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

WELL Addenda

Feature 1: Air quality standards

Type Description
Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Updated (Approved.)
Projects may exceed 500 µg/m³ in total VOCs (part 1c), so long as the following individual component VOCs do not exceed the limits listed in CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method V1.1, Table 4.1 (one half the Chronic Reference Exposure Levels (CREL) issued by Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment):

Compound Name CAS No. Allowable Conc (µg/m³)
Benzene 71-43-2 30
Carbon disulfide 75-15-0 400
Carbon tetrachloride 56-23-5 20
Chlorobenzene 108-90-7 500
Chloroform 67-66-3 150
Dichlorobenzene (1,4-) 106-46-7 400
Dichloroethylene (1,1) 75-35-4 35
Ethylbenzene 100-41-4 1000
Hexane (n-) 110-54-3 3500
Isopropyl Alcohol 67-63-0 3500
Methyl chloroform 71-55-6 500
Methylene chloride 75-09-2 200
Methyl tert-butyl ether 1634-04-4 4000
Styrene 100-42-5 450
Tetrachloroethene 127-18-4 17.5
Toluene 108-88-3 150
Trichloroethylene 79-01-6 300
Vinyl acetate 108-05-4 100
Xylene (m, o, p combined) 108-38-3 + 95-47-6 + 106-42-3, 179601-23-1 + 95-47-6, or 1330-20-7 350

Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "4 pCi/L". Add: "0.148 Bq/L [4 pCi/L]"


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 09 Feb, 2017

(Approved.)
Projects located in areas where annual average ambient PM2.5 levels are 35 µg/m³ or higher may utilize one of the following alternative strategies to satisfy Part 2.
- Replace the PM2.5 level in part 2b with 25 µg/m³. Projects using this option are limited in WELL Certification level to Gold, no matter how many optimizations are achieved.
- Replace the PM2.5 level in part 2b and the PM10 level in part 2c with a level equal to 30% of the 24- or 48-hr average of ambient outdoor levels on the day(s) of Performance Verification. Projects using this option are limited in WELL Certification level to Silver, no matter how many optimizations are achieved.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Part 2b, add: "(measured at 1.2-1.8 m [4-6 ft] above the floor)" after "below 800 ppm" and add: "maximum" after "at"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Part 2a, add: "(measured at 1.2-1.8 m [4-6 ft] above the floor)" after "800 ppm" at the end of the sentence


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2017

(Approved)
EN 13779, section A. 15. 2, Table A.10 may be used to comply with Feature 03, Part 2. Note, projects must adhere to Indoor Air Category IDA 1 or 2.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

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."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

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


Feature 4: VOC reduction

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

Previously published as an AAP:
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, and 4.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "July 1, 2005 for VOC content". Add: "Volatile organic compound (VOC) limits correspond to an effective date of July 1, 2005 and rule amendment date of January 7, 2005."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Previously published as an AAP:
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.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Previously published as an AAP:
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


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "b. For furnishings, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.1-2010."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 07 Apr, 2017

(Approved)
GreenGuard Gold is accepted as an equivalent for Feature 4, Part 5


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 07 Apr, 2017

Updated (Approved):
LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting materials credit is deemed equivalent for Part 1. Please note that the project must adhere to the "Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, all newly applied paints and coatings must be in compliance.
BREEAM UK NC/RFO 2014, INC. 2016 and IRFO 2015 Hea 02: Indoor air quality - Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels (products) credit is deemed equivalent for Part 1. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014, Table 20 in the UK RFO 2014, Table 17 and 18 in the INC 2016). Additionally, all newly applied paints and coatings must be in compliance.

LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting materials credit is deemed equivalent for Part 2. Please note that the project must adhere to the "Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, all newly applied adhesives and sealants must be in compliance.
BREEAM UK NC/RFO 2014, INC 2016 and IRFO 2015 Hea 02: Indoor air quality - Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels (products)credit is deemed equivalent for Part 2. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014, Table 20 in the UK RFO 2014, Table 17 and 18 in the INC 2016). Additionally, all newly applied adhesives and sealants must be in compliance.

LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting materials credit is deemed equivalent for Part 3. Please note that the project must adhere to the "General emissions evaluation" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, all newly installed flooring must be in compliance.
BREEAM UK NC/RFO 2014, INC 2016 and IRFO 2015 Hea 02: Indoor air quality - Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels (products) credit is deemed equivalent for Part 3. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014, Table 20 in the UK RFO 2014, Table 17 and 18 in the INC 2016). Additionally, all newly installed flooring must be in compliance.

LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting materials credit is deemed equivalent for Part 4. Please note that the project must adhere to the "General emissions evaluation" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, all newly installed insulation must be in compliance.

LEED v4 EQc Low-emitting material credit is deemed equivalent for Part 5. Please note that the project must adhere to the "Furniture evaluation" section (found in LEED v4). Additionally, 95% (by cost) of all newly purchased furniture and furnishing must be in compliance.

