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

Material transparency

Material transparency

Intent: 

To promote material transparency along the supply chain.

BACKGROUND

Just as consumers have a right to know the contents of the food they consume (whether to avoid allergic reactions or to make healthier nutrition choices), they should also have a right to know what is in the products and materials that make up the buildings they occupy. Due to the complex and multi-tiered nature of the global material production supply chain, little is known about the tens of thousands of chemicals in circulation today. This lack of data obscures necessary information required to identify potential hazards to the environment and human health. Demand for material ingredient disclosure at the consumer level pushes supply chain transparency and—even more importantly—supports innovation and green chemistry.

Part 1
Material Information

At least 50% (as measured by cost) of interior finishes and finish materials, furnishings (including workstations) and built-in furniture have some combination of the following material descriptions (in order to contribute, the product must indicate that all ingredients have been evaluated and disclosed down to 1,000 ppm):

Part 2
Accessible Information

The following condition is met:
a.
All declaration information is compiled and made readily available to occupants either digitally or as part of a printed manual.