There are two main types of alternative you can pursue for your project–Alternative adherence paths and equivalencies. Alternative adherence paths (AAPs) diverge from the exact feature requirements established in the WELL Building Standard but meet the feature's intent and support a similar outcome. Equivalencies substitute a different law, code, regulation or program for the ones listed in the WELL Building Standard. See below for more information about each type of alternative. 

• What are alternative adherence paths?

  An alternative adherence path (or AAP) is a strategy that may diverge from a WELL feature's exact requirements, but still meets the feature's intent and supports a similar outcome.

  Who are AAPs for?

  Alternative adherence paths are for anyone experiencing challenges related to applying WELL features or feature parts for their unique project. AAPs provide organizations a pathway to earn a required or desired WELL feature in a way that better fits their project conditions.

  How do AAPs work?

  Organizations craft AAP proposals that outline a comparable, alternative strategy that is supported by cited scientific, medical and industry research. The proposals are submitted for third-party review to ensure they sufficiently align with the intent of the original requirement. Once approved, that AAP can be used utilized for that project. and may be published to open the alternative path to other teams.

  If an AAP has broad application, the strategies described may be published as a pre-approved AAP for use by other WELL teams. Published AAPs may be used as part of documentation submission without submitting an additional AAP application; WELL teams should simply refer to the published AAP in the documentation submitted for that feature.

  For WELL rating enrollments with multiple locations and WELL at scale, an AAP may be applied to more than one location so long as the strategy proposed is identical across all locations. Some AAPs may require additional location-specific documentation, which will be indicated in the ruling.

  Why are AAPs important?

  AAPs are an integral part of the creativity and flexibility of the WELL program. While WELL features were crafted with universal applicability in mind (i.e., designed to be feasible across a variety of building types and contexts), there are also instances where new paths to achieving the same results may be revealed. The various ways in which the built environment impacts health across diverse contexts are numerous and overlapping, and there are additional paths that may be discovered during the WELL certification process.

  Every WELL project has the opportunity to help shape the future of the WELL movement through AAPs, especially if a project's AAP is approved and published for other organizations to use. Occasionally, AAPs also inspire new features or parts for future versions of WELL.

  How much do AAPs cost?

  Each engagement type receives an initial number of free AAP reviews; additional AAPs may be submitted for a fee.

  The number of free AAPs available varies depending on the enrollment type:

  • WELL Certification:

    • v2: three free AAPs, plus three more at each recertification
    • v2 pilot and v1: ten free AAPs

  • WELL ratings: three free AAPs, plus three more at each renewal

  • WELL at scale: ten free AAPs per subscription year

  How do I get started with AAPs?

  There are two ways a project can leverage AAPs:

  1. By utilizing published AAPs

  2. By crafting new ones for review. Once you've crafted an AAP, submit it for approval using the Alternatives Submission Form in your WELL project account.

• What are equivalencies?

  Depending on the location of the project, different laws, regulations, codes or programs may be more relevant than what is specifically listed in a WELL feature. IWBI accepts proposals for equivalencies to be used in place of the laws, regulations, codes or programs listed in a WELL feature.

  Who are equivalencies for?

  All projects. This pathway is open to any project who would like to use a local or regional program, standard or regulation in place of what is listed in a WELL feature.

  How do equivalencies work?

  To leverage an equivalency for your project, you may either choose from approved equivalencies or submit your own proposal for review. Accepted programs and equivalencies are listed along with their corresponding features or in one of the following resources:

  • Alternative strategies table

  • Pre-approved Programs

  How much does it cost to use an equivalency?

  All EPs are free!