WELL-AP WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) Exam Questions and Answers

VOCs are organic chemicals that can evaporate or vaporize into the air at room temperature. They can be emitted from various sources such as building materials, furnishings, paints, cleaning products, personal care products, tobacco smoke, and combustion appliances. Exposure to VOCs can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Some VOCs are also known or suspected carcinogens. According to the WELL v2 standard, reducing indoor VOC concentrations can improve respiratory health and well-being12.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2: This is the official source of the WELL v2 standard, where Feature A03: Volatile Compound Reduction is described in detail.
• What’s new in WELL v2: Air | Articles | WELL International WELL …: This is an article that explains the rationale and benefits of the new Air features in WELL v2, including VOC reduction.

Addressing the needs of individuals with food allergies, such as the new employee with a peanut allergy, is crucial for creating an inclusive and safe environment. Feature N09: Special Diets emphasizes the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions and promoting awareness of food allergens. Providing signage with catered meals that clearly indicate the presence of common allergens allows individuals to make informed choices about their food intake, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. This strategy supports WELL's commitment to nurturing a health-conscious workplace by ensuring that nutritional information and allergen warnings are transparent and accessible to all occupants, thereby fostering a culture of health and wellness.

For a WELL building design to achieve Feature T06: Thermal Comfort Monitoring, it must include a thermal comfort monitoring system with sensors placed at the appropriate height within occupiable areas. Specifically, the sensors must be located at a height of 3.6 to 5.6 feet (1.1 to 1.7 meters) above the floor. This placement ensures that the sensors accurately capture the thermal conditions experienced by the building's occupants, enabling effective monitoring and management of indoor thermal comfort. Proper sensor positioning is crucial for gathering reliable data, which can then inform actions to address any unacceptable thermal comfort conditions​​.

References:

• Feature T06: Thermal Comfort Monitoring
• Your roadmap to the WELL AP exam
• Standard | WELL V2
• IWBI Resource Hub | WELL v2

The best design strategy to earn the maximum number of points within Feature V03: Circulation Network is to add artwork and soft music at each floor landing, as well as point-of-decision signage adjacent to the elevator bay encouraging the use of the stairwell. This would meet the requirements of Part 1: Design Aesthetic Circulation Networks and Part 2: Integrate Point-of-Decision Signage, which are both worth one point each. The other options either do not meet the aesthetic design criteria, do not provide point-of-decision signage, or discourage stair use instead of promoting it.

References: = WELL v2 Feature V03: Circulation Network

The intent of Feature N02: Nutritional Transparency is to help individuals make informed food consumption choices through nutritional labeling and information. This feature requires the provision of detailed nutritional information, ingredient disclosure and food allergen and refined ingredient labeling for all foods sold or provided on a daily basis within the project boundary1.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2: This is the official source of the WELL v2 standard, where Feature N02 is described in detail.

Sick building syndrome is a condition affecting building occupants who experience acute health and discomfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building. One of the causes of sick building syndrome is the buildup of indoor pollutants, which is often linked to low airflow rates. Poor ventilation can lead to insufficient dilution or removal of indoor pollutants, contributing to a range of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. Ensuring adequate ventilation and airflow is therefore critical to prevent the buildup of pollutants and promote a healthy indoor environment.

In many countries, the use of hazardous materials such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and lead in paints has been restricted due to their potential negative health impacts. VOCs can significantly affect respiratory health and may increase cancer risks, while lead is known for its toxicity and potential to cause serious health issues. Therefore, minimizing the use of these substances in paints aligns with the WELL Materials concept, which encourages the use of products tested for low VOC emissions and free of harmful ingredients like lead​​.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2, Feature X01 Precondition Material Restrictions, Part 3 Restrict Lead1
• Standard | WELL V2, Feature X02 Precondition Low-Emitting Materials, Part 1 Low-Emitting Materials2

For WELL Core Certification, which focuses on the base building elements of a project, a certain portion of the total building floor area must be designated for performance testing to ensure the building meets WELL's health and wellness criteria. The requirement of a minimum of 2,500 ft² (approximately 232 m²) for performance testing is established to ensure a representative sample of the building's overall environment and operational practices. This area must be readily accessible for testing and capable of demonstrating the building's compliance with WELL's standards. This requirement underscores the WELL Building Standard's commitment to evidence-based outcomes and verifiable performance, ensuring that the building's core and shell support the health and well-being of its future occupants.

