Previous addenda

- Q1 2024 Addenda Overview
  
  Scope reduced
  - WELL Performance Verification Guidebook: For devices used to measure various air, water and thermal comfort parameters, measurement ranges were made larger. This results in a broader set of test instruments that meet WELL requirements.
  - WELL v2 Features L01 Light Exposure and L05 Daylight Design Strategies: Projects may now make daylight calculations based on the entire project as a whole, rather than demonstrating compliance on each individual floor.
  - WELL v2 Feature T09 Outdoor Thermal Comfort: The strategy now clarifies that outdoor shading is required for at least 25% of key spaces (e.g., plazas, seating areas) rather than a range of 25-75%.
  New pathways available
  - WELL v2 Feature A09 Pollution Infiltration Management: Projects may utilize design strategies to remove dirt from occupant’s shoes in addition to strategies already established in the feature (such as grilles, grates, slots, rollout mats and carpet tiles).
  - WELL v2 Feature W02 and WELL Performance Rating Feature PW2: For projects in jurisdictions that allow for trihalomethane and/or haloacetic acid thresholds that are higher than what is called for in WELL, a new AAP is now available that enables those projects to achieve this feature using those thresholds instead by demonstrating disinfectant byproduct levels do not increase within the building.
  Documentation change
  - For single locations enrolled specifically for certification, photographs may now be taken by members of the WELL project team (or the WELL Performance Testing Agent, as previously allowed). With this change, photographs can now be submitted as part of the documentation review prior to performance verification. Previously, this was only available to locations enrolled in WELL at scale or Ratings.
  Beta strategies
  - A unanimous vote by the IWBI Governance Council confirmed that 10 beta strategies can be fully incorporated into the WELL Standard because they meet the four tenets of WELL features: evidence-based, verifiable, implementable and presented for outside input. This includes:
    - N14β Red and Processed Meats – Part 1
    - V11β Ergonomics Programming – Part 1 and Part 2
    - S08β Enhanced Audio Devices – Part 1 and Part 2
    - X12β Contact Reduction – Part 2
    - I06β Carbon Disclosure and Reduction – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4
  - Prior to incorporation, minor updates were made to beta strategy language for clarity.
  - Projects will no longer have to submit a beta feature feedback form as a verification method type when pursuing these graduated strategies.
  How can my project or organization use updated feature language? If you’re looking to leverage newer language for a specific WELL feature, simply make a note in your documentation submission. To benefit from a more streamlined user experience and smoother documentation reviews, consider upgrading your entire account to a newer version. Explore our tutorial to get started or reach out to IWBI via your Support Tab in the WELL platform.
  
  Questions? Want to learn more about this quarter’s addenda? Contact our support team via your Support Tab in WELL Online. Customers who are not yet enrolled in WELL may contact us by filling out this form.
For a detailed overview of changes, please review the addenda table. Questions? Want to learn more about these addenda? Contact our support team via your Support Tab in WELL Online. Customers who are not yet enrolled in WELL may contact us by filling out this form.
- Q4 2023 Addenda Guide
  
  Clarifications:
  - Space Types for all programs: Introduced a new space type, “Guest Rooms”, to clarify feature applicability and requirements for these rooms within a hospitality project.
  - Revised the introduction to the WELL Health-Safety Rating to align with the latest messaging and branding. These changes clarify that the rating is a roadmap for businesses to put health and safety at the center of their business strategy now and in the long term. This can now be leveraged in your conversations with clients and the market about the benefits and impact of the rating in addition to other sales and marketing tools. Read more in the digital standard.
  - WELL v2 Feature A01.4 / WELL Performance Rating Feature PA09.1: Clarified that the radon testing applies to the lowest regularly occupied floor, rather than all spaces at or below grade.
  - WELL v2 Feature N01.1: Clarified what constitutes a particular “food offering” for the purpose of counting different offerings with the term “individually selectable”.
  - WELL v2 Feature S01.1 / WELL Equity Rating Feature ED7.1: Introduced a new zone category for sound mapping, “Not applicable zones,” to cover spaces that are not acoustically sensitive and do not have major sources of sound. Also, removed the requirement that the acoustic zone plan be made available to building occupants.
  - WELL v2 Feature C05.3 / WELL Equity Rating Feature EE6.2: Streamlined feature language and documentation requirements. Now, projects only need to identify strategies to address occupant dissatisfaction after survey results are received and compared to aspirational targets. This is documented annually rather than preemptively at the point of initial documentation submission for certification.
  - WELL v2 Feature A11.1:
    - For Dwelling Units and Guest Rooms: (1) Added requirement that bathrooms must have either an exhaust fan or operable window; (2) Clarified which kitchen appliances require exhaust fans.
    - For Commercial Kitchens: Simplified requirements and removed redundant language.
  Reduced Scope or Added Pathways to Improve Feasibility:
  - WELL v2 Feature A02.2 / WELL Health-Safety Rating Feature SH05.2: Simplified requirements regarding outdoor no-smoking signage and reduced areas where hazard signage is required.
  - WELL v2 Feature C15.4 / WELL Health-Safety Rating Feature SE6.1: Reduced the scope of the feature to regular occupants which excludes visitors from vaccine/testing requirements.
  - WELL Performance Rating Feature PA1: Added new pathways for projects in polluted regions to pursue less stringent thresholds for particulates to bring the WELL Performance Rating into alignment with WELL v2 Feature A01. Note that for WELL Certification, achievement of these pathways corresponds to a cap on certification regardless of optimization points achieved. These caps do not apply to rating projects.
  - WELL v2 Feature A06.2: Expanded the pathways for personalized ventilation systems, allowing systems with individually-controllable overhead diffusers that can demonstrate high-ventilation effectiveness.
  Increased Stringency:
  - WELL v2 Feature X01.2: Added metal halide lamps to the scope of mercury restrictions.
  How can my project or organization use updated feature language? If you’re looking to leverage newer language for a specific WELL feature, simply make a note in your documentation submission. To benefit from a more streamlined user experience and smoother documentation reviews, consider upgrading your entire account to a newer version. Explore our tutorial to get started or reach out to IWBI via your Support Tab in the WELL platform.
- Q3 2023 Addenda Guide
  
  WELL Performance Verification Guidebook:
  - Device Requirements: Updated device requirements for Light and Thermal Comfort test instruments to provide more flexibility in allowable devices.
  - Test Quantity Caps: Introduced a maximum test quantity for several features in Sound and Thermal Comfort to limit the number of tests needed for large projects, reducing testing time and cost.
  - General Test Methods: Added clarity to the general guidance on test methods and locations. Additionally specified that testing must be performed once HVAC and sound masking systems (if present) are installed and operational.
  - Continuous Monitoring Guidance:
    - Provided further clarity and examples for the data collection requirements when air and thermal comfort samples are taken via sensors.
    - Made available a three year recalibration or replacement cycle for carbon dioxide sensors that utilize Automatic Background Calibration (ABC) algorithms.
    - Expanded on and provided an example of compliant measurement interval calculations for air and thermal comfort parameters measured during regularly occupied hours.
    - Provided new guidance for monitor placement to clarify that monitors must not be located in the direct path of airflow from HVAC, fans, or standalone air purifiers which may skew or alter results.
  WELL Program Guidebook:
  - Audits: Updated the process so that a successful audit requires all audited locations to provide acceptable documentation, rather than allowing all locations except one. This helps simplify scoring and record keeping for WELL at scale subscribers.
  How can my project or organization use updated feature language? If you’re looking to leverage newer language for a specific WELL feature, simply make a note in your documentation submission. To benefit from a more streamlined user experience and smoother documentation reviews, consider upgrading your entire account to a newer version. Explore our tutorial to get started or reach out to IWBI via your Support Tab in the WELL platform.
  
  Section 1: Changes to the WELL Standard
  - A01 Air Quality: Introduced an option that exempts spaces built on raised-pier foundations or situated above the third floor of a building from radon testing. This positioning significantly reduces the risk of indoor radon, since indoor build-up originates from naturally occurring radon found in the ground and soil.
  - A09 Pollution Infiltration Management: Expanded the requirements to include air curtains as an allowable pathway since, when placed and sized appropriately, air curtains can reduce outdoor pollution and infiltration, and limit unwanted heat transfer.
  - N01 Fruits and Vegetables: Removed the unique requirement for Commercial Dining Spaces, allowing all space types to follow the same requirements for fruit and vegetable visibility strategies.
  - L02 Visual Lighting Design: Added a requirement to clarify that Option Two of this feature is for projects with minimal outdoor space since the predetermined illuminance targets that need to be met are generally not appropriate for outdoor spaces. Projects with higher percentages of outdoor space should use Option One of this feature, which allows the project team to select a lighting reference guideline that includes relevant illuminance targets based on their project’s circumstances.
  - L07 Visual Balance: Added a compliance path that allows for lighting systems without automation. Since the intent of this feature is to enhance visual comfort or balance, lighting automation is not necessarily a functional requirement. To earn this feature part, the lighting system, automated or not, must meet the other requirements for visual balance.
  - V02 Ergonomic Workstation Design: Expanded the requirements to include both fixed and adjustable seat pans and clarified the existing feature language.
  - V03 Circulation Network: Clarified that only occupiable floors need to have access to stairs.
  - X07 Materials Transparency: Introduced an option for products that comply with specific BIFMA Level credits.
  - X11 Cleaning Products and Protocols: Differentiated the requirements for cleaning products and disinfectants to improve the accuracy and clarity of the feature language.
  - M09 Enhanced Access to Nature: Simplified how biophilic requirements are met and adjusted guidelines to allow teams to mix and match strategies.
  - C14 Emergency Resources: Changed the requirements for the accessibility of AEDs from 3-4 minutes to 100 meters.
  - Glossary (Air): Added the definition of ‘district heating or cooling’ to clarify Feature A10 Combustion Minimization.
  - Glossary (General): Added documentation types (verification methods) to the glossary list for the WELL Standard, reflecting the terminology used in the WELL Program Guidebook.
  Section 2: Changes to WELL Core Guidance
  - W06 Drinking Water Promotion: Broadened the feature scope to only require the installation of water pipes in tenant spaces if requested by tenants, thus avoiding the installation of water pipes that may lead to stagnant water.
  Section 3: Changes to WELL Program Guidebook
  - Changed achievement maintenance requirements to indicate that projects must submit annual documentation within 12 months (instead of 15 months) of the initial award. These efforts will help projects align with ongoing data expectations, as well as reporting and renewal timelines.
  - Clarified considerations that may result in a revoked or expired achievement award to include changes related to location, ownership or demolition/disassembly. These changes must be disclosed to IWBI.
  How can my project or organization use updated feature language? If you’re looking to leverage the latest addenda changes for specific WELL features (but not upgrade your entire scorecard) make a note in your documentation submission. To avoid this extra step, consider upgrading your entire project or portfolio to a newer addenda version. Explore our tutorial to get started or reach out to IWBI via your Support Tab in the WELL platform.
- - A01 Air Quality: Introduced an option that exempts spaces built on raised-pier foundations or situated above the third floor of a building from radon testing. This positioning significantly reduces the risk of indoor radon, since indoor build-up originates from naturally occurring radon found in the ground and soil.
  - A09 Pollution Infiltration Management: Expanded the requirements to include air curtains as an allowable pathway since, when placed and sized appropriately, air curtains can reduce outdoor pollution and infiltration, and limit unwanted heat transfer.
  - N01 Fruits and Vegetables: Removed the unique requirement for Commercial Dining Spaces, allowing all space types to follow the same requirements for fruit and vegetable visibility strategies.
  - L02 Visual Lighting Design: Added a requirement to clarify that Option Two of this feature is for projects with minimal outdoor space since the predetermined illuminance targets that need to be met are generally not appropriate for outdoor spaces. Projects with higher percentages of outdoor space should use Option One of this feature, which allows the project team to select a lighting reference guideline that includes relevant illuminance targets based on their project’s circumstances.
  - L07 Visual Balance: Added a compliance path that allows for lighting systems without automation. Since the intent of this feature is to enhance visual comfort or balance, lighting automation is not necessarily a functional requirement. To earn this feature part, the lighting system, automated or not, must meet the other requirements for visual balance.
  - V02 Ergonomic Workstation Design: Expanded the requirements to include both fixed and adjustable seat pans and clarified the existing feature language.
  - V03 Circulation Network: Clarified that only occupiable floors need to have access to stairs.
  - X07 Materials Transparency: Introduced an option for products that comply with specific BIFMA Level credits.
  - X11 Cleaning Products and Protocols: Differentiated the requirements for cleaning products and disinfectants to improve the accuracy and clarity of the feature language.
  - M09 Enhanced Access to Nature: Simplified how biophilic requirements are met and adjusted guidelines to allow teams to mix and match strategies.
  - C14 Emergency Resources: Changed the requirements for the accessibility of AEDs from 3-4 minutes to 100 meters.
  - Glossary (Air): Added the definition of ‘district heating or cooling’ to clarify Feature A10 Combustion Minimization.
  - Glossary (General): Added documentation types (verification methods) to the glossary list for the WELL Standard, reflecting the terminology used in the WELL Program Guidebook.
  Section 2: Changes to WELL Core Guidance
  - W06 Drinking Water Promotion: Broadened the feature scope to only require the installation of water pipes in tenant spaces if requested by tenants, thus avoiding the installation of water pipes that may lead to stagnant water.
  Section 3: Changes to WELL Program Guidebook
  - Changed achievement maintenance requirements to indicate that projects must submit annual documentation within 12 months (instead of 15 months) of the initial award. These efforts will help projects align with ongoing data expectations, as well as reporting and renewal timelines.
  - Clarified considerations that may result in a revoked or expired achievement award to include changes related to location, ownership or demolition/disassembly. These changes must be disclosed to IWBI.
  How can my project or organization use updated feature language? If you’re looking to leverage the latest addenda changes for specific WELL features (but not upgrade your entire scorecard) make a note in your documentation submission. To avoid this extra step, consider upgrading your entire project or portfolio to a newer addenda version. Explore our tutorial to get started or reach out to IWBI via your Support Tab in the WELL platform.
  
