WELL WELL-AP WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) Exam Exam Practice Test

According to the WELL v2™ feature M05: Stress Management, the project must provide opportunities for staff to take breaks from work-related tasks and engage in activities that reduce stress and promote well-being1. Implementing a policy that entitles all staff to 15-minute breaks throughout the workday is an example of such an opportunity, as it can help staff relax, recharge, and cope with work demands2. Option A is incorrect, as coordinating after work happy hours may not reduce stress or improve mood and sleep quality for all staff, especially if they have to purchase their own tickets or consume alcohol. Option B is incorrect, as offering meditation interventions at a 50% discount may not be accessible or affordable for all staff, and may not be aligned with their preferences or needs. Option D is incorrect, as sending regular emails to staff featuring wellness topics may not be effective or engaging, and may add to their workload or information overload.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature M05: Stress Management The Importance of Breaks At Work - Forbes

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

Feature M07, presumably meant to be a WELL feature related to mental health and well-being, such as restorative spaces, aligns with providing a designated quiet zone within the workplace. A designated quiet zone offers a space where employees can take mental breaks, meditate, or engage in quiet contemplation away from the bustle of the main work areas. This aligns with MILO's commitment to a human-centric design and their provision of mindfulness resources. By offering a space dedicated to mental restoration and quietude, MILO supports cognitive and emotional health, fostering an environment conducive to stress reduction, relaxation, and overall mental well-being, which is central to WELL's emphasis on holistic health.

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

• Feature C01: Health and Wellness Awareness: Key to this feature is maintaining occupant awareness of the WELL features achieved and the available health and wellness resources within the building.
• Communication Frequency: The WELL Building Standard specifies that communications focusing on available health education, resources, policies, etc. must be sent to regular occupants at least annually (every 12 months).
• Rationale: Regular, but not overly frequent, communication helps occupants stay informed and encourages engagement with the health-promoting aspects of the building.

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​​.

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.

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.

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

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

Sealing the HVAC ducts is a measure that can prevent air leakage and contamination from the ductwork, which can affect the indoor air quality and energy efficiency of the building. According to the WELL v2 Feature Library, this measure is part of Feature 14: Air Sealing, which is applicable to the construction phase of the project. The construction phase is the stage when the building envelope and the mechanical systems are installed and tested, and when the duct sealing can be most effectively performed.

References:

• Feature 14: Air Sealing
• Standard | WELL V2
• How to Seal Leaky Ductwork Message has links.

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.

The best strategy to evaluate the issue of ACMs is to hire a qualified inspector to investigate the project boundary and space to determine whether ACMs are present. This is in accordance with Part 2 of Feature 11, which requires an on-site investigation of the space conducted by a certified risk assessor or inspector technician to identify any lead-based or asbestos hazards. If any hazards are found, the project must follow the work practice standards and occupant protection plan for conducting lead-based or asbestos abatement activities.

References: = WELL v2 Feature 11: Fundamental Material Safety, FactSheet - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

According to Feature L06: Daylight Simulation, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must conduct daylight simulation calculations to ensure indoor daylight exposure for occupants1. One of the metrics used to evaluate daylight exposure is spatial daylight autonomy (sDA300,50%), which measures the percentage of floor area that receives at least 300 lux [28 fc] of daylight for at least 50% of operating hours each year2. To increase the sDA300,50% value, the project team can specify window glazing with higher Visible Transmittance (Tvis), which is the fraction of visible light that passes through a glazing material3. Higher Tvis values mean more daylight can enter the space and reach the work surfaces, thus improving the daylight simulation result. The other options are not likely to help meet the daylight simulation requirement, as they either do not affect the amount of daylight entering the space (A and B) or reduce the floor area that needs to meet the requirement (D).

References: = Standard | WELL V2, Daylight modeling | WELL Standard, Using daylight modelling to verify compliance with the WELL Building Standard

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.

For electric lighting glare control, the WELL Building Standard typically sets a maximum luminance to prevent discomfort from bright lights. A luminance of 6,000 cd/m² for light emitted at more than 45 degrees from nadir and below the horizontal plane is likely to be within the acceptable range to minimize glare and ensure visual comfort in an office environment with an overhead T8 fluorescent lighting system. This control helps reduce eye strain and improve the overall visual environment for occupants.