The color rendering index (CRI) is a measure of a light source's ability to reveal the colors of various objects faithfully in comparison with a natural light source. Electric lights with a high CRI are effective in improving the perception of space by ensuring that colors are seen more accurately and vibrantly. This can have a significant impact on the aesthetics of the environment, as well as on the well-being and productivity of the occupants, making high CRI lighting a preferred choice in design according to the WELL Building Standard.

For WELL v2™ Precertification, projects must demonstrate compliance with all preconditions and also achieve a certain number of points across various health and wellness concepts. The correct answer, 40 points with a minimum of zero points in each concept, reflects the flexible approach of WELL v2™, allowing projects to tailor their point allocations based on their specific goals, priorities, and constraints. This approach encourages projects to focus on areas where they can have the most significant impact on occupant health and wellness, without mandating a minimum investment in each concept, thus fostering innovation and customization in project design and execution.

The installation of MERV 14 filters could help to achieve Feature A12: Air Filtration, which requires projects with mechanically ventilated spaces to implement adequate air filtration and document a maintenance protocol for installed filters. The project scenario indicates that the building is mechanically ventilated and currently has MERV 11 filters. By upgrading to MERV 14 filters, the project could meet the minimum air filtration efficiency for outdoor air supplied to the space, depending on the annual average outdoor PM2.5 level. For example, if the outdoor PM2.5 level is between 24-39 µg/m³, the project would need to use media filters with an average removal efficiency of ≥75% for particles 0.3-1 µm in size (e.g., MERV 14, F8 or ePM1 75%)1.

References: = WELL v2 Feature A12: Air Filtration

The core parameters that impact thermal comfort in a mechanically conditioned space include air temperature, humidity, air movement, mean radiant temperature of surrounding surfaces, metabolic rate, and clothing insulation. These factors collectively influence an individual's thermal perception and comfort within an indoor environment. Air temperature and humidity affect the thermal sensation directly, while air movement can enhance the feeling of coolness or warmth. The mean radiant temperature impacts how heat is exchanged between the human body and surrounding surfaces. Metabolic rate and clothing insulation are personal factors that determine how individuals generate and retain heat. Understanding and optimizing these parameters are crucial for creating indoor environments that support occupants' thermal comfort, aligning with the WELL Building Standard's Thermal Comfort concept, which aims to provide a comfortable thermal environment that supports the health and well-being of building occupants.

To comply with Feature N03: Refined Ingredients in WELL Certification, which aims to reduce the consumption of unhealthy food ingredients such as refined sugars, one effective strategy is to ensure the availability of healthier beverage options. By providing at least five varieties of beverages with no sugar per serving, the building can encourage healthier choices among its occupants, aligning with the WELL Standard's focus on nutrition and promoting overall well-being. This approach not only offers options for those looking to avoid sugar for health or dietary reasons but also supports a wider culture of health within the building.

For a project with 300 regular occupants to comply with the requirements of Feature T02: Verified Thermal Comfort, a minimum number of responses is required to ensure that the feedback is representative of the occupant population. The WELL Building Standard typically specifies a certain percentage of the total occupants to participate in comfort surveys or interviews to validate thermal comfort within the space. A typical figure might be 15% of the occupants, which, in the case of 300 occupants, would translate to 45 individuals. Collecting feedback from this number of respondents allows for a statistically significant sample that reflects the comfort experiences of the population within the building.