  Question? Want to learn more about this quarter’s addenda? Contact our support team via your Support Tab in WELL Online. Customers who are not yet enrolled in WELL may contact us by filling out this form.
- Below you will find a summary of changes. For a line by line view of all enhancements, big and small, dive in here.
  
  Introducing the WELL Equity Rating
  
  This quarter, updates to WELL coincide with the launch of IWBI’s latest rating, the WELL Equity Rating. This new rating empowers organizations to create places where everyone can feel welcome, seen and heard. It also gives organizations an actionable framework to validate their commitments to improving health and well-being access, celebrating diversity and prioritizing inclusivity and belonging while addressing disparities in populations that have been traditionally underserved.
  
  Over the course of a two-year period IWBI reviewed volumes of research and engaged with hundreds of organizational leaders, practitioners and members of the community. Engagement spanned co-chair interviews, stakeholder roundtables, surveys for both employers and employees, webcasts and a community forum. IWBI also solicited select feedback from populations with lived experience.
  
  The strategies in the WELL Equity Rating are drawn from those in the WELL Standard and have been selected to help organizations prioritize and implement equitable policies, programs and design interventions for the most marginalized people. The changes made to these features as part of the development process for the WELL Equity Rating are also reflected in the WELL Standard as a whole. Additionally, a handful of new beta features and parts were developed for inclusion in the new rating. These new strategies were also added to the WELL Standard.
  
  To learn more about the WELL Equity Rating and how you can enroll, visit the landing page or contact wellequity@wellcertified.com.
  
  Q4 2022 Addenda Guide
  
  Section 1: Changes to the WELL Standard informed by the WELL Equity Rating
  
  Changes to WELL v2 feature language informed by the WELL Equity Rating development process are generally categorized as:
  - Made minor edits to feature language for clarity and simplicity.
  - Updated the scope or applicability of a feature to support feasibility and impact.
  - Developed new strategies to expand the reach and impact of the WELL Equity Rating and address gaps in the program based on rigorous research and industry best practices.
  Summary of changes:
  - W08: Hygiene Support, Parts 1 (WELL Equity Rating Feature ED2) - Clarified accessibility requirements for bathrooms including that projects must have one bathroom per floor that accommodates a person who uses a wheelchair and a care attendant.
  - N09: Special Diets (WELL Equity Rating Feature ES7) - Expanded feature language to require meals without soy and sesame and labeling foods when they contain these ingredients.
  - L09: Occupant Lighting Control (WELL Equity Rating Feature ED9) - Updated task lighting requirements to clarify that the light levels and position of the fixture on the work surface must be adjustable and that the light-emitting element must not be visible to users (e.g., the bulb is shielded to prevent glare). In addition, the verification type was changed from an on-site performance test to product specification sheets.
  - V11β: Enhanced Ergonomics, Part 1 (WELL Equity Rating Feature ED6) - Removed the requirement that asked projects to incorporate ergonomics into their mission statement. This change recognizes that projects enrolled in WELL at scale may not be pursuing the relevant feature where the mission statement would be captured, therefore making the strategy more difficult to implement and document holistically for an organization.
  - M06: Restorative Opportunities, Part 1 (WELL Equity Rating Feature EB5) - Streamlined language by removing the limits on work-related communication outside of shift or business hours.
  - C06: Health Services and Benefits, Part 1 (WELL Equity Rating Feature EB1) - Removed mental health services from this feature as it is covered throughout the Mind concept, notably in Feature M03: Mental Health Services.
    - Added a new beta strategy to this feature. Part 5 now covers a variety of inclusive and complementary health care services including doulas, fertility services, nutrition support and more. Projects or organizations are required to offer at least four services to employees and their designated dependents.
  - C09: New Mother Support (WELL Equity Rating Feature ES1) - Adjusted requirements to clarify that pumping breaks should be available to employees at least every three hours, that access to refrigeration is required for all overnight trips and that microwave ovens must be present in lactation rooms.
  - C10: Family Support, Part 1 (WELL Equity Rating Feature EB6) - Clarified that feature requirements apply to employees and added more robust examples to reflect the types of policies and services that comply with feature requirements.
  - C12: Diversity and Inclusion (WELL Equity Rating Features EE1, EH1, EH2) - Split feature into three, one-point parts to facilitate greater clarity of feature requirements and emphasize the importance and impact of each component. Part 1 requires that organizations evaluate their diversity representation, create goals and implement policies that support employees. Part 2 requires that organizations create reporting policies and have an executive level sponsor of DEI initiatives whose role is dedicated to the organization’s DEI strategy. Part 3 requires organizations to establish equitable hiring and retention policies with an emphasis on wage transparency and fair compensation.
  - C19B Education and Support (WELL Equity Rating Feature EB10) - Published a new strategy that requires financial support for education and/or mentoring opportunities to support career advancements and financial stability for all.
    - Research has shown that creating supportive programs for education, mentorship and sponsorship can positively impact employee financial health and opportunities. Specifically, minorities and women significantly benefit from peer-to-peer mentors and sponsors who champion them. Mentorship surveys also reveal satisfaction amongst employees within such programs – in the United States, 71% of employees with a mentor say their company provides them with excellent or good opportunities to advance their careers. Research from the United States found that 80% of employees agreed that their employer’s tuition assistance program makes them more likely to stay with the organization, and 71% of respondents rated tuition assistance as the best or among the best benefits offered by their employer (excluding health care benefits).
  - C20B Historical Acknowledgement (WELL Equity Rating Feature EC3) - Published a new strategy that requires a comprehensive, co-created program that acknowledges the history of colonization, displacement and relocation in a particular place and/or the contributions that Indigenous, enslaved and migrant peoples have made to a place.
    - Specific ethnic and racial populations have historically been colonized, enslaved, marginalized, abused and neglected with the threat of erasure due to imperial power dynamics and laws and decrees across the globe. Research has shown these harmful practices have led to disparities in physical, mental, emotional and economic well-being, long-term displacement, erased histories, and a breakdown of community social and economic structures. The act of reconciliation illuminates and drives awareness of historical contributions of marginalized and colonized communities through action and future-facing programs (i.e., land acknowledgments, truth and reconciliation practices, empowerment programs, financial relief and economic development). These programs help support the populations they serve through a co-creation approach.
  Section 2: WELL v2
  - Extra Points: Streamlined the way that extra points carry over from the 10 WELL concepts to the Innovation concept. If a project achieves more than 12 points in any concept, the additional points are now automatically counted toward Innovation Feature I01, without teams needing to take any action. Note that projects can earn up to 10 points in the Innovation concept.
  - Photographs: Added guidelines to the verification tab of the digital standard for features verified by a photograph including the specific information photographs should show and the number of photographs expected.
  - W02 Drinking Water Quality: Updated the verification type to an on-site performance test to bring all water tests in Features W01, W02, and W04 under the scope of the WELL Performance Testing Agent.
  - V03 Circulation Network: Revised feature language to require stairwells to be at least as prominent as (instead of more prominent than) elevators to recognize typical building design and the important role that building circulation plays in equitable access to spaces.
  - V04 Facilities for Active Occupants: Added language indicating that bike parking in Part 1 and showers, lockers, and changing facilities in Part 2 must be provided at no cost.
  - S02 Maximum Noise Levels: Added line breaks to clarify the applicable room type categories, which better allows WELL Performance Testing Agents to determine the number of testing points.
  - S03 Sound Barriers:
    - Added new adjusted thresholds to the tables in Parts 1 and 2. Projects that also achieve Feature S06 Part 1 are eligible to demonstrate compliance with less stringent STC or Rw thresholds.
    - Removed thresholds for sound source rooms that are not enclosed in Part 2 Option 2 to align with industry best practices.
    - Clarified that walls separating two “enclosed quiet zones” always use the same threshold, whether or not they include enclosed offices. This change improves the feasibility for enclosed offices.
  - S04 Reverberation Time: Clarified room types in S04 similar to the change made to Feature S02 described above. Distinct room types were split into their own lines in the table and sampling requirements in these spaces were also clarified in the Performance Verification Guidebook (see below).
  - X10 Pest Management and Pesticide Use: Added Option 2: Certified Pest Management, which requires the project contract with an accredited service provider to implement the pest management program. Current accreditations include GreenShield, GreenPro and EcoWise. This change supports feasibility and streamlines documentation for project teams.
  Section 3: WELL Ratings
  - Innovation Points: Increased available innovation points from three to five to support creativity. All WELL ratings now include five available innovation points. Explore pre-approved innovations in the digital standard to be awarded for doing things like having a WELL AP on your project team or submit a novel idea for review. Explore this knowledge base tutorial to learn how to submit a strong proposal.
  Section 4: Performance Verification
  - Device Requirements: Decreased accuracy requirements for chlorine measurements from + 0.02 to + 0.05 mg/L, enabling broader access to devices that measure / analyze chlorine in drinking water.
  - Laboratory Requirements: Clarified that the accreditation must be for the specific test methods used to analyze the parameters assessed for WELL. Note that WELL requires that labs processing samples have certain accreditations from ILAC signatories or government-recognized organizations.
  - Thermal Comfort: Clarified that the accuracy requirements for relative humidity measurement devices refers to percentage points (and not a percentage of the relative humidity reading). Also, clarified that the use of a tolerance to determine feature compliance applies only thresholds related to relative humidity (as in Feature T07) and not when humidity is used as an input for Predicted Mean Vote (as in Feature T01).
  - Sound: We made several updates on how the number of measurement locations is calculated.
  - Background Noise Levels: Simplified calculations to determine the number of measurement locations across room types. In some cases, this will decrease the number of measurements required for large rooms (such as open offices and dining areas) and increase the number of measurements required in smaller rooms (such as enclosed offices or conference rooms).
  - Sound Insulation: Clarified that calculations are based on combinations of source rooms and receiver rooms, rather than only source or only receiver rooms. For example, a project with enclosed quiet zones with walls that border both circulation zones and enclosed offices requires a test on both of those room type combinations.
  - Reverberation Time: Simplified process selecting measurement locations and clarified that while the volume of a room may impact the reverberation time threshold, it does not affect the designation of “room type” for the purpose of calculating the number of required measurements.
  Section 5: Program Guidebook
  - Feature reverification for ratings and WELL at scale. All projects need to renew or recertify to maintain their achievements and timelines depend on the achievement and enrollment type for that location. To simplify this process, locations within a WELL at scale subscription that have achieved a rating no longer need to manually confirm each year that the features are still met; instead, the features will be automatically renewed, provided that they are supported by active documentation (including performance testing results where relevant).
    - In addition, to align with WELL at scale processes, for documentation that does not already require annual submission, we also removed annual auditing requirements for locations that have achieved a rating within a WELL at scale subscription.
  - Milestone award and WELL at scale. Clarified that for WELL at scale clients, location milestones (e.g., WELL Certification) are formally awarded at the end of a review cycle and not during the preliminary round of review.
  Section 6: Changes impacting WELL Core projects
  - A11 Source Separation: Added an additional point earning opportunity for projects that meet requirements in all leased spaces instead of non-leased spaces.
  - T04 Individual Thermal Control: Added an additional point earning opportunity in Parts 1 and 2 for projects that meet requirements in all leased spaces instead of in the entire building.
  How can my project or organization use updated feature language? To upgrade to a newer version of WELL (e.g., upgrade from WELL v2 pilot to WELL v2) reach out to IWBI via your support tab in the WELL platform.
  
