WELL-AP WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) Exam Questions and Answers

The adjacency of kitchens and nap rooms is particularly challenging due to the contrasting activities that occur in these spaces. Kitchens are areas of high activity, often generating significant noise from cooking and social interactions, while nap rooms require a quiet environment to facilitate rest and relaxation. Without the possibility of reprogramming these spaces to different locations, additional sound mitigation measures become essential to prevent noise transmission from the kitchen to the nap room. This scenario underscores the importance of thoughtful spatial planning and acoustic design in aligning with the WELL Building Standard's objective of creating environments that cater to the diverse needs of occupants, ensuring that spaces designated for rest and relaxation are adequately protected from disruptive noise.

The WELL Building Standard™ includes various features that aim to increase access to fresh, local, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Among the options provided, the one that can fulfill a WELL feature by addressing environmental barriers and increasing accessibility to healthy food options is:

D. Option D: The project must be located within 0.25 mi (0.4 km) walking distance of a supermarket or farmers' market

• Accessibility to Fresh Food: Option D directly supports the goal of increasing access to fresh and nutritious food by ensuring that the location of the project is within a short walking distance from a food source. This convenience is crucial in encouraging the consumption of fresh, local, and seasonal produce.
• WELL Feature Alignment: This option aligns with WELL features that focus on nourishment and the availability of healthy food choices for occupants. WELL standards often emphasize the proximity to amenities that support health and wellness, including access to healthy food options.

• Reducing Environmental Barriers: Proximity to fresh food sources reduces transportation barriers that might prevent individuals from accessing healthy foods, thereby supporting dietary choices that are beneficial for both personal health and the environment.
• Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: By fulfilling this WELL feature, the design team contributes to a built environment that promotes healthy lifestyle choices and supports the physical well-being of occupants.

Rationale Behind the AnswerImportance in ContextIn summary, Option D is most in line with the objectives of the WELL Building Standard™, as it encourages the integration of buildings into communities where essential resources, such as fresh food markets, are readily accessible. This facilitates a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for building occupants.

For the Enhanced Supply Air feature, a key consideration is the maintenance of air filtration systems in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Proper maintenance ensures the effectiveness of supply air treatment methods, such as carbon filters, media filters, and Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI), in mitigating indoor air contamination. This practice is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and protecting occupants from pollutants and infectious disease particles, in line with the WELL Building Standard's objectives​​.

Performance verification is an essential part of the WELL certification process, as it provides an objective and independent assessment of how the building meets the WELL requirements and delivers the intended health and well-being outcomes1. Performance verification involves on-site testing, visual inspection, and document review by a WELL Performance Testing Agent, who evaluates the building’s performance across various aspects, such as air quality, water quality, lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and occupant satisfaction1. Performance verification ensures that the building is performing as designed and that the design strategies are effectively implemented and maintained2.

References: = WELL Performance Verification Guidebook Performance Verification | WELL - wellcertified.com

For Feature X06: VOC Restrictions in the WELL Building Standard, carpeting and resilient flooring products must comply with the California Department of Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2, which is a stringent standard for evaluating and limiting VOC emissions from building materials. This standard ensures that materials contribute to a healthier indoor air quality by minimizing the off-gassing of harmful volatile organic compounds, which can contribute to a variety of health issues. Compliance with the CDPH standard is an integral part of achieving WELL Certification, as it demonstrates a commitment to selecting materials that support a non-toxic and safe indoor environment.

In managing spills of hazardous substances like mercury, pesticides, and battery acid, containing all residues in a sealed container is a critical strategy. This approach prevents the spread of hazardous materials, reduces the risk of exposure to building occupants, and facilitates safe and appropriate disposal. It aligns with the WELL Building Standard's emphasis on health and safety, ensuring that the building's waste management plan includes procedures for promptly and effectively dealing with hazardous spills to minimize health risks.

Targeting Feature C11: Civic Engagement within the WELL Building Standard emphasizes the importance of community involvement and social engagement as part of enhancing overall well-being. Providing eight hours of paid time for community involvement annually is a direct method to encourage and facilitate employees' participation in civic activities, fostering a sense of community and personal fulfillment. This policy not only supports employees in contributing to societal well-being but also aligns with the WELL Standard's holistic approach to health, encompassing social and community health as integral components of individual well-being.