Incorporating revolving doors at the entrance of a building can effectively meet the WELL Building Standard's requirements for healthy entryways. Revolving doors act as an air lock, reducing the influx of pollutants and particulate matter from the outside environment into the building's interior. This design feature minimizes the entry of outdoor contaminants and helps in maintaining cleaner indoor air quality. The presence of grilles that measure the width of the entrance and extend 10 ft. (3 m) in the primary direction of travel further supports this by trapping dirt and water at the entrance, but the key mechanism for reducing airborne pollutants is the use of revolving doors, aligning with WELL's emphasis on air quality and health.

To meet the standards for Pollution Infiltration Management, the healthy entryway design in a retail pharmacy should be modified to increase vacuuming frequency to once a day. This adjustment ensures more effective removal of pollutants and particulate matter brought in on shoes and clothing, thus enhancing the entryway's capability to reduce the transmission of pollutants into the indoor environment​​​​.

An effective strategy to promote stair use by building occupants is to enhance the stairwell's visual appeal, for example, by placing artwork throughout the stairwell. This can create a more inviting and stimulating environment, encouraging occupants to use the stairs instead of elevators for inter-floor movement. The use of artwork can transform the stairwell into a more attractive space, thus supporting physical activity and contributing to the overall well-being of the occupants.

Feature W02: Drinking Water Quality in the WELL Building Standard focuses on ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water through regular testing for specific contaminants. The inclusion of arsenic, nickel, total chlorine, and nitrite as parameters for testing under this feature is based on their potential health impacts and the importance of maintaining them within safe limits. Arsenic and nickel are heavy metals that can be toxic at high concentrations, while total chlorine and nitrites are chemical parameters that can indicate water treatment effectiveness and potential contamination. Monitoring these parameters helps ensure that the water meets safety standards, protecting the health of building occupants. This approach is part of WELL's broader commitment to enhancing health and wellness through the built environment, ensuring that fundamental needs such as clean drinking water are adequately addressed.

• M01: Mental Health Promotion focuses on design elements that support mental well-being.expand_more Potted plants and water features create a more calming and positive environment, thus contributing to this feature.expand_more
• M07: Restorative Spaces aims to provide dedicated areas for relaxation and stress reduction.expand_more The natural elements of potted plants and a water feature promote a sense of tranquility, aligning well with this feature.

References:

• M01: Mental Health Promotion https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/mind/feature/1
• M02: Nature and Place: https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/mind/feature/2
• M07: Restorative Spaces https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/mind/feature/7
• M09: Enhanced Access to Nature

Feature V10: Self-Monitoring, Part 1 of the WELL Building Standard focuses on providing tools for employees to monitor their health. To satisfy the requirements of this feature, self-monitoring tools must be subsidized by at least 50%. This significant subsidy is intended to make health-monitoring tools more accessible to employees, encouraging their use and supporting the ongoing health and wellness of the workforce. By reducing the financial barrier, the employer can foster a culture of health awareness and proactive management of well-being.

To meet Feature M06: Restorative Opportunities in the WELL Building Standard, which focuses on providing employees with adequate rest to prevent chronic stress and burnout, ensuring a minimum of 11 consecutive hours off from work per 24-hour period is essential. This requirement is grounded in research that suggests adequate rest between shifts is crucial for mental and physical recovery, allowing staff to maintain productivity and well-being. This approach supports a healthy work-life balance, reducing the risk of long-term health issues related to overwork and stress, and aligns with the WELL Standard's goal of enhancing health and wellness in the workplace.

According to Feature A07: Operable Windows, part 3 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must monitor outdoor levels of ozone, PM10, temperature and humidity, and discourage occupants from opening windows when outdoor air either (i) exceeds ozone levels of 51 ppb or PM10 levels of 50 μg/m³; (ii) has a temperature of 8 °C [15 °F] above or below indoor set temperature; or (iii) has a relative humidity above 60%1. PM2.5 is not explicitly mentioned in the feature, but it is a subset of PM10 and has similar health effects, so it is reasonable to assume that it should also be considered when managing window use.

