential development to have individual control over space temperatures with controls allowing occupants to adjust temperatures. In order to rely on the controllability of the systems as an alternative strategy, it must be demonstrated that the local controls allow occupants to set conditions within the unit to meet ASHRAE 55.

Feature 77: Olfactory comfort

Type Description
Alternative Adherence Path

Core and Shell projects pursuing WELL compliance may submit Feature 77 as an Innovation feature under Features 101-105, provided all parts of the Feature are met for the whole building scope (i.e. The building core and shell and all parts of the interior finish-out that are completed by the project owner).

Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To maximize olfactory comfort by reducing the transmission of strong smells and odors within the building.'

Feature 78: Reverberation time

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'To help maintain comfortable sound levels by limiting reverberation times.'

Correction

In Part 1b, change "Open office spaces:" to "Open workspaces:"

Feature 79: Sound masking

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce acoustic disruptions and increase speech privacy by implementing sound masking into the building design.'

Correction

In Part 2a, change "Open office spaces:" to "Open workspaces:"

Verification type

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

Feature 80: Sound reducing surfaces

Type Description
Correction

For Part 2a, add "interior" in front of "surrounding walls."

Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce sound reverberation and maintain comfortable sound levels though absorptive ceiling and wall surfaces.'

Correction

In Part 1a, change "Open office spaces" to "Open workspaces:"

Correction

In Part 2b, change "Open office spaces:" to "Open workspaces:"

Correction

In Part 2c, change "Cubicle style offices:" to "Partitioned office spaces:"

Feature 81: Sound barriers

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce sound transmission and acoustic disruptions through sound barriers.'

Verification type

Add Contractor Letter of Assurance as required documentation.

Feature 82: Individual thermal control

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To maximize and personalize thermal comfort among all occupants.'

Correction

In Part 1a, change "The building provides a thermal gradient of at least 3 °C [5 °F] across open office spaces" to "The building provides a thermal gradient of at least 3 °C [5 °F] across open workspaces"

Feature 83: Radiant thermal comfort

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To maximize floor space, reduce dust transmission and increase thermal comfort by incorporating radiant heat and cooling systems into the building design.'

Correction

In Feature introduction text, change "Additional benefits include saved floor space, lower dust transportation and increased thermal comfort through the separation of temperature controls and fresh air supply systems" to "Additional benefits include saved floor space, lower dust transportation and increased thermal comfort through the separation of temperature controls and outdoor air supply systems

Correction

Change Part 1 name from "Lobbies and Other Common Public Spaces" to "Lobbies and Other Common Spaces"

Feature 84: Health and wellness awareness

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote a deeper understanding of factors that impact health and wellness.'

Correction

In feature introduction text, change "Health literacy, defined by the Institute of Medicine as" to "Health literacy, defined by the National Academy of Medicine as"

Feature 85: Integrative design

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To facilitate a collaborative development process and ensure adherence to collective wellness goals.'

Feature 86: Post-occupancy surveys

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To allow occupants to provide feedback to building owners and management, and help further develop the WELL Building Standard.'

Equivalency

The Leesman Survey is an accepted alternative to the Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality Survey required for Feature 86, Part 1: Occupant Survey Content.

Equivalency

(Approved)
The BOSSA Survey is an accepted alternative to the Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality Survey required for Feature 86, Part 1: Occupant Survey Content.

Equivalency

The Green Star Innovation Challenge: Occupant Engagement is an accepted alternative to the requirements of Feature 86: Post-Occupancy Surveys. Therefore, compliance with the Green Star credit is sufficient to comply with the WELL feature.

Feature 87: Beauty and design I

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To thoughtfully create unique and culturally-rich spaces.'

Verification type

Add professional narrative as required documentation, remove annotated architectural drawing, remove on-site spot checks.

Feature 88: Biophilia I - qualitative

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To nurture the innate human-nature connection within the project.'

Feature 89: Adaptable spaces

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce distractions, mitigate stress and enable focused work by integrating a stimuli management program within the building.'

Feature 90: Healthy sleep policy

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To support healthy sleep habits by discouraging occupants from working late at night and providing them with sleep support software.'

Verification type

Under Appendix D, change the feature type for Part 1 from "(Protocol)" to "(Organizational Protocol)"

Alternative Adherence Path

The requirements of Part 1b (provide employees with a 50% subsidy on software and/or applications that monitor daytime sleep-related behavior patterns such as activity levels, caffeine and alcohol intake, and eating habits) may be met if employees are provided free, doctor recommended software applications that meet these requirements.

Feature 91: Business travel

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To minimize disruptions to occupants' sleep and fitness regimens, and personal relationships by adopting supportive travel policies.'

Verification type

Under Appendix D, change the feature type for Part 1 from "(Protocol)" to "(Organizational Protocol)"

Feature 92: Building health policy

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To protect the overall health and well-being of occupants and their families by adopting comprehensive health policies.'

Verification type

Under Appendix D, change the feature type for Part 1 from "(Protocol)" to "(Organizational Protocol)"

Feature 93: Workplace family support

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To ensure occupants are able to properly care for themselves and their families by adopting supportive family care policies.'

Verification type

Under Appendix D, change the feature type for Parts 1, 2, and 3 from "(Protocol)" to "(Organizational Protocol)"

Feature 94: Self-monitoring

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote awareness of individual biomarkers associated with health and wellness.'

Verification type

Under Appendix D, change the feature type for Part 1 from "(Protocol)" to "(Organizational Protocol)"

Feature 95: Stress and addiction treatment

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To avoid or mitigate substance use and addiction issues by providing access to stress management programs.'

Verification type

Under Appendix D, change the feature type for Parts 1 and 2 from "(Protocol)" to "(Organizational Protocol)"

Feature 96: Altruism

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To enhance community identity and promote social cohesion.'

Verification type

Under Appendix D, change the feature type for Parts 1 and 2 from "(Protocol)" to "(Organizational Protocol)"

Feature 97: Material transparency

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote material transparency along the supply chain.'

Verification type

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

Feature 98: Organizational transparency

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote economic and social equity by requiring the adherence to and disclosure of fair and equitable business practices.'

Alternative Adherence Path

A corporate annual report may be used to meet the requirements of Part 1 (Transparency Program Participation) if it meetings the following requirements:

  1. The report includes information on each of the 22 JUST indicators (as applicable) as they apply to the organization as a whole, and areas where the organizational policies can be improved.
    Depending on the type of organization, certain indicators (such as hazardous chemicals) may not be applicable. The 22 JUST indicators are as follows: non-discrimination, gender diversity, ethnic diversity, full time employment, pay scale equity, union friendly, living wage, gender pay equity, family friendly, occupational safety, hazardous chemicals, worker happiness, employee benefits, continuing education, local control, local sourcing, stewardship, volunteering, positive products, charitable giving, animal welfare, and transparency.
  2. The report is publically available and employees are clearly made aware of how to access the report.
Correction

In feature description language, change the last sentence from "This feature uses JUST participation to support fair and equitable organizations" to "This feature uses JUST participation and G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines to support fair and equitable organizations."

Feature 99: Beauty and design II

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote occupant comfort and spatial familiarity by designing spacious, familiar and aesthetically appealing spaces.'

Feature 100: Biophilia II - quantitative

Type Description
Intent

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To support occupant emotional and psychological well-being by including the natural environment in interior and exterior design.'