Stay up to date on the key enhancements to WELL in the Q3 2022 Addenda

The Q3 WELL Addenda includes updates intended to add clarity for projects implementing product-based solutions to meet certain WELL feature requirements. No other changes have been made to WELL Ratings, WELL v2 pilot, the WELL Community Standard, Guidebooks or supporting tools and resources.

For a detailed overview of changes, please review the addenda table.

Summary of changes and features impacted:

• A12: Air Filtration, Part 1
  • Adjusted the metrics in the table to better align with commonly-used metrics of filtration efficiency. The filter ratings that comply with each metric remain unchanged.
• A13: Enhanced Air Supply, Part 1
  • Re-arranged the requirements to better differentiate the possible strategies available to project teams. Updated the verification method for 100% outdoor air systems to require a mechanical drawing rather than photographs.
  • Added that if air purification systems are electronic air cleaners, they must comply with internationally recognized standards for ozone generation. (Electronic air cleaner has been added as a glossary term.)
  • Added that air purification systems must not be designed to clean indoor air by distributing molecules into occupiable spaces. As an emerging technology, there is little evidence outside of laboratory conditions demonstrating their efficacy and safety and, as a result, leading organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) express caution regarding their use.
• L09: Occupant Lighting Control, Part 2
  • Reordered sections 1 and 2 for better readability.
  • Revised the feature to require that supplemental lighting is available to employees, rather than all occupants.
  • Clarified the requirements to require that users must be able to control the light levels and adjust the position of supplemental lighting fixtures.
  • Clarified the requirements aimed at minimizing glare.
  • Streamlined documentation requirements by replacing performance testing for light fixtures with a product specification sheet to reflect the revised requirements above.
• X05: Enhanced Material Restrictions
  • Expanded point earning potential by including additional pipe/fitting varieties beyond plastic. The feature now covers orthophthalate restrictions for any pipes and fittings intended for drinking water.
• X06: VOC Restrictions
  • Reduced the scope of the feature by removing interior poured flooring from the scope of Part 1. These materials are already covered in Part 2 of the feature.

We are committed to improving WELL based on the latest research, technology and best practice and we value your continued input on the evolution of WELL. If you have any questions, please connect with us at technical@wellcertified.com. Registered projects can reach us via the support tab in the WELL digital platform.