What is performance verification?

Some feature parts in WELL for residential must or can be verified through onsite testing of indoor environmental conditions. All features verified by onsite testing are optional.

During onsite testing, a qualified professional collects real-world data across several environmental parameters within the WELL concepts of Air, Water, Thermal Comfort, and Sound. These measurements help confirm compliance and also offer insights that can support healthier building operations.

The following features within the WELL for residential program include parts verified by onsite testing:

Air

• R-A01 Ventilation Design
• R-A03 Pollution Infiltration Management
• R-A07 Indoor Air Quality
• R-A08 Radon Risk Mitigation

Water

• R-W02 Water Testing

Thermal Comfort

• R-T04 Humidity Control

Sound

• R-S01 Sound Barriers
• R-S03 HVAC and Building Service Noise Levels
• R-S04 Environmental Noise Levels

All features verified by onsite testing are indicated with an “Onsite testing” tag in the WELL for residential Guidebook as seen in the example below.

Some features are structured so that there is an onsite testing option and a prescriptive/design option, while others only include an onsite testing option.

Who performs performance testing?

Onsite tests must be conducted by the qualified professionals indicated in the WELL for residential Performance Verification Guidebook. For certain features, enrollees have a choice to engage a WELL Performance Testing Agent from IWBI’s network of WELL Performance Testing Providers. Enrollees select and contract directly with their chosen service provider(s).

A WELL Performance Testing Agent is an individual who conducts on-site performance testing to satisfy specific feature requirements. These individuals work for WELL Performance Testing Providers. All WELL Performance Testing Agents undergo training to evaluate on-site environmental parameters according to WELL testing protocols and equipment specifications. 

See IWBI's website for a list of approved WELL Performance Testing Providers. WELL Performance Testing Providers must demonstrate that there is no conflict of interest with the enrollee and administrator.

The qualified professional (including a WELL Performance Testing Agent) must complete an online training module and pass the quiz prior to conducting onsite testing.

When does performance testing occur?

Onsite testing for WELL for residential projects occurs after construction is substantially complete and all relevant systems are installed. Information on what systems are relevant is described for each parameter in the WELL for residential Performance Verification Guidebook. You may choose to conduct testing when the unit is occupied or unoccupied. 

Conditions during testing must represent normal conditions experienced by residents unless otherwise specified in the WELL for residential Performance Verification Guidebook. All tests must have been taken within the 12 months prior to submitting for review. 

How to submit performance verification documentation

Documentation for features tagged “Onsite testing”, may be submitted along with the rest of your documentation for review.

Once a qualified professional has: 

1. Watched the WELL for residential Onsite Testing Training Module and passed the quiz
2. Conducted onsite testing in accordance with the WELL for residential Performance Verification Guidebook

Then the qualified professional must prepare the following documents for submission in a review cycle: 

3. WELL for residential Onsite Testing Training Module and Quiz certificate of completion
4. Completed WELL for residential Project Information and Performance Template (PIP), available in your project's Support tab* 
   • *Only passing results should be submitted; if a test results in measurements that do not meet the feature requirements, it is the responsibility of the project team to remediate the conditions to bring the dwelling unit(s) into compliance 
5. For qualified professionals:
   • Evidence of professional qualifications (e.g., copy of certificate, resume, C.V.). 
6. For devices:
   • Manufacturer specifications
   • Calibration certificates
7. For laboratories:
   • Accreditations
   • Test methodologies
   • Chain of custody
8. Annotated floorplans showing the final sample locations along with the date and time that each sample was collected. 
9. A minimum of one photograph of each unique equipment setup for each parameter tested at the project site. 
10. Raw data* (in .xlsx; .csv; .doc; .pdf; .txt format) for each sample location
    • *If the measurement device does not log data, provide a photograph of the result displayed on the device for each measurement at each sample location. 
11. The analysis of raw data including calculations used to determine compliance with the feature part(s).