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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For Feature 19, Part 1, a dedicated outdoor terrace can be provided. The terrace must satisfy the following requirements:
a. Must be directly accessible from the tenant space
b. Must be able to accommodate a minimum of 15% of the total regular project occupants
c. Must be adequately shaded to allow occupants to perform their work without significant glare
d. Feature 19, Part 2 and Part 3 must be addressed

When desk bins are used to comply with Feature 22, Part 1, Requirement b, waste must be emptied at least once per day. Bins must be lined with appropriate liners (e.g. biodegradable liners for the compost bin) that will sufficiently retain all waste and waste residue. Bins must be wiped to remove waste residue when present or at least weekly.

Projects that wish to include a gas range within the project scope must provide range hoods with increased exhaust efficiency in order to exhaust combustion byproducts. The range hood must provide at least 100 cubic feet per minute of exhaust air for every 10,000 BTU’s of burner output. If the burner output is unknown or cannot be guaranteed, then the range hood should provide a minimum of 600 cubic feet per minute of exhaust air. In addition, the range hood shall be exhausted directly to the outdoors.

For regularly occupied spaces that are not within 30 meters (100 feet) of a drinking water station, pitchers of filtered water and glasses may be provided that are monitored and refilled through the day. The Operations Schedule for the project must include information regarding the provision (location and quantities) of water and the monitoring and refilling of pitchers if this strategy is used.

For projects located in India, the requirements for Feature 43 may be met by providing labeling for all high-shelf life packaged foods in addition to freshly prepared food items offered on-site. Foods must be labeled with the additives outlined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Up to 30% of the low-shelf life packages goods prepared off site may be exempted from artificial substance labeling, but must include clear signage that they have not been evaluated for artificial ingredients or food additives. The latest version of the FSSAI regulation must be made available to building users upon request.

For projects that prepare foods on site from raw ingredients, which are not able to comply with the requirements of Part 1, the project may offer point-of-decision prompts in lieu of labeling. The prompts must be based on a ranking system that encourages the consumption of nutritionally-dense foods. Food prompts must be clearly displayed and must be used in conjunction with a food advertising and/or messaging campaign​ that allows individuals to quickly and easily identify nutritious foods and beverages​. An explanation of the ranking system must be made available to all occupants.

Project teams which seek to use this strategy must have their prompts and ranking system approved by the WELL Assessor​​.​ All strategies should comply with best practices and/or dietary guidelines and be supported by existing scientific, medical, or industry research.​ Please note that all foods offered will still need to comply with Feature 39 Processed foods.

Projects pursuing option a, in place of a letter of assurance and on-site spot checks as indicated in the Performance Verification Guidebook, may provide an annotated floor plan which identifies a subset of workstations that comprise at least 75% of the total number present on site. During Performance Verification, the WELL Assessor will restrict sampling to these workstations, and compliance with this feature will be based on 100% of samples equaling or exceeding 200 equivalent melanopic lux.

The following glare control strategies may be used in lieu of glare requirements for atriums. Project teams may submit a plan or narrative detailing the use of a combination of the following: glare reducing film that has a solar transmittance of 10% or less, space planning to ensure workstations are set back from atrium spaces by at least 7 feet, and building orientation to reduce solar glare. Project teams must demonstrate that occupant comfort is not impacted.

Monitors with adjustable monitor arms that allow the occupant to move the computer screens to face within a 20 degree perpendicular to the plane of the nearest window may be used to meet the requirements of Part 1a (Glare Avoidance).

Inquiry: Can a daylighting analysis confirming that at least 90% of regularly occupied spaces have sufficient daylight illumination levels (at least 30 footcandles) and that 100% of spaces have access to quality outdoor views be used to meet the feature requirements?

Ruling: No, a daylighting simulation combined with access to quality views may not be utilized to meet the feature requirements. The intent of Feature 61 is to include proximity to windows, outdoor views, and daylight in indoor spaces.

As an alternative to a lighting simulation to determine the sDA of the space, project teams may use the LEED v4 BD+C EQ Daylight Credit requirements to fulfil the requirement. The provided lighting analysis document must be updated to demonstrate that 90% of the regularly occupied floor area meets the requirements (i.e. 2 points under LEED v4 BD+C EQ Daylight credit).

