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

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. It is commonly used in environmental testing to detect the presence of lead in paint. XRF analyzers can measure the lead content in painted surfaces directly, without the need to remove paint samples, making it an ideal method for in-situ testing in renovation projects. This technique is efficient, provides immediate results, and minimizes the disturbance to the existing structure, making it suitable for confirming lead hazards in buildings undergoing WELL Certification or any renovation.

In the context of WELL Certification, Innovation points are awarded for exceptional achievements that go beyond the standard requirements. For a project that has already achieved LEED® and BREEAM® certifications, it demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. To achieve the full score under the Innovation category in WELL Certification, the project would typically need to earn additional points by demonstrating innovative strategies, practices, or features that address health and wellness in unique and impactful ways. If the standard requires additional points for full Innovation credit, two points might be a reasonable assumption for the number of additional points needed, considering the project's existing achievements in sustainability.

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.

For Feature V02: Ergonomic Workstation Design, particularly Part 2: Provide Height-Adjustable Work Surfaces, WELL standards require that at least 25% of seating spaces be equipped with height-adjustable workstations to promote ergonomics and physical activity. Given that MILO is acquiring furniture for 45 employees, a minimum of 25% of these workstations need to be height-adjustable. Calculating 25% of 45 gives us 11.25, which, when rounded down to the nearest whole number, necessitates at least 11 height-adjustable work surfaces. However, since the options provided do not include 11 as a choice and WELL standards typically round up for minimum requirements to ensure compliance, the closest correct answer would be B. 11 height-adjustable work surfaces, even though it's not listed as an option. This ensures that a sufficient proportion of the workforce has access to ergonomic furniture, aligning with WELL's focus on physical well-being through design.

Feature N08: Mindful Eating in the WELL Building Standard requires a dedicated eating space that includes tables and chairs to accommodate at least 25% of regular occupants at peak occupancy. This is to ensure that there is sufficient space for occupants to sit and eat mindfully, encouraging better eating habits and social interaction during meal times.

For WELL Feature N08: Mindful Eating, the requirement is to have dedicated eating spaces located within a 650 ft walk distance from the project boundary. These spaces must include amenities like tables and chairs to accommodate at least 25% of regular occupants at peak occupancy and provide protection from environmental elements or be situated in a climate-controlled space, supporting mindful eating behaviors and communal dining opportunities​​.

Carbon filters can assist with the removal of organic chemicals from water intended for human consumption. Carbon filters use activated carbon, which has a large surface area and high adsorption capacity, to trap organic molecules and reduce their concentration in water. Carbon filters can effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, chlorinated solvents, and other organic contaminants that may pose health risks or affect the taste and odor of water12.

References: = WELL v2 Feature W01: Fundamental Water Quality, drinking Water treatment: organic matter removal - Degremont®

According to Feature W05: Optimization Drinking Water Quality Management, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must test water quarterly in drinking water dispensers and meet the following thresholds: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are 500 mg/L or less. If any sample exceeds these thresholds, remediation and re-testing occur within a month1. Therefore, the project team should take the step of remediation and re-testing within one month to address the issue of high TDS levels.

References: = Standard | WELL V2

The issue of conversations in the boardroom being heard in the adjacent corridor is likely due to inadequate sound insulation, with the hollow core door being the most probable cause. Hollow core doors do not provide significant sound blocking capabilities, allowing sound to travel through them more easily than solid doors. This can be a common oversight in acoustic design, especially in spaces where confidentiality is important. Addressing this issue by installing a solid core door or additional soundproofing measures would improve privacy and acoustic comfort in both the boardroom and the adjacent spaces.

Chlorine is a chemical commonly added to public water supplies as a disinfectant. Its primary function is to kill harmful microorganisms to make water safe for drinking and other uses. This process helps prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Chlorine's effectiveness as a disinfectant comes from its ability to oxidize bacteria and viruses, rendering them harmless. While other chemicals like fluoride are added for different purposes such as dental health, chlorine specifically targets microbial pathogens to ensure water potability​​.

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

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are carcinogens that bioaccumulate in the environment. PCBs are a group of synthetic organic chemicals that were widely used in electrical equipment, paints, plastics, and other industrial products until their production was banned or restricted in many countries in the late 1970s and early 1980s. PCBs are persistent, meaning they do not break down easily in the environment, and bioaccumulative, meaning they build up in the fatty tissues of animals and humans. Exposure to PCBs can cause various adverse health effects, such as cancer, liver damage, immune system impairment, reproductive and developmental disorders, and neurobehavioral effects12.