Feature X09 requires the safe management and minimization of wastes associated with hazardous chemicals present in commonly used products. Protocols for managing and minimizing hazardous waste are a key requirement for this feature.

References: = WELL v2 Feature X09: Waste Management

The key requirement for Feature X09: Waste Management within the WELL Building Standard is to have a waste management plan that includes protocols for managing and minimizing hazardous waste. This plan should cover the identification of roles, responsibilities, vendors for implementing the plan, sources of waste, strategies to minimize waste generation, waste collection strategies, protocols for cleaning spills of hazardous substances like mercury and pesticides, protocols to track, measure, and report waste stream flows, and protocols for off-site shipment of wastes​​.

• Supporting Evidence: WELL features often require specific design elements or operational protocols to be met. Annotated plans, drawings, or specifications provide clear evidence demonstrating how the project meets these requirements.
• Feature-Specific Requirements: Each feature has its own verification methods in the WELL Building Standard. Annotated documents are particularly important for features with visual or spatial requirements.
• Clarity for Reviewers: Annotations highlight crucial details, making review more efficient for the WELL assessors. They demonstrate that the project team has carefully considered and implemented the specific requirements.

To improve the fitness of primary school students, the WELL AP should recommend implementing a policy to offer sports activities for students at no cost for 75 minutes every school day. This recommendation aligns with WELL features that promote regular physical activity, which is vital for the growth and development of children. By ensuring that sports activities are offered every day without cost, the school would encourage consistent participation, helping to establish healthy habits early in life. This strategy is most effective because it integrates physical activity into students' daily routines, supporting both physical and mental well-being.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. It is commonly used in environmental testing to detect the presence of lead in paint. XRF analyzers can measure the lead content in painted surfaces directly, without the need to remove paint samples, making it an ideal method for in-situ testing in renovation projects. This technique is efficient, provides immediate results, and minimizes the disturbance to the existing structure, making it suitable for confirming lead hazards in buildings undergoing WELL Certification or any renovation.

This option is aligned with the WELL v2 feature W09: Healthy Work Schedule, which aims to promote employee well-being by supporting healthy working hours and rest periods. According to the feature, employees should be provided with at least one full day off per week, or 24 consecutive hours off from work per seven-day period, to allow for recovery and restoration. This can help reduce the risk of chronic stress, fatigue, burnout, and health problems associated with long working hours123.

References: =

• WELL v2 Feature W09: Healthy Work Schedule
• This is how many hours you should really be working
• 7 Strategies to Improve Your Employees’ Health and Well-Being
• WHO: Working long hours is a ‘serious health hazard’

• Focus on WELL Core: The question is specifically about WELL Core preconditions, which apply to the building owner/operator (Bayleaf), not individual tenants.
• WELL v2 Precondition - V02 Part 1 (Ergonomic Workstation Design): Requires adjustable-height workstations for at least 25% of all workstations.
• Calculation: Bayleaf manages the building and has 2 employees with desks - a receptionist and a property manager. 25% of 2 workstations is 0.5. Rounding up per WELL guidelines, at least 1 workstation should be height-adjustable. Since two people work within Bayleaf itself, both of their workstations need to be height-adjustable to meet the requirement.

References:

• WELL v2, Movement (V02: Ergonomic Workstation Design): Outlines the requirement for adjustable workstations for WELL preconditions.

When a permanently installed air conditioner has been used during construction, it is necessary to replace the air filter prior to occupancy. Construction activities can generate a significant amount of dust and debris, which can clog the air filters and compromise the indoor air quality. Replacing the air filter ensures that the air conditioning system can provide clean air and function efficiently, which is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment for future occupants.

Sick building syndrome is a condition affecting building occupants who experience acute health and discomfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building. One of the causes of sick building syndrome is the buildup of indoor pollutants, which is often linked to low airflow rates. Poor ventilation can lead to insufficient dilution or removal of indoor pollutants, contributing to a range of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. Ensuring adequate ventilation and airflow is therefore critical to prevent the buildup of pollutants and promote a healthy indoor environment.

