Stay up to date on the key enhancements to WELL in the Q4 2021 Addenda
Welcome to the Q4 2021 Addenda, your guide to the updates and changes in the WELL Building Standard (WELL). In it, you’ll find amendments that clarify and enhance feature language. Access the Q4 2021 Addenda toolkit.
WELL Addenda are informed by your feedback and our commitment to improving WELL based on the latest research and evidence. We value your continued input, and if you have any questions please connect with us here. Registered projects can reach us via the WELL Support tab in WELL Online.
Metrics
Highlights
- The WELL Portfolio Guidebook & The WELL Health-Safety Guidebook: Removed the need for teams to first create and submit “guideline documents” during a review cycle. Instead, teams only have to indicate which locations are pursuing these features, and then submit the specific details for the locations selected for an audit.
- Performance Verification Guidebook:
- VOC Testing Methods: We expanded the list of approved testing methods to include EPA TO-15 and NIOSH 1604 for Acrylonitrile and OSHA PV2012 for Caprolactam.
- Sampling requirements for multifamily projects: Clarified sampling requirements in non-dwelling spaces should follow sampling point guidance for regularly occupied spaces based on Table 2 in the guidebook.
Other:
- WELL Skybridge: To provide more flexibility in the certification process, project teams may elect to apply skybridge equivalencies during either the preliminary or final review cycle.
- Base Building + Interiors Tool: Added that projects that are not WELL Certified, but which have achieved or are seeking to achieve features through WELL Portfolio, may also use this tool.
WELL v2
- A02: Smoke-Free Environment: Clarified feature language in WELL v2 (and the WELL v2 pilot and the WELL Health-Safety Rating) that signage must be permanently installed. This is meant to clarify that paper signage or similar temporary signs are insufficient to meet the intent of the feature.
- A09: Pollution Infiltration Management: Added a pathway to comply with the feature through a design that includes three doors between the project space and the outdoors. This is available to projects who have an entrance outside of their boundary or a lobby that is not regularly occupied.
- Nourishment Features N03, N05, N06, N09, N11, and N14β : Clarified the minimum scope of several features in the Nourishment Concept indicating that both foods and beverages must be sold or provided.
Alternative Strategies
- Preferred Cleaning Products: Projects may utilize cleaning products with certain Globally Harmonized System (GHS) classifications toward Feature X11: Cleaning Products and Protocols. Projects must use these products no more than once per month and use them outside of regular business hours. Doing so requires certain protective equipment for cleaning staff and instructions for cleaning staff on how to properly dilute the product. It also requires readiness to implement enhanced ventilation and cleaning practices as recommended by the vendor.
- Vending Machines: Projects with only non-refrigerated vending machines may meet N02: Nutritional Transparency, Part 1 by ensuring that vending options include at least two varieties of fruits OR two varieties of non-fried vegetables. Projects utilizing this strategy are not eligible to pursue N03, N05 or N11.
Registration is closed for WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot
Registrations for new projects under WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot closed on December 31, 2020. Already registered projects continue to have access to certification resources including the digital standard, project lobby and key resources. WELL v1 and WELL v2 pilot projects will still be able to recertify under the versions they registered under for their first recertification milestone.
Introducing the second version of the WELL AP exam
The new exam, currently in beta phase, addresses the latest science and cutting edge research in WELL. Explore incentives, such as a free retake and more when you take the exam during its beta phase.
