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

According to the WELL v2â„¢ feature W01: Fundamental Water Quality, the project must conduct an environmental site assessment to identify any potential sources of water contamination on or near the site, such as fuel stations, automotive repair shops, landfills, or industrial facilities1. An environmental site assessment is a systematic process of evaluating the environmental conditions of a property, which may include historical research, site inspection, sampling, testing, and risk assessment2. Hiring an experienced professional to perform an environmental site assessment is a recommended strategy to ensure the safety and quality of the water supply for the project. Option B is incorrect, as engaging the local community may not provide sufficient or reliable information about the historical use of the site or the potential contaminants present. Option C is incorrect, as inspecting the site may not reveal the extent or nature of the contamination, which may be hidden or dispersed in the soil, groundwater, or air. Option D is incorrect, as determining if the site is a recognized Brownfield or has a similar designation may not be sufficient to identify the specific contaminants or risks associated with the site, and may not be applicable in some regions or jurisdictions.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature W01: Fundamental Water Quality Environmental Site Assessment - Wikipedia

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. 

According to Feature L02: Visual Lighting Design, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must provide appropriate illuminances on work planes for regular users of all age groups, as required for the tasks performed in the space1. One of the options to meet this requirement is to ensure that at least 90% of the interior project area is comprised of the following space types and meets the associated illuminance thresholds: Room Types Minimum Illuminance Threshold Offices Classrooms 30 fc (320 lux) at task surface1. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it meets the minimum illuminance threshold for office areas.

References: = Standard | WELL V2

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.

Installing digital displays that promote the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and water in eating areas can contribute towards Feature N07: Nutrition Education. This feature supports healthy eating patterns by increasing nutritional knowledge and food literacy, which can be achieved through educational programming and interventions like digital displays that provide nutritional information and encourage healthier food and beverage choices​​.

For a project with 300 regular occupants to comply with the requirements of Feature T02: Verified Thermal Comfort, a minimum number of responses is required to ensure that the feedback is representative of the occupant population. The WELL Building Standard typically specifies a certain percentage of the total occupants to participate in comfort surveys or interviews to validate thermal comfort within the space. A typical figure might be 15% of the occupants, which, in the case of 300 occupants, would translate to 45 individuals. Collecting feedback from this number of respondents allows for a statistically significant sample that reflects the comfort experiences of the population within the building.

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.

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

WELL requires sufficiently sized sink basins to minimize splashing, facilitating proper handwashing without contaminating surrounding surfaces.

References:

• WELL v2, Water Concept, Feature W08 Handwashing: https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/water/feature/8

To address the issue of degrading air quality due to the demolition of wooden boards, the most direct and effective initial step would be to use saws equipped with dust guards or collectors. These devices help to capture and contain sawdust at the source, preventing it from becoming airborne and contaminating the indoor environment. This approach aligns with best practices in occupational health and safety, as it directly addresses the source of the pollution and minimizes the exposure of workers and other occupants to potentially harmful airborne particles.

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.

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.

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.

The best strategy to evaluate the issue of ACMs is to hire a qualified inspector to investigate the project boundary and space to determine whether ACMs are present. This is in accordance with Part 2 of Feature 11, which requires an on-site investigation of the space conducted by a certified risk assessor or inspector technician to identify any lead-based or asbestos hazards. If any hazards are found, the project must follow the work practice standards and occupant protection plan for conducting lead-based or asbestos abatement activities.

References: = WELL v2 Feature 11: Fundamental Material Safety, FactSheet - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The most likely cause of the misunderstanding regarding the purchase of a harmful cleaning product by the facilities management team is that the project goals for health and well-being were overlooked during the initial discussion with the team. Effective communication and clear documentation of health and well-being goals, including the selection of less hazardous cleaning products and the establishment of adequate cleaning protocols, are crucial to ensuring that all team members are aligned and informed. The lack of awareness and understanding of the cleaning plan by the facilities management team indicates a gap in communication and documentation, underscoring the importance of integrating health and well-being goals into all aspects of project planning and execution​​.

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.

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.

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/

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 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.

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

The installation of MERV 14 filters could help to achieve Feature A12: Air Filtration, which requires projects with mechanically ventilated spaces to implement adequate air filtration and document a maintenance protocol for installed filters. The project scenario indicates that the building is mechanically ventilated and currently has MERV 11 filters. By upgrading to MERV 14 filters, the project could meet the minimum air filtration efficiency for outdoor air supplied to the space, depending on the annual average outdoor PM2.5 level. For example, if the outdoor PM2.5 level is between 24-39 µg/m³, the project would need to use media filters with an average removal efficiency of ≥75% for particles 0.3-1 µm in size (e.g., MERV 14, F8 or ePM1 75%)1.

References: = WELL v2 Feature A12: Air Filtration

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.

This answer best meets the requirements of Feature C01, which aims to promote a deeper occupant understanding of the WELL features pursued by the project or organization and how building design, operations and policies impact health and well-being. A multi-modal strategy that includes a WELL feature guide and regular communication can help reinforce the project’s culture of health, market health promotion policies and programs, and offer education on topics within the ten WELL concepts.

References:

• Feature C01: Health and Well-being Promotion
• WELL AP Study Guide

According to the WELL v2â„¢ 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 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

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’

An effective strategy to promote stair use by building occupants is to enhance the stairwell's visual appeal, for example, by placing artwork throughout the stairwell. This can create a more inviting and stimulating environment, encouraging occupants to use the stairs instead of elevators for inter-floor movement. The use of artwork can transform the stairwell into a more attractive space, thus supporting physical activity and contributing to the overall well-being of the occupants.

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 T06: Thermal Comfort Monitoring, Part 1: Monitor Thermal Environment in the WELL Building Standardâ„¢ 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.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are carcinogens that bioaccumulate in the environment. PCBs are a group of synthetic organic chemicals that were widely used in electrical equipment, paints, plastics, and other industrial products until their production was banned or restricted in many countries in the late 1970s and early 1980s. PCBs are persistent, meaning they do not break down easily in the environment, and bioaccumulative, meaning they build up in the fatty tissues of animals and humans. Exposure to PCBs can cause various adverse health effects, such as cancer, liver damage, immune system impairment, reproductive and developmental disorders, and neurobehavioral effects12.

References: = WELL v2 Feature 11: Fundamental Material Safety, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Sources, Exposures, Toxicities

The project can earn points from the Nourishment feature N01: Fruits and Vegetables, by including gardening supplies along with 1000 ft2 (93 m2) of raised beds in the rooftop garden. This would meet the requirement of providing at least 0.5 ft2 (0.05 m2) of edible garden space per regular building occupant, and also promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables by making them easily accessible.

References: = N01: Fruits and Vegetables

For a project to earn points under the Nourishment concept, particularly with regards to responsible food sourcing or promotion of healthy eating, including gardening supplies and dedicated space for raised beds on the rooftop garden can contribute towards this goal. This approach aligns with features like N01 Fruits and Vegetables, which emphasizes the availability and accessibility of fruits and vegetables. By providing space and resources for gardening, the project supports the consumption of fresh produce, potentially meeting the intent of nourishment-related features​​.

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.

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​​.

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.

To reduce work-induced fatigue, providing a dedicated space for restoration and relaxation is a highly effective strategy. This space should be designed to offer a quiet and calming environment where employees can take short breaks from their work tasks to decompress and rejuvenate. The accompanying policy should encourage and permit employees to take breaks during work hours, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being. This approach aligns with principles of ergonomic design and occupational health, recognizing that regular breaks can significantly reduce fatigue, improve concentration, and enhance overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Insufficient light during the day and excessive light exposure in the early night can lead to phase advances of the circadian rhythm. This means your body's internal clock shifts to an earlier schedule.expand_more

References:

•WELL v2 Feature L03 Circadian Lighting Design (https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/light/feature/3): This feature explains the impact of light on the circadian rhythm.

•General knowledge of circadian rhythms: Scientific research supports that insufficient light in the morning and too much light at night can shift a person's circadian rhythm forward (phase advance).