According to the WELL v2™ scoring system, projects must earn a minimum number of points per concept to achieve a certain level of certification. For WELL Platinum Certification, the minimum number of points per concept is three (or in the case of the Air and Thermal Comfort concepts, at least six points combined)1.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Scoring and Certification Levels

The color rendering index (CRI) is a measure of a light source's ability to reveal the colors of various objects faithfully in comparison with a natural light source. Electric lights with a high CRI are effective in improving the perception of space by ensuring that colors are seen more accurately and vibrantly. This can have a significant impact on the aesthetics of the environment, as well as on the well-being and productivity of the occupants, making high CRI lighting a preferred choice in design according to the WELL Building Standard.

This answer meets the requirements of Part 1 of Feature M04: Mental Health Education, which requires projects to offer trainings that address at least two topics related to managing personal mental health and well-being, common mental health conditions or concerns, or signs and symptoms of mental health distress. The trainings must be offered at least twice per year or on demand to regular occupants.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2: This is the official source of the WELL v2 standard, where Feature M04 is described in detail.
• What’s new in WELL v2: Mind | Articles | WELL International WELL …: This is an article that explains the rationale and benefits of the new Mind feature M04.

Feature W02: Drinking Water Quality in the WELL Building Standard focuses on ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water through regular testing for specific contaminants. The inclusion of arsenic, nickel, total chlorine, and nitrite as parameters for testing under this feature is based on their potential health impacts and the importance of maintaining them within safe limits. Arsenic and nickel are heavy metals that can be toxic at high concentrations, while total chlorine and nitrites are chemical parameters that can indicate water treatment effectiveness and potential contamination. Monitoring these parameters helps ensure that the water meets safety standards, protecting the health of building occupants. This approach is part of WELL's broader commitment to enhancing health and wellness through the built environment, ensuring that fundamental needs such as clean drinking water are adequately addressed.

If a project team disagrees with the findings of a WELL report, the appropriate course of action is to submit an appeal. This process allows the project team to challenge specific decisions or interpretations made during the assessment of their project against WELL Building Standard requirements. The appeal process is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy in the certification process, providing a mechanism for project teams to seek a review of decisions they believe to be incorrect or not reflective of their project's compliance with WELL criteria.

Performing an air flush is a technique used to remove pollutants that were introduced indoors during construction prior to occupancy. An air flush is a process of supplying outdoor air to the building at a high rate for a certain period of time to dilute and flush out the indoor air pollutants3. An air flush can help reduce the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, dust, and other contaminants that may have accumulated during construction or renovation4. An air flush is required by Feature A03: Air Flush5 of the WELL v2 standard for projects that have undergone major renovations or new construction.

References:

• How to Transform a Polluted Indoor Environment into a Healthy Home
• Addressing Indoor Environmental Concerns During Remodeling
• Indoor air pollution: What causes it and how to tackle it
• Best Practices for Indoor Air Quality when Remodeling Your Home
• Feature A03: Air Flush
• Reducing Your Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution

Feature S01: Sound Mapping directs projects to label the following acoustic zones for performance verification:

• Loud zones: Areas for loud equipment or activities.
• Quiet zones: Areas for concentration, rest, privacy.
• Mixed zones: Areas for collaboration, learning, presentation.
• Circulation zones: Occupiable areas not intended for regular occupancy.

References:

• WELL v2, Sound Concept, Feature S01: Sound Mapping: Outlines the specific zones to be labeled and the requirements of the annotated document

According to the WELL v2 Feature S01: Sound Mapping, acoustically quiet zones include areas intended for concentration, wellness, rest, study and/or privacy. Lactation rooms fall under this category, as they provide a private and comfortable space for nursing mothers. Classrooms, lift lobbies and recreational rooms are not considered as quiet zones, as they are either mixed zones, circulation zones or loud zones respectively.

