This is a step-by-step guide to submit successful proposals for programs, standards or guidelines. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are submitting an AAP or an EP.

Make sure you're using the right tool

• If your project encounters a unique, nuanced or complex element that makes it difficult to comply with a WELL feature, an AAP may be more appropriate.
• Equivalency proposals are only for substituting standards, codes or programs listed in WELL features with others that may be more suitable to your project.

Before you start

• Check the feature to see if your standard, code or practice has already been reviewed, or if a similar AAP has already been approved:
  • For WELL Certification v1 projects, check out the Equivalency or AAP tab for each feature at standard.wellcertified.com.
  • For WELL v2 or v2 pilot projects, check the Alternatives tab of the feature page in the digital standard (v2 | v2 pilot).
• If it’s already been approved, that’s great! You are welcome to utilize previously approved and published equivalencies and AAPs.
• If it’s not included in the published equivalencies or AAPs, read on.

Submit a proposal

• 1. Sign in to your WELL account and open your project.
  2. Click Alternatives in the left menu bar.
  3. Click the blue "Submit AAP" button in the Alternative Path Proposals (AAPs) box or "Submit EP" in the Equivalency Proposals box.
  4. If your project contains both Certification and one or more Ratings, choose the program the alternative applies to from the Alternative Version dropdown. 
  5. Select the WELL feature from the drop-down menus and check the box for each applicable part.
  6. Enter the Reasons for Alternative Means and Methods / Reason for Equivalency Request in the form field.
  7. Enter the Proposed Alternative Means of Compliance in the form field.
  8. For equivalencies only–enter the region/countries where the equivalency may be applicable, the proposed verification method, similarities to the WELL feature requirement and differences from the WELL feature requirement.
  9. Drag and drop supporting files into the documents section. Or, click the ⊕ button in the documents section to open your local files, then choose the files you wish to add.
  10. Click Submit.

• If you would like to submit an equivalence proposal that is not associated with a specific registered project (for example, if you are a performance testing agent who wants to submit a new testing method for your region), follow the process below. You may not submit an AAP that is not associated with a registered project.

  1. Open the digital standard (v2 | v2 pilot).
  2. Open the feature for which you are submitting an EP.
  3. Click '+ Submit equivalency.'
  4. Select the applicable part(s) from the dropdown.
  5. Complete the rest of form with as much detail as possible. Pass along all of the expertise and background that you have on the proposed code, standard or practice. This information will be helpful during the review process.
  6. Drag and drop any supporting files into the documents section. Or, click the ⊕ button in the documents section to open your local files, then choose the files you wish to add.
  7. Click 'Submit Equivalency'.

View active or completed submissions

1. Click Alternatives in the left menu bar.
2. Select Submitted Strategies button in the left panel.
3. Scroll to view the AAP or EP # you desire to review.
4. Click the AAP or EP # to open.

After submission

1. If the review team requires you to clarify information or submit additional documentation, you will receive an email. Log in to your WELL account and respond within ten business days to continue the process.
2. Our team will review your proposal and issue a ruling back to you within 15 business days.

Equivalency proposal status

Your EP proposal can be:

• • Approved: Your program can be used as you propose it.
    • Some programs may be used globally and others in determined geographic areas.
  • Not approved: The proposed program was not deemed with the same rigor and/or scope than the referenced programs.
  • Not applicable: Your submission was not appropriate as a substitute to the standard, guideline or program referenced in a WELL feature. This often occurs when you try to submit an AAP through this path.