WELL WELL-AP WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) Exam Exam Practice Test

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

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

While other options could be beneficial, signage or educational materials directly support the core requirement of a restorative space by clearly communicating its purpose to users. This encourages the right mindset for relaxation and restoration.

References:

•M07: Restorative Spaces (Part 1: Designated Space) This part of the feature outlines the need for clear purpose and communication of restorative areas. https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/mind/feature/7

According to the WELL v2™ feature S02: Maximum Noise Levels, the project must achieve desired ambient noise levels such that HVAC, exterior noise intrusion or other noise sources do not impact occupant health and well-being1. One of the strategies to achieve this is to recommend high sound transmission class (STC) or weighted sound reduction (Rw) performance values for the building facade, windows and any exterior penetrations, as they can provide effective sound insulation and reduce noise transmission from outside sources, such as traffic2. Option A is incorrect, as altering the room geometry and space layouts may not have a significant impact on reducing noise from nearby traffic, unless the rooms are relocated away from the noise source or shielded by other structures. Option B is incorrect, as providing speech reinforcement and public address systems may not reduce noise from nearby traffic, but rather add to the internal noise sources that may affect occupant comfort and communication. Option C is incorrect, as suggesting lightweight floor constructions below noise generating spaces may not reduce noise from nearby traffic, but rather increase the impact noise transmission between floors.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature S02: Maximum Noise Levels Noise Control in Buildings - Engineering ToolBox

According to Feature A09: Cleaning Products, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must use cleaning products that are certified as low-hazard or safer by a qualified third party, such as Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, or EPA Safer Choice1. This helps reduce the exposure of building occupants and cleaning staff to harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can adversely affect indoor air quality and environmental health2.

References: = Cleaning products | WELL Feature Library - v2, 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.

According to Feature A11: Source Separation, part 2 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must install exhaust fans in spaces that contain printers, copiers, or other equipment that emit VOCs, ozone, or particulate matter1. These fans must vent the return air outdoors and not recirculate it to other spaces1. This helps reduce the exposure of building occupants to indoor air pollutants that can affect their health and well-being2.

References: = Standard | WELL V2, Source separation | WELL Feature Library - v2

In a university building where diverse activities occur, managing sound transmission is critical to maintain a conducive environment for all users. The juxtaposition of a recreation room, likely to be a source of higher noise levels due to active use, next to a meditation room, which requires a quiet, tranquil setting for relaxation and mindfulness practices, presents a significant challenge for acoustic design. This scenario necessitates reprogramming or implementing effective sound mitigation strategies to prevent noise intrusion from the recreation room into the meditation room, ensuring that the latter remains a serene space that supports mental well-being and stress reduction, in line with WELL's focus on creating spaces that enhance both physical and mental health.

VOCs are organic chemicals that can evaporate or vaporize into the air at room temperature. They can be emitted from various sources such as building materials, furnishings, paints, cleaning products, personal care products, tobacco smoke, and combustion appliances. Exposure to VOCs can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Some VOCs are also known or suspected carcinogens. According to the WELL v2 standard, reducing indoor VOC concentrations can improve respiratory health and well-being12.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2: This is the official source of the WELL v2 standard, where Feature A03: Volatile Compound Reduction is described in detail.
• What’s new in WELL v2: Air | Articles | WELL International WELL …: This is an article that explains the rationale and benefits of the new Air features in WELL v2, including VOC reduction.

Providing at least one drinking water dispenser within 100 ft. (30 m) of regularly occupied space is a key factor in promoting proper hydration. This requirement ensures that drinking water is easily accessible and convenient for occupants, which encourages them to drink more water and stay hydrated. Hydration is essential for maintaining health, well-being, and productivity.

References: = WELL v2 Feature W06: Drinking Water Promotion

Mindfulness programming is a strategy that can help promote mental health and well-being by reducing stress, enhancing focus, and improving mood. Providing free mindfulness programming, such as yoga or meditation classes, is one of the possible ways to meet the requirements of the precondition M01: Mental Health Promotion in the Mind concept.

References:

• What’s new in WELL v2: Mind | Articles | WELL International WELL Building Institute
• WELL Tip: Navigating preconditions for the Mind concept | Articles | WELL International WELL Building Institute

Feature X05: Enhanced Material Restrictions within the WELL Building Standard specifically targets the reduction of harmful substances in building materials, including formaldehyde, which is restricted in products such as ceilings, wall panels, insulation, furniture, and millwork. Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) known for its adverse health effects, including irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and potential long-term respiratory and carcinogenic effects. By restricting the use of formaldehyde in building materials, the WELL Building Standard aims to improve indoor air quality and protect the health and well-being of building occupants.