References: = Operable windows | WELL Feature Library - v2

Installing digital displays that promote the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and water in eating areas can contribute towards Feature N07: Nutrition Education. This feature supports healthy eating patterns by increasing nutritional knowledge and food literacy, which can be achieved through educational programming and interventions like digital displays that provide nutritional information and encourage healthier food and beverage choices​​.

For an office building to support meal preparation for occupants in alignment with Feature N10: Food Preparation, incorporating dedicated cabinets or storage units is essential. These storage solutions provide a designated area for employees to store food, utensils, and other meal preparation items. Unlike demonstration kitchens or dining tables and chairs, which cater to the act of cooking and eating, dedicated cabinets or storage units specifically address the storage aspect of meal preparation, making them a critical component for facilitating this feature within a workplace. This strategy ensures employees have the necessary resources to prepare meals, contributing to their overall well-being and comfort at work​​.

WELL Feature W06 mandates that mouthpieces, protective guards, aerators (if present), basins, and touchpoints of water dispensers must be cleaned on a daily basis to ensure hygiene and prevent contamination.expand_more

References:

• WELL v2, Water Concept, Feature W06: Drinking Water Promotion, Part 1: Drinking Water Access. Find the specific cleaning requirement within this part of the feature

Feature X05: Enhanced Material Restrictions within the WELL Building Standard specifically targets the reduction of harmful substances in building materials, including formaldehyde, which is restricted in products such as ceilings, wall panels, insulation, furniture, and millwork. Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) known for its adverse health effects, including irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and potential long-term respiratory and carcinogenic effects. By restricting the use of formaldehyde in building materials, the WELL Building Standard aims to improve indoor air quality and protect the health and well-being of building occupants.

Thermal comfort significantly impacts productivity. When the thermal environment is within a comfortable range, individuals can focus better and perform tasks more efficiently. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can distract and reduce the ability to concentrate, leading to decreased productivity. WELL standards emphasize creating a thermal environment that supports the comfort and well-being of occupants, recognizing that thermal comfort is a key component of a healthy indoor environment.

WELL Feature M09 emphasizes providing access to nature, including water features. The proximity to the riverfront park with a clear river view directly supports meeting the requirements of this feature.

References:

• WELL v2, Mind Concept, Feature M09: Enhanced Access to Nature: Outlines the requirements for promoting access to nature, including natural water features and views of nature. 

To simplify the recertification process, the best strategy is to prepare a file of the maintenance logs and reports for recertification prior to the WELL Performance Testing Agent’s (PTA) site visit. This can help the project team to organize and document the evidence of compliance with the WELL features that require annual reporting, such as occupancy surveys, cleaning schedules, filter replacement, air and water quality monitoring, etc1. The project team can then submit the file to the WELL PTA during the site visit, along with any other documentation that may be required for recertification2. This can save time and effort for both the project team and the WELL PTA, and ensure a smooth and efficient recertification process.

References:

• WELL Tip: Annual reporting and recertification of WELL Certified spaces
• WELL Certification | WELL Feature Library - v2
• WELL Certification | WELL Standard - v4

WELL Certification emphasizes the importance of mental health and wellness in the workplace. Providing annual communication about mental health and well-being benefits, resources, and programs ensures that all eligible employees are aware of the support available to them and encourages them to make use of these resources. This aligns with WELL's commitment to fostering environments that support physical and mental health, as regular communication can reduce stigma and barriers to accessing mental health care

Offering personal heating/cooling devices is the best strategy to address the problem of chronic thermal discomfort among a small percentage of building occupants. This strategy allows occupants to adjust their local thermal environment according to their individual preferences and needs, which can improve their satisfaction and comfort. Personal heating/cooling devices can include fans, heaters, foot warmers, radiant panels, or under-desk air terminals. The other options either do not address the individual differences in thermal comfort or may worsen the problem by creating uniform and inflexible thermal conditions.