  – or –
  
  If you’re looking to leverage newer versions of specific WELL features, projects can simply make a note in their documentation submission. To avoid this extra step streamline your work, consider upgrading your entire project or portfolio to a newer version.
  
  Dive into this knowledge base tutorial to learn more about upgrading to a newer version of WELL.
- Summary of changes and features impacted:
  - A12: Air Filtration, Part 1
    - Adjusted the metrics in the table to better align with commonly-used metrics of filtration efficiency. The filter ratings that comply with each metric remain unchanged.
  - A13: Enhanced Air Supply, Part 1
    - Re-arranged the requirements to better differentiate the possible strategies available to project teams. Updated the verification method for 100% outdoor air systems to require a mechanical drawing rather than photographs.
    - Added that if air purification systems are electronic air cleaners, they must comply with internationally recognized standards for ozone generation. (Electronic air cleaner has been added as a glossary term.)
    - Added that air purification systems must not be designed to clean indoor air by distributing molecules into occupiable spaces. As an emerging technology, there is little evidence outside of laboratory conditions demonstrating their efficacy and safety and, as a result, leading organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) express caution regarding their use.
  - L09: Occupant Lighting Control, Part 2
    - Reordered sections 1 and 2 for better readability.
    - Revised the feature to require that supplemental lighting is available to employees, rather than all occupants.
    - Clarified the requirements to require that users must be able to control the light levels and adjust the position of supplemental lighting fixtures.
    - Clarified the requirements aimed at minimizing glare.
    - Streamlined documentation requirements by replacing performance testing for light fixtures with a product specification sheet to reflect the revised requirements above.
  - X05: Enhanced Material Restrictions
    - Expanded point earning potential by including additional pipe/fitting varieties beyond plastic. The feature now covers orthophthalate restrictions for any pipes and fittings intended for drinking water.
  - X06: VOC Restrictions
    - Reduced the scope of the feature by removing interior poured flooring from the scope of Part 1. These materials are already covered in Part 2 of the feature.
  We are committed to improving WELL based on the latest research, technology and best practice and we value your continued input on the evolution of WELL. If you have any questions, please connect with us at technical@wellcertified.com. Registered projects can reach us via the support tab in the WELL digital platform.
- WELL Addenda Highlights
  
  WELL v2 Changes driven by the WELL Performance Rating include:
  - New continuous monitoring pathways for several features (A01, A03, A05, A06) supported by a new verification method called “Sensor Data.”
    - Some features allow projects to submit documentation from a traditional performance test OR sensor.
  - A05: Enhanced Air Quality, Part 2. The list of speciated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was revised slightly to allow projects to measure EITHER Acrylonitrile or Caprolactam. This eases the testing burden on project teams, WELL Performance Testing Agents and labs.
  - A08: Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness. We reduced the density of displays needed to meet this feature from one per 3,500 to one per 5,400 ft2 [325 to 500 m2].
  - T01: Thermal Performance. Temperature and humidity data coverage was reduced from six months to one month. This change makes this strategy more accessible to new construction projects and aligns with the timing used in other features.
  Other changes include:
  - I06β: Carbon Accounting: ACR is now an acceptable carbon accounting and/or offsetting schema for Part 4: Carbon Neutral.
  - Nourishment Optimization Features: WELL Core projects with food service tenants may use this tenant space to earn points toward Nourishment optimizations (N03, N04, N05, N06, N09, N11, N14β) so long as the Nourishment preconditions are also achieved within that space.
  - W04: Enhanced Water Quality: Due to global challenges in finding qualified labs that routinely test for sulfide, this parameter was removed. Notably, this parameter would rarely be found at elevated levels in isolation of other parameters tested in this feature.
  - X11: Cleaning Products and Protocols: A new pathway was added allowing projects to utilize a pre-approved cleaning provider to achieve Part 1 of this feature without documenting their cleaning plan. Current accepted providers include those certified by either Green Seal Standard for Commercial and Institutional Cleaning Services or GBAC STAR Service Accreditation Program. Project teams may submit an equivalency proposal to have other programs considered.
  Performance Verification Guidebook
  - For the Water Concept, accreditation criteria now includes third-party labs that meet ISO 17025-2017 by an accreditation body authorized by the local government.
  - The guidebook now includes a section covering technical sensor specifications. Some specifications have been removed from feature language into the guidebook. Highlighted changes include:
    - Established that initial certification requirements for projects utilizing sensor-based verification pathways requires passing thresholds over one calendar month while renewal requires compliance over one year.
    - Expanded guidance on monitor density based on project size
    - Added more guidance on where to place monitors while remaining flexible (e.g., consider HVAC zones, faces of a building, occupied space types)
    - Added guidance on placement of ceiling monitors
    - Aligned all sensor reporting frequencies to 15 minutes (except radon which remains one hourly due to sensor limitations in the market)
    - Clarified that field calibration processes are allowed to accommodate for monitoring companies that don’t implement a traditional calibration model (annual send in for servicing, swappable sensors) a pathway to meet WELL requirements
    - Aligned thermal comfort and air compliance calculations to 90% of data during occupied hours must meet thresholds
  Alternative Strategies
  - WELL Performance Rating and WELL v2 projects are eligible to submit an alternative adherence path demonstrating implementation of continuous monitoring for any feature that does not currently offer a sensor-based verification pathway.
  - C02 Integrative Design. During public health emergencies, natural disasters or other emergencies that restrict occupants from entering or utilizing the space, projects may defer stakeholder tours until a later date when it is deemed safe to re-enter the building.
  - C015β Emergency Resilience and Recovery. Projects may exclude from feature requirements those visitors who will be in the project boundary for less than 15 minutes (on average) provided that the project also meets Feature X12.
  - N06: Portion Sizes. Projects which offer broth-based noodle soups (e.g., ramen, pho) in a buffet or other self-service station may offer bowls larger than the listed sizes provided that the size does not exceed 16 fl oz. Bowls larger than 16 fl oz. must be available only near areas where broth-based soups are served and include the appropriate signage regarding their use. This strategy is the result of global collaboration with project teams, WELL coaching contacts, the Standard Development Team and the WELL Nourishment Advisory and acknowledges the cultural practices present in some regions.
  WELL Addenda are informed by your feedback and our commitment to improving WELL based on the latest research, technology and best practice. We value your continued input, so if you have any questions, please connect with us at technical@wellcertified.com. Registered projects can reach us via the WELL Support tab in the WELL digital platform.
- Highlights
  - The WELL Portfolio Guidebook & The WELL Rating Guidebook: Removed the need for teams to first create and submit “guideline documents” during a review cycle. Instead, teams only have to indicate which locations are pursuing these features, and then submit the specific details for the locations selected for an audit.
  - Performance Verification Guidebook:
    - VOC Testing Methods: We expanded the list of approved testing methods to include EPA TO-15 and NIOSH 1604 for Acrylonitrile and OSHA PV2012 for Caprolactam.
    - Sampling requirements for multifamily projects: Clarified sampling requirements in non-dwelling spaces should follow sampling point guidance for regularly occupied spaces based on Table 2 in the guidebook.
  Other:
  - WELL Skybridge: To provide more flexibility in the certification process, project teams may elect to apply skybridge equivalencies during either the preliminary or final review cycle.
  - Base Building + Interiors Tool: Added that projects that are not WELL Certified, but which have achieved or are seeking to achieve features through WELL Portfolio, may also use this tool.
  WELL v2
  - A02: Smoke-Free Environment: Clarified feature language in WELL v2 (and the WELL v2 pilot and the WELL Health-Safety Rating) that signage must be permanently installed. This is meant to clarify that paper signage or similar temporary signs are insufficient to meet the intent of the feature.
  - A09: Pollution Infiltration Management: Added a pathway to comply with the feature through a design that includes three doors between the project space and the outdoors. This is available to projects who have an entrance outside of their boundary or a lobby that is not regularly occupied.
  - Nourishment Features N03, N05, N06, N09, N11, and N14β : Clarified the minimum scope of several features in the Nourishment Concept indicating that both foods and beverages must be sold or provided.
  Alternative Strategies
  - Preferred Cleaning Products: Projects may utilize cleaning products with certain Globally Harmonized System (GHS) classifications toward Feature X11: Cleaning Products and Protocols. Projects must use these products no more than once per month and use them outside of regular business hours. Doing so requires certain protective equipment for cleaning staff and instructions for cleaning staff on how to properly dilute the product. It also requires readiness to implement enhanced ventilation and cleaning practices as recommended by the vendor.
  - Vending Machines: Projects with only non-refrigerated vending machines may meet N02: Nutritional Transparency, Part 1 by ensuring that vending options include at least two varieties of fruits OR two varieties of non-fried vegetables. Projects utilizing this strategy are not eligible to pursue N03, N05 or N11.
  Registration is closed for WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot
  
  Registrations for new projects under WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot closed on December 31, 2020. Already registered projects continue to have access to certification resources including the digital standard, project lobby and key resources. WELL v1 and WELL v2 pilot projects will still be able to recertify under the versions they registered under for their first recertification milestone.
  
  Introducing the second version of the WELL AP exam
  
  The new exam, currently in beta phase, addresses the latest science and cutting edge research in WELL. Explore incentives, such as a free retake and more when you take the exam during its beta phase.
- Snapshot
  - Clarified precondition applicability
  - Aligned WELL v2 and the WELL-Health-Safety Rating
  - Streamlined documentation submission for projects attempting Beta features and Innovation features
  - Published two beta strategies covering carbon accounting and a vaccination or testing/masking requirements for all occupants
  WELL Addenda are informed by your feedback and our commitment to improving WELL based on the latest research and evidence. We value your continued input–if you have any questions, registered projects can reach us via the WELL Support tab in WELL Online. If you do not currently have a registered project, please connect with us by filling out this contact form.
  