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

The Community concept contains a feature (C01: Health and Wellness Awareness) that requires projects to provide a guide to occupants that describes the WELL features pursued by the project, the impact of the built environment and other environmental factors on occupant health, well-being and comfort, and the available health resources and programs. The purpose of this feature is to educate and empower occupants to make informed

Here's the breakdown of how to calculate the project's contribution to the WELL Portfolio Score:

• Preconditions: While mandatory for certification, preconditions don't contribute directly to points for the WELL Portfolio Score.
• Optimizations: Each earned optimization point directly counts towards the overall score. In this case, the project achieved 60 optimization points.
• WELL Portfolio Score: The Score is calculated by aggregating optimization points from all participating projects within the portfolio.

In the WELL Portfolio, the scoring system is based on the performance of individual projects within the portfolio across the various WELL features. Preconditions are the mandatory elements that must be met for certification, but they do not contribute to the total points score. It is the optimizations—optional enhancements beyond the preconditions—that contribute to the scoring. Given that the project has achieved all 24 preconditions and 60 points through optimizations, the total points it can contribute toward the WELL Portfolio Score would be:

C. 60 points

• Preconditions and Optimizations: In the WELL system, preconditions are required for all levels of certification and serve as the foundation of WELL Certification. However, they do not count towards the points score. The points score is determined solely by optimizations.
• Total Points Contribution: Since the project has achieved 60 points through optimizations, these are the points that contribute to the WELL Portfolio Score, representing the project's advancements beyond the foundational preconditions.

• Portfolio Scoring Impact: The WELL Portfolio Score is an aggregate measure of performance across all projects within the portfolio. The optimizations that earn points reflect the degree to which each project exceeds the basic WELL requirements, thus pushing the overall portfolio towards higher levels of health and wellness.
• Encouraging Excellence: By focusing on optimizations for scoring, WELL encourages project teams to go above and beyond the baseline requirements, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in building design and operations.

Rationale Behind the AnswerImportance in ContextIn conclusion, the 60 points from optimizations directly reflect the project's contribution to the advancement of health and wellness within the WELL Portfolio, highlighting the project's commitment to exceeding baseline WELL standards.

Offering personal heating/cooling devices is the best strategy to address the problem of chronic thermal discomfort among a small percentage of building occupants. This strategy allows occupants to adjust their local thermal environment according to their individual preferences and needs, which can improve their satisfaction and comfort. Personal heating/cooling devices can include fans, heaters, foot warmers, radiant panels, or under-desk air terminals. The other options either do not address the individual differences in thermal comfort or may worsen the problem by creating uniform and inflexible thermal conditions.

References: = WELL v2 Feature T01: Thermal Performance, WELL AP Exam Embedded Content

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.

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

High levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) indoors typically indicate the presence of combustion sources. These gases are common byproducts of combustion processes, such as those from burning fuels in vehicles, stoves, lanterns, and furnaces, or when wood or gas is burned. Effective ventilation, maintenance of combustion appliances, and proper building envelope design are critical to preventing the accumulation of these gases in indoor environments, as outlined in WELL standards for maintaining optimal air quality.

WELL Feature C07: Enhanced Health and Wellness Promotion encourages a holistic approach to occupant well-being with a focus on education and awareness.

• Minimum Requirement: WELL's standard explicitly states that health promotion programs and educational sessions must be offered at least quarterly. This frequency ensures regular opportunities for occupants to learn and engage with health-related topics.
• Flexibility: Projects have the flexibility to exceed the quarterly minimum and offer sessions more frequently if desired.
• Variety of Topics: Quarterly sessions allow for covering a diverse range of health and wellness topics, including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep health, etc.

https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/wellv2/community/

For subsequent recertifications after a WELL project's first recertification, the project will be reviewed under the version of the WELL standard that is in place at the time of performance verification. This approach ensures that the project remains up-to-date with the latest WELL standards and practices, reflecting ongoing advancements in building health and wellness. By aligning recertification with the current version of the standard, projects can continuously improve and adapt to new research and methodologies, thereby maintaining a high level of commitment to occupant well-being​​.