Projects that have significantly progressed through or have completed development, design, and/or planning processes may be exempt from Part 2 and may still achieve credit for this feature if achieving Parts 1 and 3. Projects pursuing this AAP are required to submit documentation that demonstrates significant hardship, such as financial or scheduling implications, in order to be exempt from Part 2.

Updated:
Comprehensive corporate wellness programs that offer meaningful incentives for regular physical activity or active commuting may be used to comply with Feature 65. Projects may also create company-sponsored sports teams, provided the sports teams are selected by the employees. Projects should ensure there is capacity to accommodate all employees who elect to participate and work with employees to accommodate similar incentives upon request. Projects must provide supporting documentation that demonstrates that the wellness offerings promote physical activity and incentivize employees to maintain regular levels of activity engagement or active commuting.

Existing (Removed):
As an alternative to one of the activity incentives provided under Feature 65, Part 1: Activity Incentive Programs, projects may create company sponsored sports teams, provided the sports teams are selected by the employees and ensure there is capacity to accommodate all employees who elect to participate.
Note that a second activity incentive program must be implemented in order to demonstrate achievement of Feature 65.

As an alternative to one of the activity incentives provided under Feature 65, Part 1: Activity Incentive Programs, projects may create company sponsored sports teams, provided the sports teams are selected by the employees and the owner will accommodate similar incentives for alternatives upon employee request.
Note that a second activity incentive program must be implemented in order to demonstrate achievement of Feature 65.

Projects may use Option 1. Surround Density of the LEED BD+C Surrounding density and diverse uses Credit to comply with Part 3: Neighborhood Connectivity. Documentation must demonstrate that the project is located on a site where the surrounding density within 400 m [1/4 mi] of the project boundary has a minimum combined density of at least 5,050 m²/hectare [22,000 ft²/acre] of buildable land, a minimum residential density of 7 dwelling units (DU) per hectare [17.5 DU/acre), or a minimum nonresidential density (FAR) of 0.5.

For Feature 68, Part 1, project teams may utilize a shared gym or similar physical activity space located within 50 m (164 ft) of the WELL project boundary. These spaces must be available for complimentary use by occupants. The project is required to submit documentation demonstrating that the space has adequate capacity for the project population, in addition to any other population that this shared amenity supports. Note: This ruling is specifically for Feature 68 and Feature 70. Compliance with other related Features such as Feature 65 and Feature 66 is not implied.

Projects may include bike share docking stations toward the bike storage requirements of this feature. The docks must meet the same proximity requirements listed in the feature. The project must provide a minimum of 1 storage space for privately owned bicycles, with at least 1 additional storage space for every 6 bike share docks.

For Feature 70, project teams may utilize a shared gym or similar physical activity space located within 50m (164 ft.) of the WELL project boundary. These spaces must be available for complimentary use by occupants. The project is required to submit documentation demonstrating that the space has adequate capacity for the project population, in addition to any other population that this shared amenity supports. Note: This ruling is specifically for Feature 68 and Feature 70. Compliance with other related Features such as Feature 65 and Feature 66 is not implied.

For Feature 73, Part 2, the project may provide height adjustable tables and meeting tables apart from workstation desks to meet the feature requirements.

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.

Whereas Noise Criteria levels within a space is driven by sound produced by the HVAC and other mechanical systems which may be outside of a tenant’s control, New and Existing Interiors projects may achieve Feature 75 when achieving NC levels higher than listed, with the following conditions:
- Achieve NC levels of 5 higher, but the project is limited to Gold level of certification, no matter how many Optimization features are achieved.
- Achieve NC levels 10 higher, but the project is limited to Silver level of certification, no matter how many Optimization features are achieved.

Multifamily residential projects may certify when not supplying central-system air conditioning or air conditioning units in individual dwelling units, with the following conditions:
- Outdoor air is supplied at a volume to meet Feature 3 Part 4 and is filtered to meet Feature 5 Part 2.
- The developer allocates spaces for tenant-owned, supplemental air conditioning units to be installed.
- The developer supplies all occupants with tenant guidelines for selecting a high-performance air conditioner unit to maximize comfort and optimize efficiency. The guidelines should detail the importance of local thermal comfort standards including environmental factors of air temperature, humidity, radiant temperature, air speed; and personal factors of metabolic rate and clothing insulation.
- Projects using this option are limited to Gold level certification, no matter how many optimizations are achieved.