According to the WELL v2™ feature V04 Optimization Facilities for Active Occupants, the project must provide no-cost bike parking in the following quantities: Short-term bike parking (e.g., public bike rack) is located within a 100 ft walk distance of a functional building entrance and can accommodate at least 2.5% of peak visitors (minimum of four spaces per building). Long-term bike parking (e.g., bike room) is available within the project boundary and can accommodate at least 5% of regular occupants, excluding occupants under eight years old (minimum of four spaces per building)1. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it meets the requirement for short-term bike parking. Option A is incorrect, as the bike network must connect riders to at least 10 use types, not five1. Option B is incorrect, as long-term bike parking must accommodate at least 5% of regular occupants, not peak visitors1. Option C is incorrect, as the project’s address must achieve a minimum Bike Score® of 50, not 401.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature V04 Optimization Facilities for Active Occupants

Here's the relevant detail from the WELL Building Standard:

• T05: Radiant Thermal Comfort requires at least 50% of the floor area in regularly occupied spaces to be serviced by radiant heating and/or cooling systems.

Since the office building has a regularly occupied project area of 25,000 ft², to meet T05, a minimum of 50% x 25,000 ft² = 12,500 ft² must be serviced by radiant heating or cooling.

However, the image clarifies that Option C (10,000 ft²) meets the minimum requirement, not Option D (12,500 ft²). It's possible there might be additional considerations beyond the WELL standard that influence this specific scenario.

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

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.

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 most direct way to minimize the generation of dust at the source is to equip the demolition tools (saws) with dust collection mechanisms. This prevents the dust from becoming airborne and spreading throughout the site.

References:

WELL v2 Air Concept: Emphasizes strategies to minimize the sources of indoor air pollution and control those that are present.

WELL v2 Feature 01: Air Quality - Part 3: Construction Pollution Management - Requires that the spread of construction-generated pollutants is controlled by using techniques like source removal.

An alternative adherence path (AAP) is a formal request for approval and technical guidance to use an alternative strategy to comply with a specific feature and the feature intent2. An AAP is appropriate for projects with a unique, nuanced or complex element that restricts their ability to comply with existing feature requirements2. The proposal should include clear, substantiated evidence of how the proposed strategy meets the intent of the feature, which is the health and well-being goal that the feature aims to achieve2. The project administrator should submit an AAP through the WELL digital platform3 and consult with the WELL coaching contact for guidance4.

References:

• Alternative Adherence Paths & Equivalencies | WELL Standard
• Alternative Adherence Paths | WELL Standard - v6
• Alternative Strategies Table | Tools | WELL International WELL Building Institute
• Alternative Adherence Paths & Equivalencies | WELL Standard - v8

Under the WELL v2™ system, projects may pursue a maximum of five points under the Innovation Concept. This concept allows projects to be recognized for novel approaches to wellness that go beyond the standard requirements. By limiting the points to five, WELL v2™ encourages innovation within a framework that ensures that the core concepts of wellness are still the primary focus. This balance allows for creativity and innovation while maintaining the integrity of the WELL Building Standard's health and wellness goal

While other options could be beneficial, signage or educational materials directly support the core requirement of a restorative space by clearly communicating its purpose to users. This encourages the right mindset for relaxation and restoration.

References:

•M07: Restorative Spaces (Part 1: Designated Space) This part of the feature outlines the need for clear purpose and communication of restorative areas. https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/mind/feature/7

To meet the requirements of Feature M07: Restorative Spaces in a WELL Certified space, incorporating appropriate thermal design in a quiet room is essential. This feature focuses on creating spaces that support mental and physical well-being through various restorative practices. Ensuring that the room has a comfortable thermal environment is key to facilitating relaxation and stress reduction, making it a conducive setting for reflection, meditation, and other restorative activities. Proper thermal design enhances the overall effectiveness of the quiet room as a restorative space​​.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2: This is the official source of the WELL v2 standard, where Feature M07 is described in detail.
• What’s new in WELL v2: Mind | Articles | WELL International WELL …: This is an article that explains the rationale and benefits of the new Mind feature M07.