References:

• WELL Certification Guidebook: This is the official guidebook that explains the process and requirements for WELL Certification, including recertification and renewal.
• WELL Certification | WELL Feature Library - v2: This is the official source of the WELL v2 standard, where the recertification requirements are described in detail.

Operable windows offer the advantage of natural ventilation and a connection to the outdoor environment, enhancing occupant well-being and comfort. However, they can also introduce external noise into the building, potentially disrupting the indoor acoustic environment. Feature S02: Maximum Noise Levels in the WELL Building Standard addresses the need to control indoor noise levels to support occupant health and productivity. When windows are open, noise from traffic, construction, and other external sources can elevate indoor noise levels beyond comfortable or healthy thresholds. Addressing this concern involves considering the acoustic design of the building, including the use of sound-dampening materials and strategic placement of operable windows away from noise sources, to ensure that the benefits of natural ventilation do not come at the cost of increased noise pollution.

• Feature C01: Health and Wellness Awareness: Key to this feature is maintaining occupant awareness of the WELL features achieved and the available health and wellness resources within the building.
• Communication Frequency: The WELL Building Standard specifies that communications focusing on available health education, resources, policies, etc. must be sent to regular occupants at least annually (every 12 months).
• Rationale: Regular, but not overly frequent, communication helps occupants stay informed and encourages engagement with the health-promoting aspects of the building.

Feature N03 aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of food production by encouraging the use of organic, local, and seasonal food. Sourcing at least 50% certified organic fruits and vegetables can be most effective in reducing antibiotics and pesticides in food, as organic farming prohibits or restricts the use of synthetic chemicals and promotes natural methods of pest and disease control. The other options are not directly related to reducing antibiotics and pesticides in food, although they may have other benefits or drawbacks for health and sustainability.

References: = WELL v2 Feature N03: Responsible Food Production, World leaders and experts call for significant reduction in the use of antimicrobial drugs in global food systems, Three things needed to curb antibiotic and pesticide resistance

According to the WELL v2™ feature N01: Fruits and Vegetables, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables can help prevent and manage chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers1. Fruits and vegetables provide dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and modulate gut microbiota2. Low fruit and vegetable intake, on the other hand, can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by impairing glucose metabolism and insulin function3.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature N01: Fruits and Vegetables The role of fruits, vegetables, and spices in diabetes - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Fruit and vegetable intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis - BMJ

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.

Supplemental light fixtures, such as task lights, are provided to occupants upon request at no cost within a WELL building to enhance occupant comfort by increasing the light level on the task surface. This benefit allows occupants to adjust their local lighting conditions according to their individual preferences and needs, which can improve their visual acuity, productivity, and satisfaction. Feature L09 requires projects to provide supplemental light fixtures that meet certain criteria for illuminance, color quality, and glare control.

References: = WELL v2 Feature L09: Supplemental Lighting

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.

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.

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.

For electric lighting glare control, the WELL Building Standard typically sets a maximum luminance to prevent discomfort from bright lights. A luminance of 6,000 cd/m² for light emitted at more than 45 degrees from nadir and below the horizontal plane is likely to be within the acceptable range to minimize glare and ensure visual comfort in an office environment with an overhead T8 fluorescent lighting system. This control helps reduce eye strain and improve the overall visual environment for occupants.

Adjustable monitors allow users to position the screen at an optimal distance, height and angle for their visual comfort and posture. According to the WELL v2 standard, projects should provide monitors that can be adjusted in height by at least 0.1 m [4 inches], tilted between -5 and 30 degrees, and rotated between -90 and 90 degrees.

References: = WELL v2 Ergonomic Workstation Design Feature V02, WELL AP Candidate Handbook

To achieve Part 1: Support Visual Ergonomics of Feature V02: Ergonomic Workstation Design, a project team should ensure that 100% of workstations include an adjustable monitor. This requirement emphasizes the importance of user adjustability in workstations, particularly for desktop computers, to support optimal monitor height, viewing angles, and horizontal distances. Adjustable monitors or monitor stands allow individuals to customize their workstation to meet their visual comfort needs, thereby reducing eye strain, discomfort, and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders​​.