References: = WELL v2 Feature T01: Thermal Performance, WELL AP Exam Embedded Content

According to the WELL v2™ feature C02: Integrative Design, the project must conduct tours of the space for all stakeholders in the development process, as well as new employees during onboarding, that communicate how existing building operations, maintenance, programs and policies support adherence to WELL requirements1. This requirement aims to foster a shared understanding and commitment to the health and well-being goals of the project or organization.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature C02: Integrative Design

According to the WELL v2™ feature N12 Optimization Food Production, a permanent and accessible space for food production is required to be at least 1 ft2 per regular occupant or 0.5 ft2 per student, whichever area is greater (up to a maximum of 1,500 ft2 and not less than 200 ft2). The area calculated is the actual growing area (vertical or horizontal) used for the production of food-bearing plants. For a commercial office building with 400 regular occupants, the minimum space required is 200 ft2.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature N12 Optimization Food Production

Feature S04: Reverberation Time focuses on reducing the echo within a space to ensure clear communication and acoustic comfort. An accent wall with felt pieces would help absorb sound, thereby reducing the reverberation time within a meeting room. Unlike hard surfaces that reflect sound, materials like felt are effective in trapping sound waves and dampening echo, which is essential in creating an acoustically comfortable environment conducive to communication and focus.

If a project team disagrees with the findings of a WELL report, the appropriate course of action is to submit an appeal. This process allows the project team to challenge specific decisions or interpretations made during the assessment of their project against WELL Building Standard requirements. The appeal process is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy in the certification process, providing a mechanism for project teams to seek a review of decisions they believe to be incorrect or not reflective of their project's compliance with WELL criteria.

According to Feature S06: Optimization Minimum Background Sound, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must install a sound masking system in open areas and enclosed rooms designated as quiet zones, circulation zones and in areas where workstations are present1. The sound masking system produces a uniform artificial sound that increases speech privacy between occupied spaces by reducing the intelligibility of speech and masking unwanted noises2. The other options are not as effective at maximizing speech privacy in conference rooms, as they either do not address the sound transmission between rooms (A and C) or increase the noise level in the adjacent spaces (B).

References: = Standard | WELL V2, Daylight modeling | WELL Standard

In the context of the WELL Building Standard™, the emphasis is on promoting health and wellness through sustainable and responsible food sourcing. The recommendation to ensure that at least 20% of products are certified organic aligns with WELL’s principles which focus on enhancing the nutritional quality of food while reducing the exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides that can be found in non-organic foods.

Organic certification ensures that the products are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which supports the WELL principle of sustainable, health-promoting food sourcing. This recommendation is practical and achievable, making it a strategic starting point for integrating healthier food options into the corporate environment. It helps in creating a food environment that supports the physical health of the building occupants by providing cleaner, possibly more nutrient-rich food options, and also aligns with environmental sustainability goals.

Operable windows offer the advantage of natural ventilation and a connection to the outdoor environment, enhancing occupant well-being and comfort. However, they can also introduce external noise into the building, potentially disrupting the indoor acoustic environment. Feature S02: Maximum Noise Levels in the WELL Building Standard addresses the need to control indoor noise levels to support occupant health and productivity. When windows are open, noise from traffic, construction, and other external sources can elevate indoor noise levels beyond comfortable or healthy thresholds. Addressing this concern involves considering the acoustic design of the building, including the use of sound-dampening materials and strategic placement of operable windows away from noise sources, to ensure that the benefits of natural ventilation do not come at the cost of increased noise pollution.

When a WELL v2 project's water quality test results exceed the allowed threshold for microorganisms, the recommended strategy for continuing the pursuit of certification is to undertake curative action and then schedule retesting with a WELL Performance Testing Organization. This approach involves addressing the identified water quality issues through appropriate remediation measures and then verifying the effectiveness of these measures through retesting. Ensuring the water quality meets WELL standards is crucial for achieving certification, as it directly impacts the health and safety of the building's occupants​​.