Note BREEAM equivalency is only applicable for Feature 4 Parts 1-3.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 07 Apr, 2017

(Approved)
GreenGuard Gold is accepted as an equivalent for F04, Part 5


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

(Approved)
CalGreen 2013 Title 24, Part 11, California Green Building code has been approved as an equivalent for F04, Parts 1 and 2. For Part 3, projects are required to meet 100% of the resilient flooring requirements according to CalGreen 2013 Title 24 in order to fully comply with WELL requirements.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

ORIGINAL RULING (10/24/2016):
(Not approved)
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.

UPDATED RULING (1/11/2017):
(Approved)
Greenstuf has been considered an acceptable material, as it complies with GreenGuard Gold Certification, which has been approved as an equivalent standard for Feature 04, Part 4.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

(Approve)
For Feature 4, Part 5, as an alternative to the formaldehyde emissions thresholds cited in ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 7.6.2, projects may use certain approved thresholds. For systems furniture laminates: CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010 limits (9 ug/m3) may be used. For furniture substrates: CARB Phase II limits (50 ppb for hardwood plywood with veneer core, 50 ppb for hardwood plywood with composite core, 90 ppb for particleboard, 110 ppb for medium density fiberboard, and 113 ppb for thin medium density fiberboard) may be used. Additionally, note that the project will still be required to demonstrate Feature 01: Air Quality Standards.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

(Approved)
Indoor Advantage Gold has been approved as an acceptable alternative for F04, Parts 1, 2, 4, and 5.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
LEED is deemed an equivalent standard for Part 1. Please note that the project must adhere to the "Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products" section (found in LEED v 4). Additionally, all newly applied paints and coatings must be in compliance. BREEAM is deemed an equivalent standard for Part 1. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014). Additionally, all newly applied paints and coatings must be in compliance.

LEED is deemed an equivalent standard for Part 2. Please note that the project must adhere to the "Additional VOC content requirements for wet-applied products" section (found in LEED v 4). Additionally, all newly applied adhesives and sealants must be in compliance. BREEAM is deemed an equivalent standard for Part 2. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014). Additionally, all newly applied adhesives and sealants must be in compliance..

LEED is deemed an equivalent standard for Part 3. Please note that the project must adhere to the "General emissions evaluation" section (found in LEED v 4). Additionally, all newly installed flooring must be in compliance. BREEAM is deemed an equivalent standard for Part 3. Please note the project must adhere to the Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels for products (found in Table 18 in the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014). Additionally, all newly installed flooring must be in compliance.

LEED is deemed an equivalent standard for Part 4. Please note that the project must adhere to the "General emissions evaluation" section (found in LEED v 4). Additionally, all newly installed insulation must be in compliance.

LEED is deemed an equivalent standard for Part 5. Please note that the project must adhere to the "Furniture evaluation" section (found in LEED v 4). Additionally, 95% (by cost) of all newly purchased furniture and furnishing must be in compliance.

PLEASE NOTE: BREEAM equivalency for F04 Parts 1-3, only applies to projects that are not pursuing any BREEAM Certification.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
Floorscore has been approved as an equivalent standard F04, Parts 2 and 3.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
Indoor Advantage Gold is accepted as an equivalent for F04, Parts 1, 2, 4, and 5.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

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…”


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

(Approved.)
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
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

(Approved.)
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
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

(Approved.)
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.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

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


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

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


Interpretation
Type: Interpretation
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016
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.' UPDATED RULING. Post Date 1/11/2017. Ruling: Products or materials applied or installed within a timeframe of, at a minimum, one year prior to the WELL Performance Verification are considered to be 'new.'
Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add Contractor Letters of Assurance as required documentation.


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

Add Owner Letter of Assurance as required documentation.


Feature 5: Air filtration

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

Remove: "Rack space and fan capacity is in place for future carbon filters or combination particle/carbon filters." Add: "Rack space is available and rack location identified for future implementation of carbon filters or combination particle/carbon filters."


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

(Approved)
Projects registered as New and Existing Interiors that can demonstrate that aspects of the base building design is outside of their control are not required to achieve Feature 05, Part 1: Filter Accommodation.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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


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

(Approved.)
In lieu of installing rack space for future carbon filters, an execution plan for future modifications to the HVAC system to create rack space for carbon filters may be provided in the event that the installation of carbon filters is a requirement of the WELL Building Standard in the future. To follow this approach, it must be confirmed that the system would be able to physically accept carbon filters should the necessary rack space be created, the plan must identify the cost estimates of renovating the HVAC system to include the necessary rack space to confirm that it is considered a capital improvement item, and the owner must commit to making the upgrades should the WELL Building Standard require carbon filters in a future recertification of the project.


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

(Approved.)
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
Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

(Approved)
As an alternative to the quarterly inspection of cooling coils required in Feature 6, Part 1b, projects may sample 25% of the project’s cooling coils per quarter (representative of all building orientations and equal to 100% of cooling coils per year) through either visual inspection or performance inspection tests. Policy documentation must be provided that includes a detailed description of the inspection protocols for cooling coils and drain pans, and confirming that cleaning will be provided if mold is found before the annual inspection. The inspection and analyses must be performed in accordance with ISO 16000-18 and ISO 16000-17.
Note that dated photos must still be provided to IWBI on a yearly basis.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

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
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "newly installed" after "all"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "occurring within one year prior to Performance Verification" after "building construction"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "occurring within one year prior to Performance Verification" after "during construction"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "occurring within one year prior to Performance Verification" after "building construction"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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.'