  Highlights
  
  New structure for some WELL v2 preconditions:
  - We clarified how and when certain preconditions apply to WELL projects, and how to document when the main requirements don’t apply.
    - Example: Feature A02: Smoke-Free Environment, Part 2 requires a smoking ban in outdoor spaces. If your project has no outdoor spaces, you can demonstrate compliance by providing a Letter of Assurance that states your project has no outdoor spaces.
  - This change applies to the following features:
    - A01 Part 4
    - A02 Part 2
    - C04 Part 1
    - N01 Parts 1 and 2
    - N02 Part 1
    - V02 Part 4
    - X02 Parts 1, 2 and 3
    - X03 Part 1 and 2
    - X04 Part 1
  Alignment between WELL v2 and the WELL Health-Safety Rating:
  - We restructured two WELL v2 features to allow for a seamless transition between the WELL building Standard and the WELL Health-Safety Rating.
    - W08: Hygiene Support. We moved Part 1, Option 3: Handwashing Support and the signage requirements for Commercial Dining Spaces into a new part worth one point. The remaining strategies in Part 1 are now worth 1 point, maintaining the same total value of the strategies.
    - C06: Health Services and Benefits. We moved Part 1, Option 2: Community Immunity to a new part worth one point.The remaining strategies in Part 1 are now worth 1 point, maintaining the same total value of the strategies.
  - Learn how to transition between WELL and the WELL Health-Safety rating to build on your WELL journey via the WELL Health-Safety Alignment Tool.
  Vaccine Programs
  - C06: Health Services and Benefits. In addition to the structural change mentioned above, we expanded the scope beyond the flu vaccine. Now, projects may identify any immunization relevant to their target population (e.g. influenza, COVID-19). In addition to paid time to receive the vaccine, projects must also offer employees paid time to recover following vaccination.
  Enhanced survey methods
  
  C05: Enhanced Occupant Surveys. Now, projects pursuing C05 Part 1 may achieve C04 through any third-party provider instead of exclusively through a pre-approved provider to provide more flexibility to projects.
  - Note that projects are still required to work with a pre-approved provider to address topics in C05 Part 1.
  - Learn more about the value of working with a third-party provider in this article.
  New pathway for C05 Parts 1 and 4.
  - We published an Alternative Adherence Path (AAP) that can be used in lieu of C05 Parts 1 or 4 allowing projects to gather occupant data through wearable technology (e.g., fitness tracker). Projects must select a wearable that can measure at least one topic in the Healthy Behaviors category of Appendix C2, subsidize the wearable for regular occupants, communicate an action plan, and share anonymized findings through the WELL digital platform on an annual basis.
  Circadian lighting threshold
  - L03: Circadian Lighting Design. One of the core principles of WELL is the rigorous evidence base that informs each feature. We are in tune with the evolving science and, through the addenda, evolve the rating to reflect the latest research. There are some exciting updates in the lighting world that have informed a threshold change to feature L03: Circadian Lighting Design.
  - In response to a paper published in 2020 by a group of esteemed researchers, we increased the Tier 2 threshold in Feature L03: Circadian Lighting Design by 15% from 240 EML to 275 EML.
  - The research reflects decades of research and consensus building in the industry on the appropriate methods and metrics to quantify the non-visual impacts of light on human health and well-being. Read the full paper here.
  Innovation form
  - We built an innovation form into the WELL digital platform to facilitate consistency and smoother documentation upload/review for projects pursuing innovation strategies. Note that all submissions for I01 are required to use this form.
  Beta feature form
  - Beta features are novel and emerging pathways in WELL. When we release new strategies in WELL, we want to hear your feedback on how the strategy was deployed and learn more about the implementation process and to improve the strategy over time. To make submitting and capturing this information simpler, we built a beta feature feedback form into the WELL digital platform and included it as formal documentation for all strategies being beta tested in WELL.
  New beta strategies
  - I06β: Carbon Accounting. IWBI has long recognized the link between planetary and human health – one reason why we have awarded WELL v2 (and pilot) projects 5 points for achieving a green building certification. This quarter we are taking this a step further with a second innovation feature about documentation and reducing carbon emissions at the organizational level. Feature I06β: Carbon Disclosure & Reduction is ideally suited to portfolios or entire organizations enrolled in WELL offerings, and provides a variety of pathways worth between 1 and 10 points.
  - C15β Part 4. In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic we added a beta part to C15β that awards projects for establishing vaccination or testing/masking requirements for all occupants. This was a carefully considered addition to WELL v2 and the WELL Health Safety Rating, but is ultimately one we recognize supports the ongoing global effort to bring the pandemic under control and to an end. Read more about updates to WELL in the fight against COVID-19 here.
  Registration is closed for WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot
  
  Registrations for new projects under WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot closed on December 31, 2020. Already registered projects continue to have access to certification resources including the digital standard, project lobby and key resources. WELL v1 and WELL v2 pilot projects will still be able to recertify under the versions they registered under for their first recertification milestone.
  
  New WELL AP exam going live soon
  
  On September 20, 2021, we will launch a beta exam based on the WELL Building Standard v2 (WELL v2). We’ve increased the number of application and analysis questions in the new exam to ensure that applicants are prepared for the varied work they are likely to undertake as a WELL AP. The current version of the exam will be retired on September 5, 2021.
- Q2 2021 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  AMENDMENTS
  
  The Q2 2021 addenda includes five amendments to the WELL Health-Safety Rating, 66 to WELL v2 (including a number of thematically aligned changes that impact multiple features), 33 to the WELL v2 pilot, three to the WELL Community Standard pilot and 34 amendments across the guidebooks, tools and resources.
  
  WELL v2
  - A01 Air Quality
    - For VOC Monitoring requirements in Part 2, we adjusted the accuracy range for sensors to 25% at 500 μg/m³ (from 20 μg/m³ + 20% at values between 150-2,000 μg/m³). This change aligns these requirements with those for VOC monitors used to comply with Feature A08.
    - In Part 5, we also clarified that permanently installed sensors may be located on interior walls and do not need to meet requirements for minimum distance from walls. This same change was also made to Feature T01: Thermal Performance.
  - C03 Emergency Preparedness
    - We added a clarification allowing WELL Core projects with no direct staff, and for which 100% of the space is leased to a single tenant, to consider Part 1 as not applicable. This change enables these WELL Core projects, which have little-to-no interaction with building operations to consider this precondition as met.
  - W05 Drinking Water Quality Management
    - Clarified two important points:
      - What to do when a filter may be present at the point of entry to a building (known as ‘point-of-entry’ filters or POE) and what to do for existing filters located at the tap (known as ‘point of use’ filters or POU).
      - A sample should be taken from a sampling point before any treatment by an existing filter, wherever possible, without removing an existing POE filter to avoid compromising the water quality.
  - W08 Hygiene Support
    - The water column height requirement was increased from 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm). This change was prompted because WELL project teams have highlighted that sinks which met the water column requirements did not necessarily meet the feature intent of easy hand washing without touching the faucet or sink bowl.
  - X10 Pest Management and Pesticide Use
    - It was brought to our attention that the Pesticide Research Institute referenced in Part 1 is no longer operating. Informed by our work with the Materials concept advisory, we were able to identify another reference protocol: The City of San Francisco Pesticide Hazard Screening Protocol.
      - Note that this change was also made to the analogous WELL v2 pilot and WELL Community Standard pilot features.
  - WELL Core: Additional Point Pathway
    - We introduced an ‘additional point’ pathway for core projects, where non-leased space represents 40% or more of the total project area. These projects may pursue an additional point by achieving feature requirements in non-leased spaces without doing so in tenant spaces (which is the more common point earning pathway for core projects).
    - The pathway recognizes that baseline feature requirements demand more resources and that projects should be recognized for it, making it ideal for projects like malls, airports and other projects with a large amount of common area.
    - This change was introduced for 13 features across the WELL Building Standard including: A08, A11, L04, L07, L08, L09, V08, T06, S02, S04, S05, S08β, X11
  - Beta Features:
    - S09β Hearing Health Conservation: We added a new beta feature to the Sound concept that requires organizations to establish hearing health conservation programs that target the reduction of occupational hearing loss in hazardous hearing environments (e.g., industrial facilities, baggage handling areas in airports)
    - Verification Methods: The beta feature feedback form is now listed as a formal documentation type for all beta features and is available to projects through an online form. Projects should complete the form as part of documentation review.
  - Adjustments for Airports
    - In 2020, IWBI convened a year-long sector advisory focused on Airports. The advisory identified opportunities to evolve WELL v2 to meet the unique needs of the Airport sector.
    - N10 Food Preparation
      - We removed references to primary and secondary schools in feature language to make the Commercial Kitchen requirements more broadly applicable to other space types such as airports, where these spaces may be commonly found.
    - L05 Daylight Design Strategies
      - We clarified that manual shading should be controllable by regular occupants, recognizing that visitors and other transient populations in a space may not need this level of control over the space.
    - S02 Maximum Noise Levels
      - We added performance requirements for Category 4 spaces defined as areas with machinery and appliances used by occupants, such as baggage claims, commercial kitchens and laboratories.
    - S04 Reverberation Time
      - We increased the reverberation time threshold (<1.5 seconds) for areas with public address systems (common in airports).
    - S08β Enhanced Audio Devices
      - We incorporated regionally- and sector-specific commissioning reference standards, including BS 5839 and ISO 7240. In addition, projects can now use a new metric (CIS 0.75) for public address systems as an alternative to an STI of 0.5.
    - C09 New Mother Support
      - WELL Core projects (the pathway pursued by most projects in the airport sector) are encouraged to provide lactation rooms for all occupants (including visitors) through a new additional point earning opportunity. Projects are not required to meet certain requirements which relate mostly to employee populations for all occupants.
    - Explore the Strategies Section of this article to learn about additional pathways available through AAPs to projects in the airport sector.
  WELL Health-Safety Rating
  - SI4: Gateways to Health-Safety:
    - This feature now includes an additional pathway awarding projects the equivalent of one feature for achieving Assessment Standard for Health Building operated by the Chinese Society for Urban Studies Green Building Research Center. Projects pursuing this pathway are limited to two of the three other Innovation features.
  - SS1 Promote Health and Wellness:
    - WELL Health-Safety Rated projects are still required to display a guide to the features achieved and to have a health-oriented mission, but no longer need to link the features achieved to the mission. This means they may now use their WELL Health-Safety achievement report as this guide.
  WELL v2 pilot
  
  A number of changes noted for WELL v2 also apply to v2 pilot. In addition, highlights include:
  - A06 Enhanced Ventilation
    - The requirements for demand control ventilation apply to densely occupied areas for WELL Core projects. We have clarified that these are areas with an occupant density of greater than 25 people per 1,000 ft2 (93 m2).
  - T05 Radiant Thermal Comfort
    - For Part 2: Implement Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems, we made changes to feature language to clarify that regularly occupied spaces must use independent systems for ventilation and conditioning that meet feature requirements. Previously, feature language was vague with respect to applicability.
  - X05 In-Place Management
    - We clarified that this feature applies only to projects built prior to laws banning or restriction asbestos and lead and who are unable to remove these hazards. The spirit of this feature is to recognize the challenges and risks associated with certain abatement activities and to provide interim management strategies.
  Resources
  - Health-Safety Rating Guidebook
    - We simplified general documentation requirements to a checklist of attempted strategies and a narrative describing the project more generally.
  - Performance Verification Guidebook
    - Sampling requirements for multifamily residential projects were moved from a stand-alone section in the guidebook to the respective concept-sections throughout the guidebook.
    - For Light and Air, certain instruments may now be calibrated to any National Metrological Institutes rather than only the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
    - For the Sound concept, we adjusted general guidance to clarify that certain internal noises (e.g., HVAC and building services such as elevators) must be operating during background noise measurements.
    - For the Sound Concept, we added new guidance on testing background noise in dwelling units. For residential projects, WELL Performance Testing Agents should take at least one measurement in a bedroom that reflects the typical interior mechanical equipment (e.g., HVAC equipment) and facade design (e.g., windows). When selecting bedrooms to sample, WELL Performance Testing Agents should give preference to bedrooms located near sources of exterior noise in order to capture the most accurate and relevant data.
  - Portfolio Guidebook
    - In an effort to simplify documentation requirements for WELL Portfolio projects, we clarified language to allow projects to indicate the features they plan to pursue that require photographic documentation rather than submitting a guideline describing what the photograph will contain.
  - WELL v2 Skybridge
    - For WELL Core projects, we clarified that when using the skybridge tool, the scope of feature applicability does not change from WELL v2 pilot to WELL v2.
  STRATEGIES
  
  We published a number of AAPs across rating systems this quarter, including several for WELL v2 that support projects in the airport sector. AAPs and equivalencies are available in the “strategies tab” of the digital standard and a full digest can be found in the resource library. Equivalencies are updated in the digital standard on a rolling, monthly basis while AAPs and the strategies table are updated quarterly.
  