References: = WELL v2 Feature 11: Fundamental Material Safety, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Sources, Exposures, Toxicities

Feature X09 requires the safe management and minimization of wastes associated with hazardous chemicals present in commonly used products. Protocols for managing and minimizing hazardous waste are a key requirement for this feature.

References: = WELL v2 Feature X09: Waste Management

The key requirement for Feature X09: Waste Management within the WELL Building Standard is to have a waste management plan that includes protocols for managing and minimizing hazardous waste. This plan should cover the identification of roles, responsibilities, vendors for implementing the plan, sources of waste, strategies to minimize waste generation, waste collection strategies, protocols for cleaning spills of hazardous substances like mercury and pesticides, protocols to track, measure, and report waste stream flows, and protocols for off-site shipment of wastes​​.

Exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to immediate discomforts such as headaches, dry throat, eye irritation, and runny nose. These symptoms are among the short-term effects that indicate the need for improved air quality measures within indoor environments.

A building owner should use an air tightness test to assess the building envelope’s performance in regard to moisture protection. An air tightness test measures the rate of air leakage through the building envelope, which can indicate the potential for moisture infiltration and condensation. Moisture can enter buildings and building assemblies in four ways: bulk water, capillary water, air-transported moisture and vapor diffusion. Air-transported moisture is the most significant source of moisture problems in buildings, as it can carry large amounts of water vapor through small openings and gaps in the envelope. By conducting an air tightness test, the building owner can identify and seal any air leaks that could compromise the moisture protection of the building envelope.

References: = WELL v2 Feature 11: Fundamental Material Safety, Continuous Moisture Protection for the building envelope

For a project seeking WELL Certification, a Letter of Assurance would be required from a WELL AP. The WELL AP's role is to guide the project team through the WELL Certification process and ensure that the project complies with WELL standards. The Letter of Assurance from the WELL AP serves as a verification that the project has been executed according to the WELL requirements as understood by the WELL AP.

According to the WELL v2™ feature W01: Fundamental Water Quality, the project must conduct an environmental site assessment to identify any potential sources of water contamination on or near the site, such as fuel stations, automotive repair shops, landfills, or industrial facilities1. An environmental site assessment is a systematic process of evaluating the environmental conditions of a property, which may include historical research, site inspection, sampling, testing, and risk assessment2. Hiring an experienced professional to perform an environmental site assessment is a recommended strategy to ensure the safety and quality of the water supply for the project. Option B is incorrect, as engaging the local community may not provide sufficient or reliable information about the historical use of the site or the potential contaminants present. Option C is incorrect, as inspecting the site may not reveal the extent or nature of the contamination, which may be hidden or dispersed in the soil, groundwater, or air. Option D is incorrect, as determining if the site is a recognized Brownfield or has a similar designation may not be sufficient to identify the specific contaminants or risks associated with the site, and may not be applicable in some regions or jurisdictions.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature W01: Fundamental Water Quality Environmental Site Assessment - Wikipedia

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.

According to the WELL v2™ scoring system, projects must earn a minimum number of points per concept to achieve a certain level of certification. For WELL Platinum Certification, the minimum number of points per concept is three (or in the case of the Air and Thermal Comfort concepts, at least six points combined)1.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Scoring and Certification Levels

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

• 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

Mercury exposure during pregnancy can cause a range of problems in developing babies, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing problems, and microcephaly (a condition in which the baby's head is smaller than expected).

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Mercury is a heavy metal that can be found in the environment in a number of forms, including elemental mercury (liquid mercury), inorganic mercury (e.g., mercury salts), and organic mercury (e.g., methylmercury).
• Pregnant women can be exposed to mercury through a number of ways, including eating contaminated fish, inhaling mercury vapor, or having skin contact with mercury.
• Methylmercury is the form of mercury that is most easily absorbed by the body and can cross the placenta to the developing baby.
• Even low levels of mercury exposure can be harmful to a developing baby's brain and nervous system.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to be aware of the risks of mercury exposure. You can reduce your risk of exposure by:

• Avoiding certain types of fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
• Limiting your consumption of other types of fish to no more than 6 ounces per week.
• Having good ventilation in your home if you are using products that contain mercury, such as thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs.
• Avoiding skin contact with mercury.

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

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.