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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.


Interpretation
Type: Interpretation
Post Date: 06 May, 2016
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/renovation/alteration activity that took place during the process of readying the project for WELL certification and all construction/renovation/alteration 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.
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

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


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

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:"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

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


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

Remove Parts 3b and 3c.


Feature 8: Healthy entrance

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

Remove: "Permanent" from title of Part name.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Part 1a, add: "(sum of indoor and outdoor length)" after "primary direction of travel"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Part 1b, add: "(sum of indoor and outdoor length)" after "primary direction of travel"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Part 1c, add: "(sum of indoor and outdoor length)" after "primary direction of travel"


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

(Approved)
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
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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

(Approved.)
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.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

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
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "A cleaning plan is created which includes following requirements". Add: "A cleaning plan is created that includes"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "a. A list of high-touch and low-touch surfaces in the space (See Table A1 in Appendix C)". Add: "a. The Cleaning Equipment and Training section of Table A4 in Appendix C"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "b. A list of approved product seals with which all cleaning products must comply (See Table A4 in Appendix C)". Add: "b. A list of approved product seals with which all cleaning, disinfection and hand hygiene products must comply in accordance with the Cleaning, Disinfection and Hand Hygiene Product section in Table A4 in Appendix C."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "c. A cleaning protocol and dated cleaning logs that are maintained and available to all occupants". Add: "c. A list of high-touch surfaces and schedule of sanitization or disinfection as specified in the Disinfection and Sanitization section in Table A4 in Appendix C"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "d. A cleaning schedule that specifies the extent and frequency that a surface is cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected in accordance with the Disinfection and Sanitization and Entryway Maintenance sections of Table A4 in Appendix C". Add: "d. A cleaning schedule that specifies the extent and frequency of cleaning, including the Entryway Maintenance section of Table A4 in Appendix C"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "e. The Cleaning Equipment and Training section of Table A4 in Appendix C". Add: "e. Dated cleaning logs that are maintained and available to all occupants"


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

(Approved)
Projects registered as New and Existing Interiors that can demonstrate that aspects of the base building operation is outside of their control are not required to achieve Feature 09, Part 1: Cleaning Plan for Occupied Spaces.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

Add Part 1e with the following text: 'The Cleaning Equipment and Program Protocol section of Table A4 in Appendix C.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

Remove Waste stream management section from the Cleaning Protocol guidelines.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

(Approved)
GECA and SCS have been approved as acceptable alternatives for F09, Part 1, Requirement d.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

(Approved)
The EU Ecolabel and the Charter for Sustainable Cleaning have been approved as equivalents for F09, Part 1, Requirement d.
Note that Multifamily Residential Pilot projects are required to meet GS-49 for residential cleaning services rather than GS-42.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

Change Part 1b text to: 'A cleaning schedule that specifies the extent and frequency that a surface is cleaned, sanitized or disinfected in accordance with the Disinfection and Sanitization and Entryway Maintenance sections of Table A4 in Appendix C.'


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 pathogens, allergens, and harmful cleaning chemicals.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

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…”


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

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
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "The following conditions are met for all pesticides and herbicides used on outdoor plants". Add: "Pesticide and herbicide use on outdoor plants is eliminated, or hazards are minimized through one of the following:"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Pestcide and herbicide use is minimized by creating a use plan based on Chapter 3 of the San Francisco Environment Code Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program". Add: "The creation of a pest management plan in place of pesticide/herbicide use, based on Chapter 3 of the San Francisco Environment Code Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Only pesticides with a hazard tier ranking of 3 (least hazardous) as per the City of San Francisco Department of the Environment's (SFE) Hazard Tier Review Process are used. Refer to Table A2 in Appendix C for more details". Add: "Use of hazard-ranked pesticides based on screening lists described in Table A2 in Appendix C."


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

(Approved)
The UK Regulations Directive 2009/128/EC has been approved for F10, Part 1, Requirement a. Adopting organic farming principles described in Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 has been approved as an acceptable method to comply with F10 Part 1, Requirement b.
Note that:
1. Any envisaged exemptions adopted from the SF IPM program has to be listed.
2. The public has to be notified of any pesticides use under exempt conditions
3. Annual update of the IPM plan
4. Display the IPM plan in the building communal area and/or on website
5. Engage organic gardening professional for design of landscaping, and if infestation occurs
6. Ensure that ongoing use of IPM is part of any FM contract that manages the landscaping


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

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.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

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
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Not more than 100 ppm (by weight) added lead". Add: "Not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead in wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures, and 0.20% for solder or flux used in plumbing for water intended for human consumption"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add "c. Not more than 100 ppm (by weight) added lead in all other building materials."