References: = WELL v2 Feature S01: Sound Mapping

When a WELL v2 project's water quality test results exceed the allowed threshold for microorganisms, the recommended strategy for continuing the pursuit of certification is to undertake curative action and then schedule retesting with a WELL Performance Testing Organization. This approach involves addressing the identified water quality issues through appropriate remediation measures and then verifying the effectiveness of these measures through retesting. Ensuring the water quality meets WELL standards is crucial for achieving certification, as it directly impacts the health and safety of the building's occupants​​.

References:

• WELL Performance Verification Guidebook
• WELL Performance Verification

The WELL Building Standard outlines specific steps for achieving certification, including a crucial performance verification phase. In this scenario, the most appropriate next step is to proceed with performance verification since:

• Occupancy Threshold: WELL allows performance verification to commence once a building reaches 40% occupancy. In this case, with 650 employees in place, the building has likely exceeded this threshold.
• Data Collection: Starting performance verification early allows for the collection of crucial data regarding air quality, water quality, acoustics, etc. Analyzing this data helps confirm the building is performing as intended and may identify areas for improvement.
• Certification Timeline: Completing performance verification sooner supports a more efficient certification process. It allows for the identification and addressing of any potential issues before submitting final documentation.

WELL Feature M09 emphasizes providing access to nature, including water features. The proximity to the riverfront park with a clear river view directly supports meeting the requirements of this feature.

References:

• WELL v2, Mind Concept, Feature M09: Enhanced Access to Nature: Outlines the requirements for promoting access to nature, including natural water features and views of nature. 

Raising awareness of healthy foods among occupants can be effectively achieved by designing a digital message board and menu that prominently features a variety of fruits and vegetables. This strategy aligns with WELL features that encourage the consumption of nutritious foods and support informed choices. By visually promoting fruits and vegetables, occupants are more likely to increase their intake of these healthy options, which contribute to overall well-being.

According to Feature C04: Occupant Survey, Part 2: Administer Survey and Report Results, the project team must administer the survey annually at minimum and report the aggregate results through WELL Online and to the employees upon request1. This helps the project team monitor and evaluate the occupant experience and satisfaction with the building and its WELL features.

References: = Standard | WELL V2

Global estimates from 2016 show that approximately 23% of the adult population is considered physically inactive, failing to meet widely disseminated physical activity guidelines. This statistic underscores the importance of designing spaces that encourage physical activity and movement to combat the prevalence of inactivity.

According to Feature L09: Occupant Lighting Control, part 2 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must provide supplemental light fixtures (e.g., task lights) upon request to all employees at no cost and requests are fulfilled within eight weeks1. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate strategy for meeting this feature, as it meets both the cost and the time criteria. The other options either exceed the time limit (B and D) or impose an additional cost on the occupant ©.

References: = Standard | WELL V2

A health-oriented mission statement should reflect the collective vision and goals related to health and well-being that were identified during the integrative process, including stakeholder charrettes. A charrette is a collaborative session in which stakeholders and experts come together to address and solve complex issues. Including goals or strategies established during such sessions ensures that the mission statement is aligned with the specific health and wellness objectives identified by those most affected by and involved in the project. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the project's health culture among all stakeholders, making the mission statement a powerful tool for guiding decision-making and actions towards promoting health and well-being.

For a cafeteria in a project pursuing WELL Certification, one key Nourishment strategy is to offer annual food allergy training to service staff. This requirement emphasizes the importance of ensuring that staff are knowledgeable about food allergies and cross-contamination issues. The intent is to reduce the risk of allergic reactions among diners by ensuring that the staff is trained to handle food safely, understand the severity of food allergies, and respond appropriately to special dietary requests. This proactive approach aligns with WELL's focus on nutrition and well-being, ensuring that all occupants have access to safe and healthy food options.