To maintain optimal, properly synchronized circadian rhythms, the body requires periods of both light and darkness. Light exposure stimulates the circadian system, which regulates physiological rhythms throughout the body’s tissues and organs, such as hormone levels and the sleep-wake cycle. Disruption or desynchronization of the circadian rhythm has been linked with obesity, diabetes, depression and metabolic disorders.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2, Light Concept, Background
• Circadian lighting design | WELL Feature LIbrary - v2, Feature 54, Part 1

Providing at least one drinking water dispenser within 100 ft. (30 m) of regularly occupied space is a key factor in promoting proper hydration. This requirement ensures that drinking water is easily accessible and convenient for occupants, which encourages them to drink more water and stay hydrated. Hydration is essential for maintaining health, well-being, and productivity.

References: = WELL v2 Feature W06: Drinking Water Promotion

In sustainable building practices and wellness-oriented design, creating spaces for gardens, especially in commercial settings, can significantly contribute to the well-being of occupants by providing access to greenery and opportunities for gardening. Although specific WELL v2 requirements may vary, a reasonable assumption for the minimum space required to start a garden that could earn an Optimization in the WELL Building Standard™ could be 200 ft² (18 m²). This estimate is based on the need to provide adequate space for a meaningful number of participants (in this case, 20 out of 400 employees) to engage in gardening activities. This space allows for a variety of herbs and vegetables to be grown, offering tangible benefits in terms of physical activity, mental health, and possibly even dietary improvements for the participants.

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

According to the WELL v2™ feature S02: Maximum Noise Levels, the project must achieve desired ambient noise levels such that HVAC, exterior noise intrusion or other noise sources do not impact occupant health and well-being1. One of the strategies to achieve this is to recommend high sound transmission class (STC) or weighted sound reduction (Rw) performance values for the building facade, windows and any exterior penetrations, as they can provide effective sound insulation and reduce noise transmission from outside sources, such as traffic2. Option A is incorrect, as altering the room geometry and space layouts may not have a significant impact on reducing noise from nearby traffic, unless the rooms are relocated away from the noise source or shielded by other structures. Option B is incorrect, as providing speech reinforcement and public address systems may not reduce noise from nearby traffic, but rather add to the internal noise sources that may affect occupant comfort and communication. Option C is incorrect, as suggesting lightweight floor constructions below noise generating spaces may not reduce noise from nearby traffic, but rather increase the impact noise transmission between floors.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature S02: Maximum Noise Levels Noise Control in Buildings - Engineering ToolBox

The most likely cause of the misunderstanding regarding the purchase of a harmful cleaning product by the facilities management team is that the project goals for health and well-being were overlooked during the initial discussion with the team. Effective communication and clear documentation of health and well-being goals, including the selection of less hazardous cleaning products and the establishment of adequate cleaning protocols, are crucial to ensuring that all team members are aligned and informed. The lack of awareness and understanding of the cleaning plan by the facilities management team indicates a gap in communication and documentation, underscoring the importance of integrating health and well-being goals into all aspects of project planning and execution​​.

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

For Feature X08: Materials Optimization, prioritizing materials with enhanced chemical restrictions is crucial. Ceiling tiles with a Health Product Declaration (HPD) published in the HPD Public Repository indicate a high level of transparency regarding the chemical composition and potential health hazards of the materials used. This transparency is key in the WELL Building Standard's approach to materials optimization, as it allows for informed decisions to be made about the selection of materials that minimize negative health impacts. Products with HPDs contribute to a healthier indoor environment by ensuring that materials with potentially harmful chemical emissions are avoided.

WELL Feature C07: Enhanced Health and Wellness Promotion encourages a holistic approach to occupant well-being with a focus on education and awareness.

• Minimum Requirement: WELL's standard explicitly states that health promotion programs and educational sessions must be offered at least quarterly. This frequency ensures regular opportunities for occupants to learn and engage with health-related topics.
• Flexibility: Projects have the flexibility to exceed the quarterly minimum and offer sessions more frequently if desired.
• Variety of Topics: Quarterly sessions allow for covering a diverse range of health and wellness topics, including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep health, etc.

https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/wellv2/community/

Environments with poor acoustics may lead to an increase in hypertension, which is high blood pressure. Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and can be caused or worsened by exposure to environmental noise. According to the World Health Organization, environmental noise is the second largest environmental cause of health problems in Western Europe, after air pollution1. Feature S01 aims to reduce the negative impacts of noise on health and well-being by requiring projects to conduct sound mapping and implement noise mitigation strategies.

References: = WELL v2 Feature S01: Sound Mapping and Mitigation, The impact of acoustics on health & wellbeing · PHPD Online

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.