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

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

This option is aligned with the WELL v2 feature W09: Healthy Work Schedule, which aims to promote employee well-being by supporting healthy working hours and rest periods. According to the feature, employees should be provided with at least one full day off per week, or 24 consecutive hours off from work per seven-day period, to allow for recovery and restoration. This can help reduce the risk of chronic stress, fatigue, burnout, and health problems associated with long working hours123.

References: =

• WELL v2 Feature W09: Healthy Work Schedule
• This is how many hours you should really be working
• 7 Strategies to Improve Your Employees’ Health and Well-Being
• WHO: Working long hours is a ‘serious health hazard’

Global estimates from 2016 show that approximately 23% of the adult population is considered physically inactive, failing to meet widely disseminated physical activity guidelines. This statistic underscores the importance of designing spaces that encourage physical activity and movement to combat the prevalence of inactivity.

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.

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

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.

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 reduce work-induced fatigue, providing a dedicated space for restoration and relaxation is a highly effective strategy. This space should be designed to offer a quiet and calming environment where employees can take short breaks from their work tasks to decompress and rejuvenate. The accompanying policy should encourage and permit employees to take breaks during work hours, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being. This approach aligns with principles of ergonomic design and occupational health, recognizing that regular breaks can significantly reduce fatigue, improve concentration, and enhance overall productivity and job satisfaction.

To achieve an acceptable thermal environment for building occupants, the WELL AP should suggest designing mechanically conditioned regularly occupied spaces to maintain thermal comfort conditions with a Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) of +/- 0.5 for at least 90% of the occupied hours. This approach aligns with WELL's requirements for thermal comfort, focusing on creating indoor environments that are comfortable for the majority of occupants. By maintaining these conditions, the design supports occupant health, well-being, and productivity, while addressing one of the strongest contributing factors to overall satisfaction in the built environment​​.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2
• Your roadmap to the WELL AP exam
• IWBI Resource Hub | WELL v2
• What’s new in WELL v2: Thermal Comfort
• Feature T01: Thermal Zoning

Addressing the Problem: A sound masking system introduces a specifically tailored ambient background sound to help minimize the disruptive impact of noises and speech, directly addressing the feedback about the library being noisy.

Feature 84: Sound Reduction: This feature emphasizes the design of spaces to reduce unwanted noise. Sound masking is a recognized strategy in achieving this goal.

Quiet Zone Alignment: The intent of an "enclosed quiet zone" is to provide a space for focus free from distractions. Sound masking will directly support this function for the library.

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.

Exposure to early morning sunlight plays a critical role in circadian photoentrainment, helping to synchronize the body's internal clock with the natural day-night cycle. This exposure, particularly within the first hours after dawn, can induce a "phase advance" shift in the circadian phase, promoting earlier sleep and wake times. This alignment with natural light patterns supports overall well-being, improving sleep quality, mood, and cognitive function. The WELL Building Standard recognizes the importance of natural light and its impact on circadian rhythms, advocating for building designs that maximize the use of daylight while minimizing disruption to the body's natural cycles, thereby fostering environments that support the occupants' health and well-being.

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​​.

Performing an air flush is a technique used to remove pollutants that were introduced indoors during construction prior to occupancy. An air flush is a process of supplying outdoor air to the building at a high rate for a certain period of time to dilute and flush out the indoor air pollutants3. An air flush can help reduce the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, dust, and other contaminants that may have accumulated during construction or renovation4. An air flush is required by Feature A03: Air Flush5 of the WELL v2 standard for projects that have undergone major renovations or new construction.

References:

• How to Transform a Polluted Indoor Environment into a Healthy Home
• Addressing Indoor Environmental Concerns During Remodeling
• Indoor air pollution: What causes it and how to tackle it
• Best Practices for Indoor Air Quality when Remodeling Your Home
• Feature A03: Air Flush
• Reducing Your Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution

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.

Feature S01: Sound Mapping directs projects to label the following acoustic zones for performance verification:

• Loud zones: Areas for loud equipment or activities.
• Quiet zones: Areas for concentration, rest, privacy.
• Mixed zones: Areas for collaboration, learning, presentation.
• Circulation zones: Occupiable areas not intended for regular occupancy.