According to the WELL v2™ feature V04 Optimization Facilities for Active Occupants, the project must provide no-cost bike parking in the following quantities: Short-term bike parking (e.g., public bike rack) is located within a 100 ft walk distance of a functional building entrance and can accommodate at least 2.5% of peak visitors (minimum of four spaces per building). Long-term bike parking (e.g., bike room) is available within the project boundary and can accommodate at least 5% of regular occupants, excluding occupants under eight years old (minimum of four spaces per building)1. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it meets the requirement for short-term bike parking. Option A is incorrect, as the bike network must connect riders to at least 10 use types, not five1. Option B is incorrect, as long-term bike parking must accommodate at least 5% of regular occupants, not peak visitors1. Option C is incorrect, as the project’s address must achieve a minimum Bike Score® of 50, not 401.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature V04 Optimization Facilities for Active Occupants

To achieve an acceptable thermal environment for building occupants, the WELL AP should suggest designing mechanically conditioned regularly occupied spaces to maintain thermal comfort conditions with a Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) of +/- 0.5 for at least 90% of the occupied hours. This approach aligns with WELL's requirements for thermal comfort, focusing on creating indoor environments that are comfortable for the majority of occupants. By maintaining these conditions, the design supports occupant health, well-being, and productivity, while addressing one of the strongest contributing factors to overall satisfaction in the built environment​​.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2
• Your roadmap to the WELL AP exam
• IWBI Resource Hub | WELL v2
• What’s new in WELL v2: Thermal Comfort
• Feature T01: Thermal Zoning

Documents representing policies and operations schedules planned for implementation are created during the "Intent" stage of the WELL certification process. This stage involves early planning and collaborative discussions among key stakeholders, including leadership, human resources, project managers, facilities managers, architects, engineers, contractors, employees or other occupants, and community members. The discussions aim to define health, well-being, environmental, and equity goals. This foundational step ensures that the project's objectives for health promotion are clearly outlined and agreed upon by all parties involved, setting the groundwork for subsequent stages such as implementation, schedule review, and performance verification​​.

According to the WELL v2™ feature M05: Stress Management, the project must provide opportunities for staff to take breaks from work-related tasks and engage in activities that reduce stress and promote well-being1. Implementing a policy that entitles all staff to 15-minute breaks throughout the workday is an example of such an opportunity, as it can help staff relax, recharge, and cope with work demands2. Option A is incorrect, as coordinating after work happy hours may not reduce stress or improve mood and sleep quality for all staff, especially if they have to purchase their own tickets or consume alcohol. Option B is incorrect, as offering meditation interventions at a 50% discount may not be accessible or affordable for all staff, and may not be aligned with their preferences or needs. Option D is incorrect, as sending regular emails to staff featuring wellness topics may not be effective or engaging, and may add to their workload or information overload.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature M05: Stress Management The Importance of Breaks At Work - Forbes

Feature X08 requires projects to implement air treatment systems that reduce the concentration of contaminants in the air. Ultraviolet air treatment is one of the options that can be used to meet this feature. However, the project must also provide evidence that the required components of the UV system, such as lamps, ballasts, and filters, have been replaced or maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. This ensures that the UV system is functioning properly and effectively. The other options are not directly related to the UV system maintenance and inspection.

References: = WELL v2 Feature X08: Air Treatment, UV Air Treatment Systems

Benzene, formaldehyde and toulene are examples of organic gases, which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be emitted from various sources, such as building materials, furniture, cleaning products, or combustion processes1. Exposure to high levels of organic gases can cause adverse health effects, such as irritation, headache, nausea, or cancer2. Feature A01 Air Quality, Part 2 is a precondition that addresses potential issues caused by organic gas contamination in occupiable spaces, as it requires projects to meet acceptable thresholds for formaldehyde and individual VOC components, as measured by indoor air quality testing during performance verification3.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature A01 Air Quality, Part 2: Meet Thresholds for Organic Gases Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) | US EPA Standard | WELL V2 - Feature A01 Air Quality, Part 2: Meet Thresholds for Organic Gases

Studies have shown that the use of antibiotics in livestock and pesticides in agricultural crops can lead to various health issues in humans due to the accumulation of residues in food products. Among the listed conditions, adverse reproductive consequences are a noted concern. These consequences can arise from endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in some pesticides and antibiotic residues, which can interfere with hormone function in humans. Such disruptions can lead to reproductive health issues, including fertility problems, developmental disorders, and changes in the onset of puberty. Antibiotics in livestock can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which poses significant public health risks, but the direct link to reproductive consequences primarily comes from the hormonal disruptions associated with certain pesticides used in agriculture. These substances can mimic, block, or interfere with the body's natural hormones, leading to a range of reproductive and developmental health issues.