References:

• WELL Performance Verification Guidebook
• WELL Performance Verification

According to Feature A09: Pollution Infiltration Management, part 3 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must install self-closing doors between high-humidity spaces (such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms) and regularly occupied spaces1. This helps prevent the spread of moisture and odors that can affect indoor air quality and comfort2.

References: = Standard | WELL V2, Pollution infiltration management | WELL Feature Library - v2

According to the WELL Certification Guidebook, performance verification requires at least 50% occupancy of the project area, unless otherwise approved by IWBI. This is to ensure that the testing reflects the actual conditions and performance of the building when it is in use. Therefore, the project team should inform the developer that they cannot schedule performance verification until the occupancy requirement is met.

References:

• WELL Certification Guidebook, page 17, section 3.2.3: Performance Verification
• WELL v2 | Certification Process | IWBI, Step 3: Performance Verification

For the Enhanced Supply Air feature, a key consideration is the maintenance of air filtration systems in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Proper maintenance ensures the effectiveness of supply air treatment methods, such as carbon filters, media filters, and Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI), in mitigating indoor air contamination. This practice is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and protecting occupants from pollutants and infectious disease particles, in line with the WELL Building Standard's objectives​​.

Supplemental light fixtures, such as task lights, are provided to occupants upon request at no cost within a WELL building to enhance occupant comfort by increasing the light level on the task surface. This benefit allows occupants to adjust their local lighting conditions according to their individual preferences and needs, which can improve their visual acuity, productivity, and satisfaction. Feature L09 requires projects to provide supplemental light fixtures that meet certain criteria for illuminance, color quality, and glare control.

References: = WELL v2 Feature L09: Supplemental Lighting

• Supporting Evidence: WELL features often require specific design elements or operational protocols to be met. Annotated plans, drawings, or specifications provide clear evidence demonstrating how the project meets these requirements.
• Feature-Specific Requirements: Each feature has its own verification methods in the WELL Building Standard. Annotated documents are particularly important for features with visual or spatial requirements.
• Clarity for Reviewers: Annotations highlight crucial details, making review more efficient for the WELL assessors. They demonstrate that the project team has carefully considered and implemented the specific requirements.

Feature T06: Thermal Comfort Monitoring, Part 1: Monitor Thermal Environment in the WELL Building Standard™ focuses on the importance of continuously monitoring key parameters that contribute to thermal comfort in built environments. This feature specifically emphasizes the need to understand and control the thermal conditions that affect occupant comfort and well-being.

Dry-bulb temperature is the measure of air temperature without taking evaporation into consideration. It is one of the most direct indicators of thermal comfort as it affects how warm or cool an indoor environment feels to its occupants.

Relative humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air compared to what the air can "hold" at that temperature. The level of humidity has a significant impact on how temperatures are perceived by occupants. High humidity can make environments feel stuffier and warmer than the actual air temperature would suggest, while low humidity can make the air feel cooler and dryer.

WELL v2 requires a minimum of 12 work weeks of paid parental leave for the primary caregiver to support workplace family needs.

References:

• WELL v2, Community Concept, Feature C08 New Parent Support: https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/community/feature/8

To support mindful eating habits, a dedicated eating space must be designed to accommodate a significant portion of the occupants simultaneously, fostering a community environment conducive to relaxed and focused meal times. By ensuring that the eating area can hold at least 25% of regular occupants at peak occupancy, the space promotes social interaction and allows individuals to take breaks from their work or study environments, thereby enhancing overall well-being. This approach aligns with the WELL Building Standard's emphasis on creating spaces that contribute to the nutritional health and social well-being of occupants, recognizing the importance of eating environments in promoting healthy eating behaviors and social interaction.