  Strategies that support the Airport Sector
  - A09 Pollution Infiltration Management: As an alternative to Part 1, projects may implement strip curtains and close doors at baggage conveyors.
  - A10 Combustion Minimization: As an alternative to the Low-emission combustion sources and Engine exhaust reduction requirements projects may provide electric ground power units for at least 33% of aircraft berths and use at least 66% electric baggage tugs.
  - W06 Drinking Water Promotion: Recognizing that the distance requirements may be prohibitive for large projects, like airports, shopping malls, and transit hubs, projects with at least five tenants may provide dispensers in non-leased spaces within 295 ft (90 m) of all occupiable floor area.
  - X10 Pest Management and Pesticide Use: Projects may exempt pesticides used for bird control from feature requirements, but are required to list those used in the pest management plan.
  Additional Strategies
  - SC5/X12: Projects may implement signage that establishes directional lanes and discourages lingering as an alternative to one-way corridors.
  - SC4/X11: Projects may implement a procurement plan for compliant vacuum cleaners and acquire them over time as an alternative to immediate replacement with compliant vacuum cleaners.
  - SA5/W07: Projects may submit evidence that inspections were conducted by a third party in lieu of inspection results, recognizing the confidentiality requirements or concerns of some projects.
  WELL AP Exam
  
  It’s official! The new WELL AP exam under WELL v2 is coming in September. To learn more about the exam development process and what this means for test-takers, explore our in-depth FAQs.
  
  The WELL AP exam will continue to be based on the WELL Building Standard v1 until the new exam arrives. In the meantime, please use the WELL Building Standard Q1 with the Q1 2019 addenda and The WELL Certification Guidebook with Q1 2019 addenda. Key dates to keep in mind as you prepare are available in the FAQ article.
  
  In other news - whether you’re looking to update an existing reservation or schedule for the first time, you can now take the WELL AP exam from the comfort of your own home. To stay up to date on in-person availability, view testing center reopenings near you. To learn more about remote proctoring and how to get started, check out our program announcement.
- Q1 2021 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  AMENDMENTS
  
  The Q1 2021 addenda includes 20 amendments to the WELL Health-Safety Rating, 46 to WELL v2, 15 to the WELL v2 pilot, three to the WELL Community Standard pilot and 16 amendments across the guidebooks, tools and resources.
  
  1. WELL Health-Safety Rating
  
  As the WELL Health-Safety Rating is rooted in WELL v2 feature language, many changes impact both rating systems. In addition to the changes listed below, WELL Health-Safety Rating Features now include codes to improve navigability of the rating system.
  - Innovation Features:
    - We’re thrilled to release a new Innovation feature awarding projects the equivalent of five WELL Health-Safety Rating Features for achieving GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation. Projects pursuing this pathway are not eligible to pursue features in the Cleaning and Sanitation theme and are limited to two of the three other Innovation features.
  - Provide Sick Leave:
    - To better reflect global policies and practices, we removed requirement C, which precluded projects from requiring a doctor’s note or advanced notice to utilize sick leave.
    - We added flexibility for the type and amount of leave available. Projects may offer at least 10 days of dedicated sick leave or at least 20 days of combined paid time and sick leave. Projects opting for the second choice must also pursue the Promote Health and Wellness feature or document how they foster a culture of health, encouraging employees to take time off for physical and mental health needs.
  - Promote Flu Vaccines:
    - We revised feature language to clarify that paid time off for immunizations is only required for employees.
  - Provide Emergency Resources:
    - We adjusted feature language to allow WELL Core projects to meet feature requirements in leased spaces by providing equipment or a tenant budget tied to the implementation of feature requirements.
  - Dwelling Units:
    - For several features, we clarified that dwelling units are excluded from feature requirements: Monitor Air and Water Quality, Improve Cleaning Practices and Select Preferred Cleaning Products.
  2. WELL v2
  - A08 Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness: We adjusted feature language to directly include relevant siting parameters (such as monitor density and placement) rather than referring to the Performance Verification Guidebook. Notably, monitor density should be calculated based on the occupiable area in the project.
  - A10 Combustion Minimization: To align with WELL v2 pilot, we addressed a slight nuance in feature language to confirm that the feature applies to equipment used by the project, not in the project.
  - L02 Visual Lighting Design: The annotated floor plan requirements were modified. Project teams are now required to overlay a 3.2 x 3.2 m grid on the floor plan to allow testing agents to identify measurement locations that are relevant to tasks and space types within the project.
  - M09 Enhanced Access to Nature: We clarified that calculations for this feature apply to the space itself and not to the biophilia within the space.
  - W06 Drinking Water Promotion: We added an exclusion for drinking water dispensers which should be located within 30 m of all regularly occupied areas except spaces where their use is forbidden by code or similar regulations. This change is particularly relevant for industrial projects.
  3. WELL v2 pilot
  - C11 Civic Engagement: Projects may offer the equivalent of two working days of paid time for volunteering as opposed to 16 hours. This change makes the feature more globally relevant by recognizing the nuances of the standard working day in different regions.
  - V08 Physical Activity Spaces and Equipment: Adjusted feature language to align with WELL v2. The dedicated physical activity space should be sized at least 25 m² with an additional 0.1 m² per employee. There is also a cap of 930 m² in place to accommodate large projects.
  - N01 Fruits and Vegetables: clarified that requirements should be met for food options, removing language referencing beverages. This change is more consistent with the spirit of the feature and the equivalent feature in WELL v2.
  RESOURCE UPDATES
  - The WELL Certification Guidebook
    - Review rounds take 8-10 business days, or up to 25 business days for certain enrollments with multiple locations. This extended review timeline for multi-site projects applies to each individual round of review and is dependent on the complexity and quality of the documentation submitted.
    - We adjusted the achievement package to include four complimentary seals per location.
  - WELL v1 to WELL v2 pilot Skybridge
    - We expanded Table 3 to identify additional WELL v1 features which can be used by WELL v2 pilot projects. New alignments include WELL v1 Feature 64: Interior Fitness Circulation Part 1 and Part 2 which may be used in lieu of WELL v2 pilot Feature V03: Movement Network and Circulation Part 2 and 3 respectively.
  - BREEAM WELL v2 Crosswalk
    - We published local adaptations for the Netherlands, Sweden and Spain for projects pursuing the BREEAM New Construction pathway. In addition, BREEAM USA criteria are now acknowledged in the BREEAM In-Use International section. Explore the expanded crosswalk here!
  STRATEGIES
  
  The Q1 2021 addenda includes only two AAPs for WELL v2. We also published a total of four equivalencies this quarter including one equivalency for WELL v2. AAPs and equivalencies are available in the “strategies tab” of the digital standard and a full digest is available on the resources page. Equivalencies are updated in the digital standard on a rolling, monthly basis while AAPs and the strategies table are updated quarterly.
  
  WELL v2 AAP
  - Projects of 930 m² or less can have a single space that doubles as a lactation room (C09) and restorative space (M07). The space must include signage that gives priority to individuals who need to pump or breastfeed. In order to receive points in both features, the project needs to meet the requirements of C09 Part 2 and M07 Part 1.
  WELL AP Exam
  
  It’s official! The new WELL AP exam lands in September. To learn more about the exam development process and what this means for test-takers, explore our in-depth FAQ article.
  
  The WELL AP exam will continue to be based on the WELL Building Standard v1 until the new exam arrives. In the meantime, please use the WELL Building Standard Q1 with the Q1 2019 addenda and the WELL Certification Guidebook with Q1 2019 addenda. Key dates to keep in mind as you prepare are available in the FAQ article.
  
  The current WELL AP exam is available online. Whether you’re looking to update an existing reservation or schedule for the first time, you can now take the WELL AP exam from the comfort of your own home. To stay up to date on in-person availability, view testing center reopenings near you. To learn more about remote proctoring and how to get started, check out our program announcement.
  
  Closing Registration for WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot
  
  We will be closing registrations for new projects under WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot on December 31, 2020. As these rating systems enter the next stage of their life cycle, we want you to know that we’re here with you every step of the way. Registered projects will continue to have access to certification resources including the digital standard, project lobby and key resources after registration closes. WELL v1 and WELL v2 pilot projects will still be able to recertify under the versions they registered under for their first recertification milestone.
  
  Toolkit
- Q4 2020 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  AMENDMENTS
  
  The Q4 2020 addenda includes 26 amendments to the WELL Health-Safety Rating, 31 to WELL v2, 17 to the WELL v2 pilot and 12 amendments to the guidebooks, tools and resources. The amendments largely comprise a series of small language tweaks that were made to align features included in the WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL v2 and WELL v2 pilot. The Q4 addenda does not include any amendments to WELL v1, WELL v1 pilots or the WELL Community Standard.
  
  WELL Health-Safety Rating
  - Innovation Features:
    - In addition to WELL Health-Safety projects being able to earn three Innovation features for achieving WELL Certification, projects can now earn one Innovation feature for achieving WELL Precertification.
    - We added two approved WELL v2 and WELL v2 pilot features to Option 3 from the Movement concept that address active transportation and stair use. These design-based features help projects manage a safe return to the building in two key ways:
      - Limit congestion at elevators by encouraging those who are able to take the stairs.
      - Encourage active transportation and provide an alternative to public transportation and car travel.
  - Reduce Surface Contact and Support Hand Washing: We clarified that these features don’t apply to dwelling units in alignment with equivalent features in WELL v2.
  WELL v2
  - M09 Enhanced Access to Nature: To streamline implementation, projects can now count multiple smaller greenspaces (the total combined greenspace) towards feature requirements.
  - C1βSupport for Victims of Domestic Violence: We’re pleased to introduce our latest beta feature, which requires projects to implement a policy that supports victims of domestic violence, and offers educational resources. This feature was developed in collaboration with the Community and Mind Advisories and was inspired by several successful innovation submissions from projects in Australia on this critical public health issue. C18β is available for WELL v2 and WELL v2 pilot projects.
  - Space Types: The term “dining spaces” was renamed to “commercial dining spaces” for WELL v2 (and WELL v2 pilot and the WELL Health-Safety Rating). This shift in nomenclature aligns with the original definition included in the WELL v2 overview. Features that apply to commercial dining spaces require on-site food preparation and/or full-service dining. These projects typically include a commercial kitchen and food service staff.
  - Glossary:
    - WELL v2, the WELL v2 pilot and the WELL Health-Safety Rating now contain two new terms for “high-touch surfaces” and “trauma-focused psychotherapy”.
    - The “occupiable spaces” term was revised to clarify that circulation areas and bathrooms are within scope.
    - Did you know that the digital standard includes a navigable glossary list available on the left side bar and an interactive glossary embedded in feature language? Experience it here!
  WELL v2 pilot
  - V10 Enhanced Ergonomics: In alignment with the WELL v2 beta feature V11 Ergonomics Programming, Feature V10 now includes two beta parts that address integrated ergonomics design and the needs of remote workers.
  Resources
  - WELL Portfolio Guidebook
    - With the release of WELL v2, it is possible to include both WELL v2 and WELL v2 pilot projects within a defined portfolio. The WELL Portfolio Guidebook now describes how projects can share documentation across projects registered under WELL v2 pilot and WELL v2 via the WELL v2 Skybridge:
      - WELL v2 projects can use pilot documentation for features listed in Table 2.
      - WELL v2 pilot projects can use WELL v2 documentation for features listed in Table 1.
  - WELL v2 pilot One-Directional Crosswalks
    - LEED:
      - When applying the one directional LEED to WELL v2 pilot crosswalk, projects can now use LEED design-stage review results to demonstrate compliance with WELL features using LEED credits.
      - Added a new alignment between LTC High Priority Site (option 3) and X06 VOC Restrictions. Projects pursuing this credit may achieve 2 points in Feature X06 Part 1.
    - GreenStar: We clarified that V05 Site Planning and Selection is aligned with Greenstar credit 17B.4A for projects pursuing Green Star Interiors.
  - WELL v2 to WELL v2 pilot Skybridge
    - We added an expanded pathway in the Nourishment Concept. Projects upgrading to WELL v2 pilot (Table 3) may use language in WELL v1 Feature 52 Mindful Eating in lieu of WELL v2 pilot Feature N08 Mindful Eating in addition to N10 Food Preparation.
  STRATEGIES
  