For achieving compliance with WELL v2™ Feature A01: Air Quality, Part 2, which focuses on monitoring and meeting thresholds for organic gases such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the requirement for the number of sensors is based on the area of the project. The correct choice for an 87,500 ft² (8,120 m²) project is:

C. 20 VOC sensors

• Sensor Distribution Standard: The WELL v2™ standard typically recommends installing one VOC sensor for every 5,000 square feet of project space to ensure adequate monitoring coverage and accuracy in detecting VOC levels throughout the space.
• Calculating Sensor Needs: For an 87,500 ft² area, dividing by the 5,000 ft² coverage per sensor gives a requirement of 17.5 sensors. Rounding up to the nearest whole number, this would typically mean at least 18 sensors are necessary. However, to ensure comprehensive coverage and considering practical deployment strategies (such as additional sensors for high-risk areas like kitchens or print rooms), the minimum practical number could rise to the next available option, which is 20 sensors.

• Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage: Adequate sensor placement is crucial for real-time monitoring and ensuring all areas of the project meet air quality standards consistently. This is especially important in larger spaces where air quality can vary significantly from one area to another.
• Health and Compliance Implications: By meeting the minimum required number of sensors, the project not only adheres to WELL standards but also protects occupant health by enabling prompt identification and mitigation of poor air quality events, particularly those related to VOC emissions from building materials, furnishings, and equipment.

Rationale Behind the AnswerImportance in ContextThis approach aligns with WELL’s overarching goal of fostering environments that support occupant health through proactive management of building air quality. The focus on sufficient and strategic sensor deployment is a critical component of ensuring that indoor environments remain safe and healthy for all users.

In selecting sites with access to local mass transit in accordance with the WELL Building Standard, it's essential that the site is within 650 feet (about 200 meters) of an existing bus network providing a minimum of 72 trips on weekdays and 30 trips on weekends. This requirement ensures that building occupants have convenient access to public transportation, reducing reliance on personal vehicles and supporting sustainable and healthy commuting options​​.

Feature S04: Reverberation Time focuses on reducing the echo within a space to ensure clear communication and acoustic comfort. An accent wall with felt pieces would help absorb sound, thereby reducing the reverberation time within a meeting room. Unlike hard surfaces that reflect sound, materials like felt are effective in trapping sound waves and dampening echo, which is essential in creating an acoustically comfortable environment conducive to communication and focus.

In the context of the WELL Building Standard™, the emphasis is on promoting health and wellness through sustainable and responsible food sourcing. The recommendation to ensure that at least 20% of products are certified organic aligns with WELL’s principles which focus on enhancing the nutritional quality of food while reducing the exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides that can be found in non-organic foods.

Organic certification ensures that the products are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which supports the WELL principle of sustainable, health-promoting food sourcing. This recommendation is practical and achievable, making it a strategic starting point for integrating healthier food options into the corporate environment. It helps in creating a food environment that supports the physical health of the building occupants by providing cleaner, possibly more nutrient-rich food options, and also aligns with environmental sustainability goals.

Feature N08: Mindful Eating in the WELL Building Standard requires a dedicated eating space that includes tables and chairs to accommodate at least 25% of regular occupants at peak occupancy. This is to ensure that there is sufficient space for occupants to sit and eat mindfully, encouraging better eating habits and social interaction during meal times.

Carbon filters can assist with the removal of organic chemicals from water intended for human consumption. Carbon filters use activated carbon, which has a large surface area and high adsorption capacity, to trap organic molecules and reduce their concentration in water. Carbon filters can effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, chlorinated solvents, and other organic contaminants that may pose health risks or affect the taste and odor of water12.

References: = WELL v2 Feature W01: Fundamental Water Quality, drinking Water treatment: organic matter removal - Degremont®

For Feature V02: Ergonomic Workstation Design, particularly Part 2: Provide Height-Adjustable Work Surfaces, WELL standards require that at least 25% of seating spaces be equipped with height-adjustable workstations to promote ergonomics and physical activity. Given that MILO is acquiring furniture for 45 employees, a minimum of 25% of these workstations need to be height-adjustable. Calculating 25% of 45 gives us 11.25, which, when rounded down to the nearest whole number, necessitates at least 11 height-adjustable work surfaces. However, since the options provided do not include 11 as a choice and WELL standards typically round up for minimum requirements to ensure compliance, the closest correct answer would be B. 11 height-adjustable work surfaces, even though it's not listed as an option. This ensures that a sufficient proportion of the workforce has access to ergonomic furniture, aligning with WELL's focus on physical well-being through design.

According to Feature W05: Optimization Drinking Water Quality Management, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must test water quarterly in drinking water dispensers and meet the following thresholds: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are 500 mg/L or less. If any sample exceeds these thresholds, remediation and re-testing occur within a month1. Therefore, the project team should take the step of remediation and re-testing within one month to address the issue of high TDS levels.