According to Feature W06 of WELL v2, water dispensers must be cleaned on a daily basis and their mouthpieces, outlets, protective guards, aerators, and basins must be maintained to ensure drinking water quality and hygiene.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2, Part 1: Ensure Drinking Water Access, Requirement 2: Dispenser maintenance
• Standard | WELL V2, Feature W06 Optimization Drinking Water Promotion, Summary

To meet the standards for Pollution Infiltration Management, the healthy entryway design in a retail pharmacy should be modified to increase vacuuming frequency to once a day. This adjustment ensures more effective removal of pollutants and particulate matter brought in on shoes and clothing, thus enhancing the entryway's capability to reduce the transmission of pollutants into the indoor environment​​​​.

Projects must provide a plan for reprogramming or mitigating sound transmission when a quiet zone directly borders a loud zone. This situation presents a high risk for noise disturbance, which can negatively affect concentration, relaxation, and overall comfort. Strategies to mitigate sound transmission may include physical barriers, soundproofing materials, and layout adjustments to ensure that the quiet zone maintains its intended acoustic environment.

Moveable seating arrangements should be recommended to contribute toward Feature M07: Restorative Spaces, which requires projects to provide spaces that promote a restorative environment and encourage relief from mental fatigue and stress. Moveable seating arrangements can accommodate a range of user preferences and activities, such as sitting, lying down, meditating, reading, or socializing. They can also create a sense of control and comfort for the occupants, as they can adjust the seating to suit their needs and moods. The other options are not directly related to the restorative function of the space, and may even distract or disrupt the occupants from relaxing and restoring.

References: = WELL v2 Feature M07: Restorative Spaces, WELL AP Exam Embedded Content

Automatic window shades can significantly influence the mean radiant temperature within a space by controlling the amount of solar radiation that enters. The mean radiant temperature is a measure of the warmth that one feels from the radiant heat exchange with surrounding surfaces. By adjusting window shades automatically based on the sun's position and intensity, the system can reduce overheating from solar gain, thereby maintaining a more comfortable and stable indoor thermal environment. This control helps in creating a space that aligns with the WELL Building Standard's focus on thermal comfort, ensuring that occupants are comfortable and productive.

For Feature A08: Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness, the WELL Building Standard specifies the minimum density of air quality monitors to ensure adequate coverage and accurate representation of indoor air quality across different spaces. The requirement of one sensor per 3,500 ft² (approximately 325 m²) is designed to provide a balance between comprehensive monitoring and practical implementation. This density allows for sufficient spatial resolution to detect variations in air quality in various areas of a building, facilitating targeted interventions and informing occupants about the air quality in their environment. It reflects WELL's focus on creating environments that support occupants' health and wellbeing by ensuring that air quality, a critical component of indoor environmental quality, is continuously monitored and managed.

According to Feature L06: Daylight Simulation, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must conduct daylight simulation calculations to ensure indoor daylight exposure for occupants1. One of the metrics used to evaluate daylight exposure is spatial daylight autonomy (sDA300,50%), which measures the percentage of floor area that receives at least 300 lux [28 fc] of daylight for at least 50% of operating hours each year2. To increase the sDA300,50% value, the project team can specify window glazing with higher Visible Transmittance (Tvis), which is the fraction of visible light that passes through a glazing material3. Higher Tvis values mean more daylight can enter the space and reach the work surfaces, thus improving the daylight simulation result. The other options are not likely to help meet the daylight simulation requirement, as they either do not affect the amount of daylight entering the space (A and B) or reduce the floor area that needs to meet the requirement (D).

References: = Standard | WELL V2, Daylight modeling | WELL Standard, Using daylight modelling to verify compliance with the WELL Building Standard

Incorporating design elements that provide a connection to place is a key aspect of promoting well-being and a sense of belonging among building occupants. One effective way to achieve this is by integrating art created by local artists into the building's design. This approach not only supports the local arts community but also reflects the cultural and geographical context of the building's location. Artwork can evoke local landscapes, history, or cultural themes, fostering a deeper connection between the occupants and their surrounding community. This strategy aligns with the WELL Building Standard's emphasis on biophilic design and the importance of creating environments that connect occupants to nature and their local surroundings.