  We published three AAPs to WELL v2, two AAPs for the WELL v2 pilot and one AAP to the WELL Health-Safety Rating. In addition, we published a total of 40 equivalencies this quarter including 24 equivalencies to WELL v2. AAPs and equivalencies are available in the “strategies tab” of the digital standard and a full digest is available on the resources page. Equivalencies are updated in the digital standard on a rolling, monthly basis while AAPs and the strategies table are updated quarterly.
  
  Featured WELL v2 pilot AAPs
  - I03 Educate WELL: Projects may offer virtual WELL Educational tours, including pre-recordings and submit them toward Innovation Feature I03.
  - M05 Stress Support: Projects that are not yet occupied may provide a preliminary stress management plan towards M05, Part 1. The plan should outline the stress-related issues that may impact occupants and how the project plans to prevent or address these issues. This strategy is also available for WELL v2 projects.
  Featured WELL v2 AAPs
  - W08 Hygiene Support: WELL v2 projects that include private guest rooms, such as hotels, that are designed with private bathrooms may use individual wrapped soap bars and reusable cloth towels, both replaced during room changeover, towards feature W08 Support Hand Washing. This strategy is also available for the WELL Health-Safety Rating via Support Hand Washing.
  WELL AP exam updates
  
  The WELL AP exam is now online! Whether you’re looking to update an existing reservation or schedule for the first time, you can now take the WELL AP exam from the comfort of your own home. To stay up to date on in-person availability, view testing center reopenings near you. To learn more about remote proctoring and how to get started, check out our program announcement.
  
  The WELL AP exam will continue to be based on the WELL Building Standard v1 until late 2021. Please use the WELL Building Standard Q1 with the Q1 2019 addenda and The WELL Certification Guidebook with Q1 2019 addenda to prepare for your WELL AP exam through 2020.
  
  With its graduation out of pilot, we will be closing registrations for new projects under WELL v1 and WELL v2 pilot on December 31, 2020. As these rating systems enter the next stage of their life cycle, we want you to know that we’re here with you every step of the way. Projects will continue to have access to certification resources including the digital standard, project lobby and key resources after registration closes.
- Q3 2020 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  AMENDMENTS
  
  The Q3 2020 addenda includes six amendments to the WELL Health-Safety Rating, 32 amendments to WELL v2 pilot, four amendments to WELL v1, three amendments to the WELL Community Standard pilot and 13 amendments to the guidebooks, tools and resources.
  
  WELL Health-Safety Rating
  - Innovation Features: Did you know that projects pursuing the WELL Health-Safety Rating are eligible for three Innovation features? To emphasize this opportunity, we updated language in the innovation section. Projects may select from pre-approved innovation strategies or submit proposals for novel interventions through Option 1. Projects that are WELL Certified are eligible for three Innovation features through Option 4. Projects pursuing any of the innovation pathways (Options I-IV) may add strategies to their checklist under the Innovation features section.
  - Plan for Healthy Re-Entry: Sometimes we make mistakes! We updated feature language by removing a duplicative requirement and adding the correct requirement. For this feature, projects are required to evaluate and adjust human resources, workplace wellness and employee support policies during re-entry.
  - Reduce Surface Contact: Added Option 2: Surface touch management, which offers a streamlined set of actions to reduce surface touch in lieu of assessing the space for contact reduction.
  - Reduce Respiratory Particle Exposure: We’ve added a new feature to the rating system. This feature requires projects to implement policy and design strategies that reduce the chance of respiratory particles (shed by an individual) impacting another person.
  WELL v2 pilot
  - Task Force on COVID-19: The rich discussion on the Task Force Forum allowed us to deliver additional enhancements to support prevention, preparedness, resilience and recovery.
    - Minor wording changes in nine features across Community, Mind, Nourishment and Movement to allow for in-person and/or virtual programming.
    - C15 Emergency Preparedness: In Part 1, we added examples to clarify requirements for building response capabilities. In Part 2, we clarified that educational resources should be made available to regular building occupants.
    - C04 Enhanced Occupant Survey: We added additional topics, including those that cover emergency preparedness, health behaviors, ergonomics, mental health and productivity.
  - Beta Features:
    - We published seven new beta features to the WELL v2 pilot. View these new strategies in the digital standard.
  - Additional Updates:
    - X11 Short-term Emissions Control: To better align with the LEED rating system, we clarified that 90% of the total area of newly installed flooring and thermal and acoustic insulation must meet VOC emission thresholds.
    - X12 Long-term Emissions Control: Similarly, in alignment with LEED and in response to an Alternative Adherence Path (AAP) submitted by a project team, we clarified that the percent of compliant products may be considered by cost or volume.
  RESOURCES
  
  In anticipation of WELL v2 graduation, you’ll notice language adjustments to account for nuances between WELL v2 and the WELL v2 pilot in the Certification and Performance Verification Guidebooks. Other key changes across guidebooks, tools and resources include:
  - WELL Performance Verification Guidebook
    - Water: The number of water samples required is now parameter-dependent, decreasing the number of samples for lab-based contaminants (except lead) to two samples and increasing others to four samples. This change allows projects to learn more about water quality parameters that are likely to change within the building, reducing the number of more costly analyses that may show less variability in the results.
    - Sound: To streamline testing processes while still collecting meaningful data, we reduced the required measurement durations for open workspaces in feature S02.
    - Light: To better accommodate available testing instruments, we adjusted the optical resolution requirements to 10 nm or less (previously set at 5 nm).
  - WELL v2 pilot One-Directional Crosswalks
    - BREEAM: Alignment notes have been updated for the Hea 02 credit to clarify minimum point and product category requirements.
    - LEED: Similarly, alignment notes have been updated for the EQc credit to clarify compliant product classes.
  - WELL v1 to WELL v2 pilot Skybridge
    - WELL v1 projects upgrading to WELL v2 pilot may use WELL v1 Feature 03, Part 1 and Part 3 in lieu of WELL v2 pilot feature A03.
  STRATEGIES
  
  We published five AAPs and seven equivalencies for the WELL v2 pilot this quarter. AAPs and equivalencies are available in the “strategies tab” of the digital standard and a full digest is available on the resources page. Equivalencies are updated in the digital standard on a rolling, monthly basis while AAPs and the strategies table are updated quarterly.
  
  Featured WELL v2 pilot AAP
  - N13 Local Food Environment: In response to feedback from the Task Force on COVID-19, dwelling units may utilize grocery delivery services accompanied by on-site refrigeration in lieu of being located nearby a farmer’s market or supermarket or hosting community-based agriculture or on-site sales of fruits and vegetables. In a separate AAP, pilot projects may also provide no-cost transportation between the project and a supermarket in lieu of feature requirements. This strategy aligns with feature language in the equivalent WELL v2 feature.
  Featured WELL v2 pilot Equivalency
  - A03 Ventilation Effectiveness: For Part 1, NZS 4303:1990 has been accepted in lieu of ASHRAE 62.1-2010, for determining ventilation supply and exhaust rates in mechanically ventilated spaces. This is the first equivalency citing a local standard in New Zealand.
  WELL AP EXAM UPDATES
  
  The WELL AP exam is now online! Whether you’re looking to update an existing reservation or schedule for the first time, you can now take the WELL AP exam from the comfort of your own home. To stay up to date on in-person availability, view testing center reopenings near you. To learn more about remote proctoring and how to get started, check out our program announcement.
  
  Please use the WELL Building Standard Q1 with the Q1 2019 addenda and the WELL Certification Guidebook with Q1 2019 addenda to prepare for your WELL AP exam through 2020.
  
  With its graduation out of pilot, we will be closing registrations for new WELL v1 projects on December 31, 2020. Please note, the WELL AP exam will continue to be based on the WELL Building Standard v1 until late 2021.
- Q2 2020 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  AMENDMENTS
  
  We published 20 amendments to the WELL v2 pilot, three amendments to WELL v1 and 12 amendments to the guidebooks, tools and resources.
  
  WELL v2
  - X03 Exterior Materials and Structures: Based on feedback from WELL project teams and advisories, we decided to remove Part 1 requirement c from the pilot to keep the feature strategically focused on materials with the strongest and clearest health intent such as wood and turf.
  - V02 Visual and Physical Ergonomics: We clarified dimensions of recessed toe space in Part 4 adding that 10 cm [4 in] is required in both depth and height.
  - W05 Water Quality Consistency: We updated feature requirements to allow WELL Core projects to provide tenant allowances for purchasing water treatment systems. As always, any system in leased spaces that the project owner cannot access doesn’t need to meet the device requirements listed.
  Guidebooks
  
  Amendments to tools and resources can be found in the guidebooks tab of the addenda table. Explore key updates from this quarter:
  - Certification Guidebook:
    - We added guidance to enable related, adjacent buildings under the same ownership/management to register as a single project. This pathway requires that the same set of WELL features be applied to all buildings and streamlines documentation and performance testing on the same timeline.
  - WELL Portfolio Guidebook:
    - We reduced the minimum project threshold from five to two for smaller portfolios with fewer than 10 buildings.
  - BREEAM x WELL v2 pilot Crosswalk:
    - We updated the alignment notes between Tra 01 (New Construction 2014 and 2016) and Tra 02 (New Construction 2018) for the BREEAM WELL v2 pilot one-directional crosswalks. Now, projects using BREEAM credits towards WELL features must demonstrate achievement through assessment options 1 or 2 (previously options 1-3), which align most similarly with the intent and scope of V05 Part 2.
  - WELL Performance Verification Guidebook:
    - We updated general guidance for performance testing under the Air and Thermal Comfort concept sections to include the recommendation that sampling points should be at least 5 m [16 ft] from exterior doors where possible. This further aligns test locations with areas where occupants are most commonly situated.
  - Skybridge:
    - After receiving a stellar innovation submission from a project team, we added v2 pilot Feature N13 Part 1 to the list of features eligible for v1 projects to use towards an innovation point.
  STRATEGIES
  
  We published six AAPs and five equivalencies for WELL v2 this quarter. Equivalencies are released in the digital standard on a rolling basis and are documented in the quarterly update of the strategies table.
  - Accessible Sinks: Sinks designed to meet local accessibility laws or codes may be smaller than required by W08 Part 1. Projects pursuing this AAP must provide relevant information from the applicable law or regulation for documentation submission.
  - Particulate Matter Levels for Low-Middle Income Countries: Low and lower-middle income countries who achieved certification under a qualifying green building program and also achieved WELL v1 Feature 18 may use alternative thresholds for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. Projects using this AAP are limited in WELL Certification level to WELL Silver.
  WELL AP exam updates
  
  The WELL AP exam is now online! Whether you’re looking to update an existing reservation or schedule for the first time, you can now take the WELL AP exam from the comfort of your own home. To stay up to date on in-person availability, view testing center reopenings near you. To learn more about remote proctoring and how to get started, check out our program announcement.
  