References: = Standard | WELL V2

In many countries, the use of hazardous materials such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and lead in paints has been restricted due to their potential negative health impacts. VOCs can significantly affect respiratory health and may increase cancer risks, while lead is known for its toxicity and potential to cause serious health issues. Therefore, minimizing the use of these substances in paints aligns with the WELL Materials concept, which encourages the use of products tested for low VOC emissions and free of harmful ingredients like lead​​.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2, Feature X01 Precondition Material Restrictions, Part 3 Restrict Lead1
• Standard | WELL V2, Feature X02 Precondition Low-Emitting Materials, Part 1 Low-Emitting Materials2

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

According to the WELL Certification Guidebook, performance verification requires at least 50% occupancy of the project area, unless otherwise approved by IWBI. This is to ensure that the testing reflects the actual conditions and performance of the building when it is in use. Therefore, the project team should inform the developer that they cannot schedule performance verification until the occupancy requirement is met.

References:

• WELL Certification Guidebook, page 17, section 3.2.3: Performance Verification
• WELL v2 | Certification Process | IWBI, Step 3: Performance Verification

Thermal comfort significantly impacts productivity. When the thermal environment is within a comfortable range, individuals can focus better and perform tasks more efficiently. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can distract and reduce the ability to concentrate, leading to decreased productivity. WELL standards emphasize creating a thermal environment that supports the comfort and well-being of occupants, recognizing that thermal comfort is a key component of a healthy indoor environment.

Incorporating revolving doors at the entrance of a building can effectively meet the WELL Building Standard's requirements for healthy entryways. Revolving doors act as an air lock, reducing the influx of pollutants and particulate matter from the outside environment into the building's interior. This design feature minimizes the entry of outdoor contaminants and helps in maintaining cleaner indoor air quality. The presence of grilles that measure the width of the entrance and extend 10 ft. (3 m) in the primary direction of travel further supports this by trapping dirt and water at the entrance, but the key mechanism for reducing airborne pollutants is the use of revolving doors, aligning with WELL's emphasis on air quality and health.

The purpose of an Alternative Adherence Path (AAP) within the WELL framework is to offer project teams the flexibility to propose alternative methods or solutions that still meet the intended outcomes of a WELL feature. This pathway allows for innovation and customization in how WELL standards are applied, particularly when standard compliance paths may not be feasible or optimal for a specific project context. AAPs enable teams to tailor their strategies to better suit their unique circumstances, ensuring that the core objectives of WELL features—enhancing health and well-being in buildings—are still achieved​​.

References:

• Your roadmap to the WELL AP exam
• Standard | WELL V2
• IWBI Resource Hub | WELL v2
• Everything you need to know about the WELL AP beta exam
• Alternative Adherence Paths & Equivalencies | WELL Standard
• Alternative Adherence Paths | WELL Standard - v6

For Feature A01: Air Quality, the WELL standard sets thresholds for indoor air quality that are typically lower than the outdoor air quality levels to ensure that the indoor environment provides a safe and healthy atmosphere for occupants. If the outdoor annual average for PM2.5 is 30 µg/m³, indoor levels need to be significantly lower to meet WELL requirements, which are usually aligned with recognized health-based standards. Therefore, the option with the lowest levels of PM2.5 and PM10 would be the one that meets the requirements, as it indicates better filtration and air quality control measures are in place.

In addition to turbidity, testing for coliforms in bathroom faucets is essential for assessing water quality and ensuring it is safe for use. Coliforms are a group of bacteria that are indicators of sanitary quality and potential contamination by pathogens. Testing for these bacteria helps identify breaches in the water supply system or potential for contamination, ensuring that water quality meets health and safety standards. This requirement aligns with the WELL Building Standard's focus on maintaining high levels of water quality to protect the health of building occupants.

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’

Addressing the needs of individuals with food allergies, such as the new employee with a peanut allergy, is crucial for creating an inclusive and safe environment. Feature N09: Special Diets emphasizes the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions and promoting awareness of food allergens. Providing signage with catered meals that clearly indicate the presence of common allergens allows individuals to make informed choices about their food intake, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. This strategy supports WELL's commitment to nurturing a health-conscious workplace by ensuring that nutritional information and allergen warnings are transparent and accessible to all occupants, thereby fostering a culture of health and wellness.