Inquiry: In residential units, are the requirements of Feature 76 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.

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).

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.

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.

For kitchens that are no more than 3 m [10 ft] in any direction, the project team may use a ceiling height of 2.5 m [8.2 ft] in the kitchens.

For Feature 100, Part 3, the project team may include a seasonal water element in lieu of a perennial water element. For the remainder of the year, the element can be designed with appropriate vegetation, natural materials, or organic shapes, patterns and textures. The project team should also provide additional information regarding the element to visitors/occupants through an education display/placard located in the direct vicinity of the element. This display should be of sufficient size to include information such as the design concept or methodology, vegetation types, local context, etc.

Projects can earn one Innovation feature by providing free tours of their WELL Certified space. Projects must include a WELL educational component in conjunction with the tours. This can be permanent signage throughout the space describing different WELL features, a case study surrounding WELL Certification, a newsletter or other printed/online publication following the occupants' engagement with WELL, or an approved alternative. Tours may be offered on a pre-determined schedule or upon request through the IWBI Event Request Form.

On an annual basis, projects must submit the following documentation to IWBI to demonstrate an active tour program: tour script, tour destination descriptions (including at least one destination per WELL concept), dates of tours (minimum of six per year), number of attendees (minimum of 50 per year), and evidence of how the project is broadcasting the availability of these tours (i.e., social media, project website).

Projects can earn one Innovation feature by providing free tours of their WELL Certified space. Projects must include a WELL educational component in conjunction with the tours. This can be permanent signage throughout the space describing different WELL features, a case study surrounding WELL Certification, a newsletter or other printed/online publication following the occupants' engagement with WELL, or an approved alternative. Tours may be offered on a pre-determined schedule or upon request through the IWBI Event Request Form.

On an annual basis, projects must submit the following documentation to IWBI to demonstrate an active tour program: tour script, tour destination descriptions (including at least one destination per WELL concept), dates of tours (minimum of six per year), number of attendees (minimum of 50 per year), and evidence of how the project is broadcasting the availability of these tours (i.e., social media, project website).

Projects can earn one Innovation feature by providing free tours of their WELL Certified space. Projects must include a WELL educational component in conjunction with the tours. This can be permanent signage throughout the space describing different WELL features, a case study surrounding WELL Certification, a newsletter or other printed/online publication following the occupants' engagement with WELL, or an approved alternative. Tours may be offered on a pre-determined schedule or upon request through the IWBI Event Request Form.

On an annual basis, projects must submit the following documentation to IWBI to demonstrate an active tour program: tour script, tour destination descriptions (including at least one destination per WELL concept), dates of tours (minimum of six per year), number of attendees (minimum of 50 per year), and evidence of how the project is broadcasting the availability of these tours (i.e., social media, project website).

Projects can earn one Innovation feature by providing free tours of their WELL Certified space. Projects must include a WELL educational component in conjunction with the tours. This can be permanent signage throughout the space describing different WELL features, a case study surrounding WELL Certification, a newsletter or other printed/online publication following the occupants' engagement with WELL, or an approved alternative. Tours may be offered on a pre-determined schedule or upon request through the IWBI Event Request Form.

On an annual basis, projects must submit the following documentation to IWBI to demonstrate an active tour program: tour script, tour destination descriptions (including at least one destination per WELL concept), dates of tours (minimum of six per year), number of attendees (minimum of 50 per year), and evidence of how the project is broadcasting the availability of these tours (i.e., social media, project website).

Projects can earn one Innovation feature by providing free tours of their WELL Certified space. Projects must include a WELL educational component in conjunction with the tours. This can be permanent signage throughout the space describing different WELL features, a case study surrounding WELL Certification, a newsletter or other printed/online publication following the occupants' engagement with WELL, or an approved alternative. Tours may be offered on a pre-determined schedule or upon request through the IWBI Event Request Form.

On an annual basis, projects must submit the following documentation to IWBI to demonstrate an active tour program: tour script, tour destination descriptions (including at least one destination per WELL concept), dates of tours (minimum of six per year), number of attendees (minimum of 50 per year), and evidence of how the project is broadcasting the availability of these tours (i.e., social media, project website).