A design with small HVAC zones and low occupant density can enhance thermal comfort by allowing users to adjust the temperature and air flow within their own zones. According to the WELL v2 standard, projects should provide user-adjustable thermostats or other controls for at least 90% of regularly occupied spaces. Ceiling fans can also improve thermal comfort by increasing air movement, but they are not required for this design.

References: = WELL v2 Thermal Comfort Feature T01, WELL AP Candidate Handbook

Offering magazines with healthy recipes in the breakroom is a cost-effective strategy to encourage better eating habits among employees, in line with Feature N07: Nutrition Education of the WELL Building Standard. This approach provides accessible and practical information that can inspire employees to make healthier food choices and prepare nutritious meals, contributing to an overall culture of health and wellness in the workplace. It leverages existing resources and knowledge within the organization (in this case, the expertise of the accredited nutritionist owner) to support the nutritional well-being of employees without incurring additional costs.

WELL requires sufficiently sized sink basins to minimize splashing, facilitating proper handwashing without contaminating surrounding surfaces.

References:

• WELL v2, Water Concept, Feature W08 Handwashing: https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/water/feature/8

Among the choices listed, providing a fabric covering over the existing concrete walls would be the most effective design intervention to reduce reverberation times within the auditorium. Here's the breakdown:

The Problem: The feedback about echoes indicates that sound waves are persisting for too long within the space, creating overlapping sound reflections that interfere with clarity and comprehension.

Reverberation and Sound Absorption: Reverberation time is directly influenced by how much sound is absorbed or reflected by surfaces within a space. Hard, reflective materials like concrete prolong reverberation times.

Why Fabric Walls Are Most Effective: Adding fabric wall coverings introduces a significant amount of sound-absorbing material directly where it's most needed. This will drastically reduce sound reflections and shorten reverberation times, helping mitigate the echo problem.

Feature L02: Visual Lighting Design requires projects to provide appropriate illuminances on work planes for regular users of all age groups, as required for the tasks performed in the space. One of the lighting reference guidelines that projects can comply with is ISO 8995-1:2002 (E) (CIE S 008/E:2001), which specifies the lighting requirements for indoor work places. The other options are not relevant for this feature, as they are standards for ventilation (B), hearing conservation ©, and air quality (D).

References:

• Feature L02: Visual Lighting Design
• Standard | WELL V2
• Your roadmap to the WELL AP exam

The Community concept contains a feature (C01: Health and Wellness Awareness) that requires projects to provide a guide to occupants that describes the WELL features pursued by the project, the impact of the built environment and other environmental factors on occupant health, well-being and comfort, and the available health resources and programs. The purpose of this feature is to educate and empower occupants to make informed

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​​.

For Feature A08: Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness, the WELL Building Standard specifies the minimum density of air quality monitors to ensure adequate coverage and accurate representation of indoor air quality across different spaces. The requirement of one sensor per 3,500 ft² (approximately 325 m²) is designed to provide a balance between comprehensive monitoring and practical implementation. This density allows for sufficient spatial resolution to detect variations in air quality in various areas of a building, facilitating targeted interventions and informing occupants about the air quality in their environment. It reflects WELL's focus on creating environments that support occupants' health and wellbeing by ensuring that air quality, a critical component of indoor environmental quality, is continuously monitored and managed.

Incorporating manual screens or blinds controlled by occupants is essential for meeting the requirements of Feature L05 Daylight Design Strategies, specifically for Part 2: Integrate Solar Shading. This design element allows occupants to adjust the screens or blinds to manage the amount of daylight entering the space, thereby reducing glare and solar heat gain while still benefiting from natural light. This approach is particularly relevant for MILO’s project, given the extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows. By enabling individual control over the shading devices, occupants can personalize their immediate environment to suit their comfort levels and task needs, enhancing overall satisfaction and well-being. This strategy also aligns with MILO’s people-first approach by empowering employees with control over their workspace, further supporting the firm's commitment to designing for well-being and employee health.

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

This option meets the minimum shower and locker requirements for the given occupancy within the building itself, ensuring accessibility to active commuters.

References:

• WELL v2, Movement Concept, Feature V04 Facilities for Active Occupants: https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/movement/feature/4

Automatic window shades can significantly influence the mean radiant temperature within a space by controlling the amount of solar radiation that enters. The mean radiant temperature is a measure of the warmth that one feels from the radiant heat exchange with surrounding surfaces. By adjusting window shades automatically based on the sun's position and intensity, the system can reduce overheating from solar gain, thereby maintaining a more comfortable and stable indoor thermal environment. This control helps in creating a space that aligns with the WELL Building Standard's focus on thermal comfort, ensuring that occupants are comfortable and productive.