References:

• WELL v2, Sound Concept, Feature S01: Sound Mapping: Outlines the specific zones to be labeled and the requirements of the annotated document

Insufficient light during the day and excessive light exposure in the early night can lead to phase advances of the circadian rhythm. This means your body's internal clock shifts to an earlier schedule.expand_more

References:

•WELL v2 Feature L03 Circadian Lighting Design (https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/light/feature/3): This feature explains the impact of light on the circadian rhythm.

•General knowledge of circadian rhythms: Scientific research supports that insufficient light in the morning and too much light at night can shift a person's circadian rhythm forward (phase advance).

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

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

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.

According to the WELL v2™ feature S01: Sound Mapping and Planning, the project must conduct a sound mapping analysis to identify the sources and levels of external and internal noise and develop an acoustical plan to address them1. One of the strategies suggested by the feature is to locate noise sensitive rooms away from external noise sources, such as busy roads, and provide adequate sound insulation for the facade1. This can help minimize acoustic disturbance and improve occupant comfort and well-being.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature S01: Sound Mapping and Planning

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 managing spills of hazardous substances like mercury, pesticides, and battery acid, containing all residues in a sealed container is a critical strategy. This approach prevents the spread of hazardous materials, reduces the risk of exposure to building occupants, and facilitates safe and appropriate disposal. It aligns with the WELL Building Standard's emphasis on health and safety, ensuring that the building's waste management plan includes procedures for promptly and effectively dealing with hazardous spills to minimize health risks.

Considering MILO's commitment to sustainability and well-being, along with their plan to install several living plant walls, Feature N07: Nutrition Education aligns well with their goals and existing initiatives. By offering in-person or virtual gardening or planting workshops focused on edible plants at no cost on a quarterly basis, MILO can enhance their nourishment offerings and engage employees in sustainable and healthy eating practices. This initiative not only promotes nutritional awareness and education but also complements the studio's design ethos and emphasis on natural elements within the workspace. It encourages a hands-on approach to nutrition and sustainability, fostering a stronger connection between employees and their food sources, which is in line with WELL's holistic approach to well-being.

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.

According to the WELL v2™ feature N01: Fruits and Vegetables, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables can help prevent and manage chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers1. Fruits and vegetables provide dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and modulate gut microbiota2. Low fruit and vegetable intake, on the other hand, can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by impairing glucose metabolism and insulin function3.

References: = Standard | WELL V2 - Feature N01: Fruits and Vegetables The role of fruits, vegetables, and spices in diabetes - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Fruit and vegetable intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis - BMJ

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.

High levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) indoors typically indicate the presence of combustion sources. These gases are common byproducts of combustion processes, such as those from burning fuels in vehicles, stoves, lanterns, and furnaces, or when wood or gas is burned. Effective ventilation, maintenance of combustion appliances, and proper building envelope design are critical to preventing the accumulation of these gases in indoor environments, as outlined in WELL standards for maintaining optimal air quality.

• 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

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

Feature X08 requires projects to implement air treatment systems that reduce the concentration of contaminants in the air. Ultraviolet air treatment is one of the options that can be used to meet this feature. However, the project must also provide evidence that the required components of the UV system, such as lamps, ballasts, and filters, have been replaced or maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. This ensures that the UV system is functioning properly and effectively. The other options are not directly related to the UV system maintenance and inspection.

References: = WELL v2 Feature X08: Air Treatment, UV Air Treatment Systems

Feature V09: Physical Activity Promotion requires projects to provide physical activity incentives or promotion programs and monitor uptake of offerings. The company’s benefits package includes a subsidy and rewards for physical activity engagement, which are examples of incentive programs that can meet this feature. The project can also demonstrate the utilization rate of these programs to earn one point.

References: = WELL v2 Feature V09: Physical Activity Promotion

The company's benefits package clearly demonstrates a focus on encouraging and supporting physical activity through incentives and rewards. This aligns directly with the requirements of feature V09: Physical Activity Promotion.

References:

• WELL v2 Feature V09: Physical Activity Promotion (https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/wellv2/movement/feature/9): The intent of this feature is to encourage physical activity and exercise through design, policies, and programs.

Specifically, the requirements that the project would meet are:

• Part 1: Incentives for Eligible Employees - The project offers several incentives, including a subsidy for physical activity costs and prizes for achieving goals.