Feature T06: Thermal Comfort Monitoring, Part 1: Monitor Thermal Environment in the WELL Building Standard™ focuses on the importance of continuously monitoring key parameters that contribute to thermal comfort in built environments. This feature specifically emphasizes the need to understand and control the thermal conditions that affect occupant comfort and well-being.

Dry-bulb temperature is the measure of air temperature without taking evaporation into consideration. It is one of the most direct indicators of thermal comfort as it affects how warm or cool an indoor environment feels to its occupants.

Relative humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air compared to what the air can "hold" at that temperature. The level of humidity has a significant impact on how temperatures are perceived by occupants. High humidity can make environments feel stuffier and warmer than the actual air temperature would suggest, while low humidity can make the air feel cooler and dryer.

For a university project accommodating 1,600 individuals (100 peak visitors and 1,500 regular occupants), providing adequate bike storage encourages active transportation and supports the WELL Building Standard's focus on promoting physical activity. The recommendation for a bike storage room with a capacity for 80 bikes considers the scale of the project and the moderate Bike Score®, suggesting an environment with some biking infrastructure. This capacity aims to meet the needs of a significant portion of the population who might cycle to the campus, facilitating a healthier, more sustainable mode of transportation. The location within the project boundary ensures accessibility and security for cyclists, aligning with WELL's goal of integrating physical wellness into daily routines.

Incorporating manual screens or blinds controlled by occupants is essential for meeting the requirements of Feature L05 Daylight Design Strategies, specifically for Part 2: Integrate Solar Shading. This design element allows occupants to adjust the screens or blinds to manage the amount of daylight entering the space, thereby reducing glare and solar heat gain while still benefiting from natural light. This approach is particularly relevant for MILO’s project, given the extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows. By enabling individual control over the shading devices, occupants can personalize their immediate environment to suit their comfort levels and task needs, enhancing overall satisfaction and well-being. This strategy also aligns with MILO’s people-first approach by empowering employees with control over their workspace, further supporting the firm's commitment to designing for well-being and employee health.

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

According to the WELL v2™ feature S01: Sound Mapping and Planning, the project must conduct a sound mapping analysis to identify the sources and levels of external and internal noise and develop an acoustical plan to address them1. One of the strategies suggested by the feature is to locate noise sensitive rooms away from external noise sources, such as busy roads, and provide adequate sound insulation for the facade1. This can help minimize acoustic disturbance and improve occupant comfort and well-being.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature S01: Sound Mapping and Planning

The most effective strategy for minimizing the use of pesticides in an integrated pest management (IPM) plan is to create protocols to prevent the attraction of pests. Prevention is a core principle of IPM, which includes strategies such as proper sanitation, waste management, and structural maintenance to eliminate food, water, and shelter for pests. By addressing these attractants, the likelihood of pest infestations can be significantly reduced, minimizing the need for chemical interventions.

Non-hollow core doors provide better sound isolation and speech privacy than hollow core doors, which can allow sound to leak through. According to the WELL v2 standard, doors that connect two occupiable rooms and doors to mechanical equipment rooms should have a non-hollow core, minimum STC/Rw of 30 and seals at the head, jamb and base.

References: = WELL v2 Sound Feature S03, WELL AP Candidate Handbook

To reduce sound transmission between adjacent spaces, using non-hollow core doors for private offices and conference rooms is an effective strategy. These doors, being more solid than their hollow counterparts, inherently offer better sound insulation. This characteristic helps to minimize noise leakage into and out of these spaces, thereby enhancing acoustic privacy and reducing distractions. This measure, in conjunction with other sound isolation practices, contributes to a more conducive working environment by maintaining the confidentiality of discussions and improving overall acoustic comfort​​.

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.

According to Feature N01: Fruits and Vegetables, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must provide fruits and vegetables to all occupants if food is sold or provided on a daily basis within the project boundary1. One of the options to meet this requirement is to ensure that at least 25% of available food options are individually selectable fruit offerings (containing no added sugar) and/or individually selectable non-fried vegetable offerings1. This helps promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are the cornerstone of a healthy diet and can lower the risk of chronic diseases2. The other options are not required or sufficient for meeting this feature, as they either do not specify the quantity or variety of fruits and vegetables (A, B, and C) or do not apply to all spaces (B).

References: = Standard | WELL V2, Fruits and vegetables | WELL Feature Library - v2

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.