The WELL Building Standard's Water concept sets strict limits for contaminants, including heavy metals like cadmium, in drinking water to protect human health. A performance testing result showing cadmium levels at or below 0.01 mg/L is considered safe and compliant with drinking water quality standards, reflecting the Standard's commitment to providing clean and safe water for consumption.

Raising awareness of healthy foods among occupants can be effectively achieved by designing a digital message board and menu that prominently features a variety of fruits and vegetables. This strategy aligns with WELL features that encourage the consumption of nutritious foods and support informed choices. By visually promoting fruits and vegetables, occupants are more likely to increase their intake of these healthy options, which contribute to overall well-being.

The intent behind incorporating hands-free technologies such as flushing, soap dispensers, and hand drying in restrooms is to improve hygiene by reducing touchpoints. By minimizing contact with surfaces that could be contaminated with pathogens, the spread of germs can be significantly reduced. This approach aligns with WELL's focus on health and wellness by creating environments that support sanitary practices and reduce the potential for cross-contamination, ultimately contributing to the well-being of the building's occupants.

To maintain low levels of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it is most effective to use air purification devices that include both an activated carbon filter, which adsorbs gases and odors, and a high-efficiency MERV 14 filter, which can capture airborne particles including those that may carry VOCs. This combination is effective in reducing the concentration of VOCs in the indoor environment, promoting better indoor air quality and supporting the health and well-being of the occupants in alignment with the WELL Building Standard's principles.

For a project to meet the requirements of Feature C01: Health and Wellness Promotion under the WELL Building Standard, it's crucial to include a clear reference to the specific version of the WELL Building Standard™ and the Performance Verification Guidebook used to achieve WELL Certification in any promotional or informational materials. This ensures transparency and allows stakeholders, occupants, and visitors to understand the standards and criteria the project adhered to in order to promote health and wellness. Including this information in the slide-show running in the lobby would provide valuable context about the project's commitment to health and wellness and the rigor of the certification process it underwent.

Projects must provide a plan for reprogramming or mitigating sound transmission when a quiet zone directly borders a loud zone. This situation presents a high risk for noise disturbance, which can negatively affect concentration, relaxation, and overall comfort. Strategies to mitigate sound transmission may include physical barriers, soundproofing materials, and layout adjustments to ensure that the quiet zone maintains its intended acoustic environment.

For Feature A01: Air Quality, the WELL standard sets thresholds for indoor air quality that are typically lower than the outdoor air quality levels to ensure that the indoor environment provides a safe and healthy atmosphere for occupants. If the outdoor annual average for PM2.5 is 30 µg/m³, indoor levels need to be significantly lower to meet WELL requirements, which are usually aligned with recognized health-based standards. Therefore, the option with the lowest levels of PM2.5 and PM10 would be the one that meets the requirements, as it indicates better filtration and air quality control measures are in place.

According to Feature L09: Occupant Lighting Control, part 2 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must provide supplemental light fixtures (e.g., task lights) upon request to all employees at no cost and requests are fulfilled within eight weeks1. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate strategy for meeting this feature, as it meets both the cost and the time criteria. The other options either exceed the time limit (B and D) or impose an additional cost on the occupant ©.

References: = Standard | WELL V2

According to the WELL v2 Feature S01: Sound Mapping, acoustically quiet zones include areas intended for concentration, wellness, rest, study and/or privacy. Lactation rooms fall under this category, as they provide a private and comfortable space for nursing mothers. Classrooms, lift lobbies and recreational rooms are not considered as quiet zones, as they are either mixed zones, circulation zones or loud zones respectively.

References: = WELL v2 Feature S01: Sound Mapping

This answer best meets the requirements of Feature C01, which aims to promote a deeper occupant understanding of the WELL features pursued by the project or organization and how building design, operations and policies impact health and well-being. A multi-modal strategy that includes a WELL feature guide and regular communication can help reinforce the project’s culture of health, market health promotion policies and programs, and offer education on topics within the ten WELL concepts.

References:

• Feature C01: Health and Well-being Promotion
• WELL AP Study Guide