The most direct way to minimize the generation of dust at the source is to equip the demolition tools (saws) with dust collection mechanisms. This prevents the dust from becoming airborne and spreading throughout the site.

References:

WELL v2 Air Concept: Emphasizes strategies to minimize the sources of indoor air pollution and control those that are present.

WELL v2 Feature 01: Air Quality - Part 3: Construction Pollution Management - Requires that the spread of construction-generated pollutants is controlled by using techniques like source removal.

For WELL Certification air quality thresholds, particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are a common concern due to their impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health. A result showing PM2.5 equal to 10 µg/m³ would likely meet the stringent air quality requirements set by WELL standards for indoor environments. This level indicates good air quality management practices, such as effective air filtration and ventilation systems, contributing to a healthy indoor environment.

WELL v2 requires a minimum of 12 work weeks of paid parental leave for the primary caregiver to support workplace family needs.

References:

• WELL v2, Community Concept, Feature C08 New Parent Support: https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/community/feature/8

The WELL Building Standard's Water concept sets strict limits for contaminants, including heavy metals like cadmium, in drinking water to protect human health. A performance testing result showing cadmium levels at or below 0.01 mg/L is considered safe and compliant with drinking water quality standards, reflecting the Standard's commitment to providing clean and safe water for consumption.

A building owner should use an air tightness test to assess the building envelope’s performance in regard to moisture protection. An air tightness test measures the rate of air leakage through the building envelope, which can indicate the potential for moisture infiltration and condensation. Moisture can enter buildings and building assemblies in four ways: bulk water, capillary water, air-transported moisture and vapor diffusion. Air-transported moisture is the most significant source of moisture problems in buildings, as it can carry large amounts of water vapor through small openings and gaps in the envelope. By conducting an air tightness test, the building owner can identify and seal any air leaks that could compromise the moisture protection of the building envelope.

References: = WELL v2 Feature 11: Fundamental Material Safety, Continuous Moisture Protection for the building envelope

According to the WELL v2™ feature N12 Optimization Food Production, a permanent and accessible space for food production is required to be at least 1 ft2 per regular occupant or 0.5 ft2 per student, whichever area is greater (up to a maximum of 1,500 ft2 and not less than 200 ft2). The area calculated is the actual growing area (vertical or horizontal) used for the production of food-bearing plants. For a commercial office building with 400 regular occupants, the minimum space required is 200 ft2.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature N12 Optimization Food Production

For WELL Feature N08: Mindful Eating, the requirement is to have dedicated eating spaces located within a 650 ft walk distance from the project boundary. These spaces must include amenities like tables and chairs to accommodate at least 25% of regular occupants at peak occupancy and provide protection from environmental elements or be situated in a climate-controlled space, supporting mindful eating behaviors and communal dining opportunities​​.

Pursuing enhanced air purification strategies becomes particularly justifiable in scenarios where external air quality is likely to be compromised due to pollution sources. A building situated near heavily trafficked roads and manufacturing plants is exposed to higher levels of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants. These contaminants can significantly impact indoor air quality (IAQ) if not effectively filtered out. Enhanced air purification methods, such as advanced HVAC systems with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon filters, or other technologies, can mitigate these external pollution influences, ensuring healthier indoor environments for occupants. This approach aligns with WELL's focus on maintaining optimal indoor air quality to support occupant health and well-being.

Increasing the grade of media filter can help reduce the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the indoor air by capturing more fine particles. According to Feature A12: Air Filtration of WELL v2, projects should use filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or higher, or equivalent, for mechanical ventilation systems that supply air to occupiable spaces. This can help meet the PM 2.5 threshold of 15 µg/m3 or lower for Feature A01: Air Quality.

References: = WELL v2 Feature A12: Air Filtration, WELL v2 Feature A01: Air Quality