According to Feature N07: Nutrition Education Optimization, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must provide nutrition or dietary education sessions led by an accredited dietitian or accredited nutritionist in-person or virtually to regular occupants at no cost on a quarterly basis at minimum1. This helps support a healthy eating pattern by increasing nutritional knowledge and food literacy among employees. The other options are not required or sufficient for achieving credit under this feature, as they either do not involve nutrition education (A, B, and C) or do not meet the frequency or accreditation criteria (B and C).

References: = Standard | WELL V2

For an office project to earn a point in Feature L03: Circadian Lighting Design, achieving a level of at least 150 equivalent melanopic lux (EML) at workstations in regularly occupied spaces is essential, with measurements taken on the horizontal plane where tasks are performed. This requirement is based on the understanding that adequate exposure to light that mimics the natural daylight cycle can significantly impact circadian rhythms, thereby enhancing alertness, mood, and overall well-being during the day. Ensuring that the lighting design meets this threshold supports the WELL Building Standard's goal of creating environments that promote health and wellness through thoughtful design interventions, including lighting that supports the body's natural circadian rhythms.

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.

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

For a university project accommodating 1,600 individuals (100 peak visitors and 1,500 regular occupants), providing adequate bike storage encourages active transportation and supports the WELL Building Standard's focus on promoting physical activity. The recommendation for a bike storage room with a capacity for 80 bikes considers the scale of the project and the moderate Bike Score®, suggesting an environment with some biking infrastructure. This capacity aims to meet the needs of a significant portion of the population who might cycle to the campus, facilitating a healthier, more sustainable mode of transportation. The location within the project boundary ensures accessibility and security for cyclists, aligning with WELL's goal of integrating physical wellness into daily routines.

At the registration stage for WELL Certification, one essential piece of information required is the project size. This is fundamental for establishing the scope of the project and determining applicable features and optimizations within the WELL Building Standard. The project size influences various aspects of the certification process, including the potential impact on occupant health and the strategies that will be implemented to meet WELL requirements.

Mindfulness programming is a strategy that can help promote mental health and well-being by reducing stress, enhancing focus, and improving mood. Providing free mindfulness programming, such as yoga or meditation classes, is one of the possible ways to meet the requirements of the precondition M01: Mental Health Promotion in the Mind concept.

References:

• What’s new in WELL v2: Mind | Articles | WELL International WELL Building Institute
• WELL Tip: Navigating preconditions for the Mind concept | Articles | WELL International WELL Building Institute

Feature X01 requires that the mechanical system has the capability of maintaining relative humidity between 30% and 60% at all times in all regularly occupied spaces. This is to prevent the growth of mold and other microorganisms that thrive in humid environments. Mold and fungal growth can cause health problems such as allergies, asthma, and infections. The other options are not directly related to the mold and fungal growth, although they may affect other aspects of indoor air quality.

References: = WELL v2 Feature X01: Air Quality Standards

Poor lighting color rendering and flicker can have negative impacts on people’s health, such as impaired cognition and epileptic seizures. Color rendering is the ability of a light source to reveal the colors of objects faithfully in comparison to a natural light source. Poor color rendering can affect visual perception, mood, performance, and comfort1. Flicker is a rapid and repeated change in the brightness of light. Flicker can cause eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and stress2. Flicker can also impair cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, and reading comprehension3. Moreover, flicker can trigger epileptic seizures in some people who are sensitive to light, especially at certain frequencies4.

References:

• LED Lighting Flicker and Potential Health Concerns: IEEE Standard PAR1789 Update
• Is Poor Lighting Putting Your Workers’ Safety and Health at Risk?
• 5 Effects of Poor Lighting in the Workplace
• Increase in LED lighting ‘risks harming human and animal health’

Given the scenario of MILO Design Studio, which emphasizes natural light in their office layout and has extensive floor-to-ceiling windows on all exterior walls, the most appropriate feature for this project would be Feature L05 Daylight Design Strategies. This feature focuses on optimizing the use of natural daylight within the space, which aligns with MILO's goal of prioritizing natural light. Although the windows are highly tinted with a visible light transmittance of 35%, this feature can guide the design team in enhancing the quality and quantity of natural light that penetrates the space, taking into account the tinting effect. Strategies might include the careful placement of workstations, the use of reflective interior finishes to bounce light deeper into the space, or the incorporation of light shelves to direct daylight. This approach not only supports the well-being and productivity of the occupants by providing a connection to the outdoor environment but also aligns with MILO’s sustainability consulting services by potentially reducing the reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours.