Updated June 20, 2023

A core aspect of WELL is the on-site performance testing which measures as-built conditions as experienced by occupants. Thus, testing should take place after construction finishes (at the point of “substantial completion”) and after the space has been operating with normal occupancy rates. 

Specifically, IWBI requires that on-site testing be done once a project has reached 50% occupancy, which should be determined utilizing normal expected occupancy conditions at the time of year that testing is conducted. Please note the following examples: 

• Over the summer, a school may be devoid of students. If on-site testing is scheduled to take place over the summer the 50% occupancy calculations would be based on the number of staff typically present during these summer months (e.g., security, administrators).

• An office may have a flexible work-from-home policy which allows for any number of staff to work remotely on a given day. In this scenario, the 50% occupancy calculation would be determined based on the average number of staff present in the office each day.

• An office where only 20% of workstations are occupied because the remaining 80% of additional occupants are in the process of moving from a different office would not be eligible for on-site testing since the current occupancy rate represents an atypical pattern.

WELL Core and multifamily residential projects do not have occupancy requirements since on-site testing is permitted to be completed before tenants/residents have arrived. Even without 50% or fuller occupancy, the building must still be substantially complete and ready for occupancy in all areas that will be tested. Tenant spaces and dwelling units do not need to be substantially complete. Keep in mind that active construction adjacent to any areas identified for testing may have a negative impact on performance testing results. The project team should carefully coordinate any active construction with the on-site testing schedule. 

How does this affect my project?

As long as construction is complete and you are in the final stages of documentation review, you may begin scheduling performance verification. By completing the form below, IWBI will pair you with an approved WELL Performance Testing Provider (PTP). Once submitted, we will be in touch with our recommendation and next steps. Alternatively, you may identify and contract directly with an approved PTP. 

WELL PV Scheduling Form

Please submit the following information through the tool or directly to your preferred contractor: 

• Scorecard listing all features being pursued 

• Completed Project Information Form

  • Learn how to complete the form

• Current furniture plans with room names, as well as mechanical and electrical drawings

• For any feature that has an option to be verified through a performance test or other method (e.g., L01), list intended documentation pathway

• Note of any features utilizing an AAP or EP  

• For v2 - L02 - provide specifications for light levels per task 

• For v2 - T01 - provide CLO and MET design assumptions for summer and winter conditions