  Please use the WELL Building Standard Q1 with the Q1 2019 addenda and The WELL Certification Guidebook with Q1 2019 addenda to prepare for your WELL AP exam through 2020.
- Q1 2020 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  Amendments
  
  We published 25 amendments to the WELL v2 pilot, one amendment to WELL v1, one amendment to the WELL Community Standard and eight amendments to the guidebooks.
  
  WELL v2
  - Beta features: This quarter we launched a form to capture feedback from registered WELL v2 pilot projects implementing at least one of three beta features.
  - S06B Impact Noise Management: Speaking of beta features, this feature requires the use of resilient flooring to reduce the proliferation of impact noise within a space. For each space type, we clarified which floor (above or below) must achieve an IIC rating. For example, in a dwelling unit, the floor above a space must be designed to reduce the transmission of impact noise. We added clarifications to the table in parts 1 and 2. A special thanks to Ken Fong, who inspired this change during public comment!
  - M13 Tobacco Prevention and Control: We adjusted the feature language to include e-cigarettes in the scope of prevention efforts aligning with language used in Feature A01 Part 1.
  - Verification Methods: In an effort to streamline documentation processes, we clarified that government policy documents, such as laws, can be submitted for feature documentation.
  Guidebooks
  
  Amendments to tools and resources can be found in the guidebooks tab of the addenda table. Explore key updates from this quarter:
  - WELL Portfolio guidebook: When determining the scope of a portfolio, WELL Portfolio projects may exclude completed new construction projects with occupancy rates less than 25%. We also clarified that GBCI will not begin their review until all project-level documentation is submitted in an effort to ensure they have all the necessary information they need to conduct a thorough and timely review.
  - LEED x WELL v2 pilot Crosswalk: We clarified specific options for LEED credit, MRc Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Material Ingredients deemed equivalent to WELL Feature X13, Enhanced Material Precaution and Feature X14, Material Transparency.
  - WELL Performance Verification Guidebook: We added a chapter about recertification with guidance on how to evaluate a project’s eligibility for reduced sampling points. We also launched guidance on the optional aggregation of annually submitted data for features A01, W01, W02, and T01 collected by a WELL Performance Testing Agent.
  Strategies
  
  We published seven AAPs and 11 equivalencies for WELL v2 this quarter. Please note, equivalencies are released in the digital standard on a rolling basis and will be published quarterly in the strategies table.
  - Active Meetings: Following a surge of stellar innovation submissions by project teams, particularly in Japan, we published an AAP for Feature V11: Physical Activity Promotion allowing project teams to apply a walking meeting program towards one of two required physical activity incentives for this feature.
  - Drinking-Water Dispensers: Due to the unique design considerations for very large projects, such as WELL Core shopping malls and transportation facilities, we published an AAP allowing projects to provide drinking water dispensers that meet W02 Water Contaminants in non-leased spaces instead of within leased spaces.
  - A05 Enhanced Air Quality: The NIOSH 6014-1 sampling method for nitrogen dioxide has been approved as an equivalency for A05 Part 3.
  WELL AP exam updates
  
  Changes to WELL v1 are incorporated into the WELL AP exam through an annual review and update cycle. Currently, the exam is based on the Q1 2019 version of the WELL Building Standard v1 and the WELL Certification Guidebook. The exam will not be updated to reflect WELL v2 until it graduates from pilot. At that point in time, it can take more than a year to develop the new exam.
Resources
- We want to hear from you! Join the conversation
  
  Transitioning WELL D&O to WELL Precertification
  
  Before we dive into an overview of the Q4 addenda, we want to acknowledge a shift in WELL v2 terminology - we’ve decided to revert back to the term “WELL Precertification” for the interim designation that in the WELL v2 pilot was referred to as “WELL D&O”. None of the requirements to achieve this designation have changed, only the terminology itself. We introduced the term WELL D&O in large part because in China (one of our largest markets) the character for precertification looks nearly identical to the character for certification and was causing confusion with a host of stakeholders. However, the feedback we’ve received since the launch of WELL v2 pilot is that the term D&O simply isn’t as powerful as the term precertification for marketing this substantial milestone in the certification process. We recognize that what’s in a name truly matters, especially when it comes to marketing and we want to do everything possible to encourage project teams to celebrate their successes and provide validation that they’re on the right track towards full certification.
  
  To avoid confusion in China, we’ve selected a different Chinese character that loosely translates to “mid-way” certification.
  
  Q4 2019 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  Download all addenda resources in the Q4 addenda toolkit
  
  Amendments
  
  We published 35 amendments to the WELL v2 pilot, three amendments to WELL v1, 11 amendments to the WELL Community Standard and six amendments to the guidebooks.
  
  WELL v2
  - Annual testing towards recertification purposes: Project teams can work with a Performance Testing Agent to complete on-site testing and reporting requirements for Feature A01, Feature T01, Feature W01 and Feature W02. While not required, doing so makes results eligible to be used towards recertification efforts. In the notes section of the aforementioned features, we clarified that project teams may average data from different years and test locations. Our goal is to drive the market towards continuous monitoring and reward projects that are collecting quality data.
  - N01 - Fruits and Vegetables: We clarified fruit and vegetable requirements based on the type of food services offered by a project. If a project provides mostly packaged food, they must offer at least two varieties of fruits and vegetables. On the contrary, if a project team prepares food on-site, they must provide at least four varieties of fruits and vegetables.
  - N02 - Nutritional Transparency: In response to a surge of equivalency proposals, we adjusted the reporting requirements for macronutrient content to include both weight and percent Daily Value (DV).
  - Introducing a new beta feature: W09ß: Onsite Non-Potable Water Reuse rewards the safe capture and reuse of non-potable water and prevents human exposure to untreated water. By adding this feature to WELL v2, we hope to reduce the building industry’s water footprint and protect increasingly threatened water sources around the world.
  WELL Community Standard
  - WAD - Public Water Additives: We updated parts 1, 2 and 3 to clarify that only public water fountains in areas owned, managed or operated by the project owner are subject to feature requirements. We also removed the minimum fluoride threshold (0.7 mg/L) and now, only require that projects don’t exceed a fluoride level of 4 mg/L. This change has already been made in WELL v2 to account for the fact that water fluoride levels are often determined at the municipality level.
  - No cost public use spaces: The WELL Community Standard aims to impact individuals not just within the walls of their home or workplace, but throughout the public spaces where they spend their day. Thus, public spaces are a critical element of WELL Community projects. The glossary term “public use” and feature language across several features now highlights public use spaces that are accessible to the community and free of charge (i.e. at no cost). For example, Feature BPK - Bicycle Parking, requires projects to provide public use bike parking at no cost. However, projects can meet the eligibility requirements for public use spaces in a variety of ways, including spaces that have an associated cost to access.
  Guidebooks
  
  This quarter, we reduced the number of lighting sampling points for residential projects. Now, WELL Performance Testing Agents may take one sample per room instead of multiple samples based on the room’s size. We also capped on-site testing at three rooms per dwelling unit to reduce and streamline the performance verification process.
  
  Strategies
  
  We published 27 equivalencies in the strategies table and the “strategies” tab of the digital standard this quarter. We did not publish any AAPs this quarter.
  
  WELL AP exam updates
  
  Changes to WELL v1 are incorporated into the WELL AP exam through an annual review and update cycle. This quarter, we updated the WELL AP exam to reflect the Q1 2019 version of the WELL Building Standard v1 and the WELL Certification Guidebook.
- Key programs and initiatives
  - Sustainable Development Goals: IWBI signed on to the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices. With this commitment, IWBI joins thousands of companies and civil society organizations from all sectors and parts of the world in implementing the UN Global Compact’s 10 principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Explore how WELL features connect to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  - WELL Portfolio: IWBI launched the WELL Portfolio program created for organizations intending to scale their wellness efforts throughout their spaces and across their company. This quarter we look forward to sharing with you how key addenda updates support and enhance the WELL Portfolio experience. Learn more about how we collaborated with WELL Portfolio pilot participants to shape the WELL Portfolio program.
  - Public comment: Time flies when you’re having fun! This quarter IWBI celebrated the one-year anniversary of the launch of the WELL v2 pilot by opening up a six-month public comment period where the WELL community can share their thoughts on a wide range of elements in WELL v2. Your comments will support our efforts to strengthen and continuously evolve WELL and prepare to graduate WELL v2 from pilot.
  - Beta features: The Standard Development team has been hard at work creating two beta features, which expand upon the current WELL v2 pilot by introducing new, emerging or yet-to-be-addressed strategies into WELL. Learn more about the beta features included in this addenda.
  Like all that we do, the Q3 addenda reflect our commitment to listening, learning and raising the bar for healthier spaces around the world. Addenda are a critical piece of the standard’s lifecycle and are one of the primary avenues through which we incorporate feedback and insights from the WELL community.
  
  Download all addenda resources in the Q3 addenda toolkit!
  
  Q3 2019 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  AMENDMENTS
  
  The Q3 2019 addenda include 82 amendments for the WELL v2 pilot, 11 amendments for WELL v1, eight amendments to the WELL Community Standard and 15 amendments to the guidebooks. (Fun fact: While this may sound like a hefty amount of updates, in actuality, nearly 30% of the amendments are syntax changes that further clarify or simplify the language in the standard.)
  
  WELL v2
  - Combined points: Project teams can now meet minimum concept point thresholds with a combined minimum of four points in the Air and Thermal Comfort concepts (or combined two points for WELL Core projects).
  - Feature C02 - Integrative Design: We expanded the list of potential stakeholders to include folks such as vendors and building management staff to better reflect the evolving project team with the launch of WELL Portfolio. We also removed language referencing project completion in Part 4 to make this feature more applicable to an existing building context.
  - Feature A08 - Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness: We updated this feature to align with the general testing location requirements for other features and reduce nuances in sensor placement for different space types. Note: There is a similar change in the Performance Verification Guidebook this quarter for WELL performance testing.
  - Feature C04 - Enhanced Occupant Survey: We adjusted the feature to include the collection of observational data and created a new pathway to work with qualified parties for robust data analysis. We also Marie Kondo’d the survey topic list in Part 1. (We couldn’t say goodbye to any of our survey topics - because they all spark joy! - so we reorganized them instead).
  - Feature V02 - Visual and Physical Ergonomics: Based on guidance we’ve provided in the past, and in consultation with the experts, Feature V02 now includes specific guidance for laptops. Also, we published the purchasing pathways from the feature notes as AAPs.
  WELL v1
  - Feature 34 - Public Water Additives: We adjusted disinfectant thresholds to align with U.S. EPA values, giving projects more flexibility with water treatment. Additionally, we’ve modified the metrics to capture total (residual + combined) chlorine and chloramine levels rather than residual levels.
  WELL Community Standard
  
  Highlights for the WELL Community Standard this quarter include:
  - Certified buildings: With the launch of the WELL Portfolio program, we introduced pathways for WELL Community projects to count registered buildings in a defined portfolio towards the certified health and wellness buildings requirement, even if they aren’t certified yet.
  - SUP - Supermarket Access: Project teams can now consider supermarkets within 800 m [0.5 mi] of their project boundary in addition to those within the community project boundary.
  Guidebooks
  
  This quarter, we made several enhancements to the WELL Performance Verification Guidebook for the Sound concept with the ultimate goal of streamlining and improving the quality of data collection.
  
  Testing methods: Testing methods for speech privacy potential (SPP) now require a 30-second measurement (compared to 15-seconds, previously). With this increase, projects that pursue Feature S02, Maximum Noise Levels and Feature S03, Sound Barriers will only need to run one test during performance verification.
  
  Testing best practices: Inspired by discussions amongst Sound concept advisors and experts in the field, we’ve added a few suggestions for WELL Performance Testing Agents:
  - We recommend that WELL Performance Testing Agents utilize hearing protection while operating loudspeakers.
  - For sound pressure measurements, we recommended that WELL Performance Testing Agents gather data that reflects the average acoustic conditions in the space by rotating the sound level meter at arm’s length at a speed of 15 cm [6 in] per second (this suggestion doesn’t apply to RT60 tests).
  Testing equipment: WELL Performance Testing Agents may now use speakers with a wider frequency range of 100Hz to 4kHz.
  
  STRATEGIES
  
  We published all AAPs, EPs and their amendments in the strategies table and the “strategies” tab of the digital standard.
  
  Equivalencies We published 24 equivalencies across WELL v1, WELL v2 and the WELL Community Standard this quarter.
  
  Alternative Adherence Paths We published four AAPs for WELL v1 and nine AAPs for WELL v2 this quarter.
  
  Explore a few notable AAPs:
  
  WELL v2
  - A02 - Smoke-Free Environment: Project teams working on spaces located in areas where the government requires or incentivizes an indoor smoking room or outdoor smoking ban may allow smoking in designated rooms which are negatively pressurized with self-closing doors.
  - V04 - Active Commuter and Occupant Support: Inspired by the Movement Concept Advisory, we aligned Feature V04 with CyclingScore, a rating system that focuses exclusively on how building design and operations can promote cycling. Projects that achieve a Gold CyclingScore qualify for maximum points in Feature V04.
  - C06 - Health Promotion: Wellness initiatives thrive when an organization’s leaders are engaged and invested in the journey. Leaders are uniquely positioned as wellness champions - they can link new initiatives to broader organizational goals, reach all levels of the organization and allocate sufficient resources to launch and sustain them. We’re thrilled to award projects that demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness through the presence of executive-level leadership who oversees health and wellness for all employees through this AAP.
  Eager to learn more about cultivating wellness in the workplace? Read more from IWBI President, Rachel Gutter, here.
  
  WELL AP exam updates
  
  We ensure that changes to WELL v1 are incorporated into the WELL AP exam through an annual review and update cycle. We released the current version of the exam in August 2018 and it reflects all published addenda through the Q1 2018 version of WELL v1 and the WELL Certification Guidebook. Our next update will occur on Aug. 22, 2019 and the exam will reflect the Q1 2019 version of WELL v1 and the WELL Certification Guidebook.
- Key programs and initiatives
  - Sustainable Development Goals: IWBI signed on to the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices. With this commitment, IWBI joins thousands of companies and civil society organizations from all sectors and parts of the world in implementing the UN Global Compact’s 10 principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Explore how WELL features connect to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  - WELL Portfolio: IWBI launched the WELL Portfolio program created for organizations intending to scale their wellness efforts throughout their spaces and across their company. This quarter we look forward to sharing with you how key addenda updates support and enhance the WELL Portfolio experience. Learn more about how we collaborated with WELL Portfolio pilot participants to shape the WELL Portfolio program.
  - Public comment: Time flies when you’re having fun! This quarter IWBI celebrated the one-year anniversary of the launch of the WELL v2 pilot by opening up a six-month public comment period where the WELL community can share their thoughts on a wide range of elements in WELL v2. Your comments will support our efforts to strengthen and continuously evolve WELL and prepare to graduate WELL v2 from pilot.
  - Beta features: The Standard Development team has been hard at work creating two beta features, which expand upon the current WELL v2 pilot by introducing new, emerging or yet-to-be-addressed strategies into WELL. Learn more about the beta features included in this addenda.
  Like all that we do, the Q3 addenda reflect our commitment to listening, learning and raising the bar for healthier spaces around the world. Addenda are a critical piece of the standard’s lifecycle and are one of the primary avenues through which we incorporate feedback and insights from the WELL community.
  
  Download all addenda resources in the Q3 addenda toolkit!
  
  Q3 2019 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS
  
  AMENDMENTS
  
  The Q3 2019 addenda include 82 amendments for the WELL v2 pilot, 11 amendments for WELL v1, eight amendments to the WELL Community Standard and 15 amendments to the guidebooks. (Fun fact: While this may sound like a hefty amount of updates, in actuality, nearly 30% of the amendments are syntax changes that further clarify or simplify the language in the standard.)
  
  WELL v2
  - Combined points: Project teams can now meet minimum concept point thresholds with a combined minimum of four points in the Air and Thermal Comfort concepts (or combined two points for WELL Core projects).
  - Feature C02 - Integrative Design: We expanded the list of potential stakeholders to include folks such as vendors and building management staff to better reflect the evolving project team with the launch of WELL Portfolio. We also removed language referencing project completion in Part 4 to make this feature more applicable to an existing building context.
  - Feature A08 - Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness: We updated this feature to align with the general testing location requirements for other features and reduce nuances in sensor placement for different space types. Note: There is a similar change in the Performance Verification Guidebook this quarter for WELL performance testing.
  - Feature C04 - Enhanced Occupant Survey: We adjusted the feature to include the collection of observational data and created a new pathway to work with qualified parties for robust data analysis. We also Marie Kondo’d the survey topic list in Part 1. (We couldn’t say goodbye to any of our survey topics - because they all spark joy! - so we reorganized them instead).
  - Feature V02 - Visual and Physical Ergonomics: Based on guidance we’ve provided in the past, and in consultation with the experts, Feature V02 now includes specific guidance for laptops. Also, we published the purchasing pathways from the feature notes as AAPs.
  WELL v1
  - Feature 34 - Public Water Additives: We adjusted disinfectant thresholds to align with U.S. EPA values, giving projects more flexibility with water treatment. Additionally, we’ve modified the metrics to capture total (residual + combined) chlorine and chloramine levels rather than residual levels.
  WELL Community Standard
  
  Highlights for the WELL Community Standard this quarter include:
  - Certified buildings: With the launch of the WELL Portfolio program, we introduced pathways for WELL Community projects to count registered buildings in a defined portfolio towards the certified health and wellness buildings requirement, even if they aren’t certified yet.
  - SUP - Supermarket Access: Project teams can now consider supermarkets within 800 m [0.5 mi] of their project boundary in addition to those within the community project boundary.
  Guidebooks
  
  This quarter, we made several enhancements to the WELL Performance Verification Guidebook for the Sound concept with the ultimate goal of streamlining and improving the quality of data collection.
  
  Testing methods: Testing methods for speech privacy potential (SPP) now require a 30-second measurement (compared to 15-seconds, previously). With this increase, projects that pursue Feature S02, Maximum Noise Levels and Feature S03, Sound Barriers will only need to run one test during performance verification.
  
  Testing best practices: Inspired by discussions amongst Sound concept advisors and experts in the field, we’ve added a few suggestions for WELL Performance Testing Agents:
  - We recommend that WELL Performance Testing Agents utilize hearing protection while operating loudspeakers.
  - For sound pressure measurements, we recommended that WELL Performance Testing Agents gather data that reflects the average acoustic conditions in the space by rotating the sound level meter at arm’s length at a speed of 15 cm [6 in] per second (this suggestion doesn’t apply to RT60 tests).
  Testing equipment: WELL Performance Testing Agents may now use speakers with a wider frequency range of 100Hz to 4kHz.
  
  STRATEGIES
  
  We published all AAPs, EPs and their amendments in the strategies table and the “strategies” tab of the digital standard.
  
  Equivalencies We published 24 equivalencies across WELL v1, WELL v2 and the WELL Community Standard this quarter.
  
  Alternative Adherence Paths We published four AAPs for WELL v1 and nine AAPs for WELL v2 this quarter.
  
  Explore a few notable AAPs:
  
  WELL v2
  - A02 - Smoke-Free Environment: Project teams working on spaces located in areas where the government requires or incentivizes an indoor smoking room or outdoor smoking ban may allow smoking in designated rooms which are negatively pressurized with self-closing doors.
  - V04 - Active Commuter and Occupant Support: Inspired by the Movement Concept Advisory, we aligned Feature V04 with CyclingScore, a rating system that focuses exclusively on how building design and operations can promote cycling. Projects that achieve a Gold CyclingScore qualify for maximum points in Feature V04.
  - C06 - Health Promotion: Wellness initiatives thrive when an organization’s leaders are engaged and invested in the journey. Leaders are uniquely positioned as wellness champions - they can link new initiatives to broader organizational goals, reach all levels of the organization and allocate sufficient resources to launch and sustain them. We’re thrilled to award projects that demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness through the presence of executive-level leadership who oversees health and wellness for all employees through this AAP.
  Eager to learn more about cultivating wellness in the workplace? Read more from IWBI President, Rachel Gutter, here.
  
  WELL AP exam updates
  
  We ensure that changes to WELL v1 are incorporated into the WELL AP exam through an annual review and update cycle. We released the current version of the exam in August 2018 and it reflects all published addenda through the Q1 2018 version of WELL v1 and the WELL Certification Guidebook. Our next update will occur on Aug. 22, 2019 and the exam will reflect the Q1 2019 version of WELL v1 and the WELL Certification Guidebook.
  
  Resources

Q1 2024 Addenda Overview

Scope reduced

New pathways available

Documentation change

Beta strategies

Q4 2023 Addenda Guide

Clarifications:

Reduced Scope or Added Pathways to Improve Feasibility:

Increased Stringency:

Q3 2023 Addenda Guide

WELL Performance Verification Guidebook:

WELL Program Guidebook:

Section 2: Changes to WELL Core Guidance

Section 3: Changes to WELL Program Guidebook

Section 2: Changes to WELL Core Guidance

Section 3: Changes to WELL Program Guidebook

Introducing the WELL Equity Rating

Q4 2022 Addenda Guide

Section 1: Changes to the WELL Standard informed by the WELL Equity Rating

Section 2: WELL v2

Section 3: WELL Ratings

Section 4: Performance Verification

Section 5: Program Guidebook

Section 6: Changes impacting WELL Core projects

WELL Addenda Highlights

WELL v2 Changes driven by the WELL Performance Rating include:

Other changes include:

Performance Verification Guidebook

Alternative Strategies

Snapshot

Highlights

New structure for some WELL v2 preconditions:

Alignment between WELL v2 and the WELL Health-Safety Rating:

Vaccine Programs

Enhanced survey methods

New pathway for C05 Parts 1 and 4.

Circadian lighting threshold

Innovation form

Beta feature form

New beta strategies

Registration is closed for WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot

New WELL AP exam going live soon

Q2 2021 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS

AMENDMENTS

WELL Health-Safety Rating

WELL v2 pilot

Resources

STRATEGIES

Q1 2021 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS

AMENDMENTS

1. WELL Health-Safety Rating

2. WELL v2

3. WELL v2 pilot

RESOURCE UPDATES

STRATEGIES

WELL v2 AAP

WELL AP Exam

Closing Registration for WELL v1 and the WELL v2 pilot

Toolkit

Q4 2020 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS

AMENDMENTS

WELL Health-Safety Rating

WELL v2

WELL v2 pilot

Resources

STRATEGIES

Featured WELL v2 pilot AAPs

Featured WELL v2 AAPs

WELL AP exam updates

Q3 2020 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS

AMENDMENTS

WELL Health-Safety Rating

WELL v2 pilot

RESOURCES

STRATEGIES

WELL AP EXAM UPDATES

Q2 2020 ADDENDA HIGHLIGHTS

AMENDMENTS

WELL v2

Guidebooks

<%= article.title %> <% if (article.promoted) { %> <% } %>