Turbidity is a measure of how clear or cloudy water is. It is caused by suspended particles, such as dirt, sand, algae, bacteria, or organic matter, that scatter light and reduce water transparency3. Turbidity can affect the color, taste, odor, and safety of drinking water. High turbidity levels can indicate the presence of harmful contaminants, such as pathogens, heavy metals, or pesticides, that can cause health problems2. Therefore, the water should be tested for turbidity to determine the cause and extent of the cloudiness and take appropriate actions to improve the water quality.

References:

• Why is my tap water cloudy? 3 common causes – and what to do
• Water Q&A: Why is my drinking water cloudy? Completed - USGS.gov
• Cloudy Drinking Water & How to Fix It

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.

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​​.

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.

Understanding Circadian Photoentrainment: This refers to how light exposure adjusts our biological clock, influencing our sleep-wake cycle.

Phase Advance: A phase advance means your internal clock shifts to an earlier sleep and wake time.

Light Timing Matters: Early morning sunlight exposure is the strongest trigger for a phase advance. The light signals to your body that it's time to start the day.

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.

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.

To accommodate smoking areas while adhering to Feature A02: Smoke-Free Environment, the WELL AP should recommend locating designated smoking areas outdoors, at ground level, and more than 25 feet away from entrances, operable windows, and air intakes. This guideline ensures that smoke does not enter the building and affect indoor air quality or the well-being of non-smoking occupants. This approach reflects WELL's commitment to maintaining a smoke-free environment within the building to protect occupants from secondhand smoke exposure, a known health hazard, while still accommodating those who smoke in designated areas away from the building to minimize health risks to others.

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.

For WELL Core Certification, which focuses on the base building elements of a project, a certain portion of the total building floor area must be designated for performance testing to ensure the building meets WELL's health and wellness criteria. The requirement of a minimum of 2,500 ft² (approximately 232 m²) for performance testing is established to ensure a representative sample of the building's overall environment and operational practices. This area must be readily accessible for testing and capable of demonstrating the building's compliance with WELL's standards. This requirement underscores the WELL Building Standard's commitment to evidence-based outcomes and verifiable performance, ensuring that the building's core and shell support the health and well-being of its future occupants.

In the WELL certification process, coordination among various team members, including the project's architect, owner, and facility manager, is crucial for compiling necessary documentation. Key documents such as Letters of Assurance, professional narratives, and ongoing maintenance reports play a significant role. Letters of Assurance are formal statements provided by professionals like architects or engineers, attesting to the adherence of certain project aspects to the specified standards. Professional narratives describe the design and implementation strategies used to meet WELL standards, while ongoing maintenance reports ensure that the building continues to operate according to WELL requirements over time. These documents collectively support the project's compliance with WELL standards, addressing aspects like air quality, water quality, lighting, and more, to promote health and well-being in the built environment​​.

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.

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.

To maintain low levels of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it is most effective to use air purification devices that include both an activated carbon filter, which adsorbs gases and odors, and a high-efficiency MERV 14 filter, which can capture airborne particles including those that may carry VOCs. This combination is effective in reducing the concentration of VOCs in the indoor environment, promoting better indoor air quality and supporting the health and well-being of the occupants in alignment with the WELL Building Standard's principles.

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​​.

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.

The WELL v2 Acoustic Comfort concept aims to reduce noise levels and enhance acoustic quality in indoor environments. One of the features under this concept is Feature A03: Sound Masking and Speech Privacy, which requires that spaces with different acoustic needs are separated by sound reducing partitions or other means. The kitchen and the nap room are examples of spaces with different acoustic needs, as the kitchen is likely to generate high levels of noise from appliances, utensils, and conversations, while the nap room is intended to provide a quiet and relaxing environment for occupants to rest. Therefore, the WELL AP should highlight to the architect that these two spaces should be separated by enhanced sound insulation to avoid noise disturbance and ensure speech privacy.

References:

• [WELL v2 Feature A03: Sound Masking and Speech Privacy]
• [WELL v2 Acoustic Comfort Concept Guide]

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

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 v2â„¢ 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.

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.

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