Incorporating touch-free exits in family bathrooms is a strategy that aligns with Feature W08: Hygiene Support, as it minimizes contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, thereby reducing the transmission of microbes. This approach is particularly relevant in family bathrooms, where users, including children, may be more vulnerable to the spread of germs. Touch-free exits, such as sensor-operated doors, contribute to a healthier environment by promoting better hygiene practices within the facility, supporting the WELL Building Standard's emphasis on health and wellness through improved hygiene and reduced risk of disease transmission.

Targeting Feature C11: Civic Engagement within the WELL Building Standard emphasizes the importance of community involvement and social engagement as part of enhancing overall well-being. Providing eight hours of paid time for community involvement annually is a direct method to encourage and facilitate employees' participation in civic activities, fostering a sense of community and personal fulfillment. This policy not only supports employees in contributing to societal well-being but also aligns with the WELL Standard's holistic approach to health, encompassing social and community health as integral components of individual well-being.

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.

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.

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

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.

Documents representing policies and operations schedules planned for implementation are created during the "Intent" stage of the WELL certification process. This stage involves early planning and collaborative discussions among key stakeholders, including leadership, human resources, project managers, facilities managers, architects, engineers, contractors, employees or other occupants, and community members. The discussions aim to define health, well-being, environmental, and equity goals. This foundational step ensures that the project's objectives for health promotion are clearly outlined and agreed upon by all parties involved, setting the groundwork for subsequent stages such as implementation, schedule review, and performance verification​​.

Studies have shown that the use of antibiotics in livestock and pesticides in agricultural crops can lead to various health issues in humans due to the accumulation of residues in food products. Among the listed conditions, adverse reproductive consequences are a noted concern. These consequences can arise from endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in some pesticides and antibiotic residues, which can interfere with hormone function in humans. Such disruptions can lead to reproductive health issues, including fertility problems, developmental disorders, and changes in the onset of puberty. Antibiotics in livestock can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which poses significant public health risks, but the direct link to reproductive consequences primarily comes from the hormonal disruptions associated with certain pesticides used in agriculture. These substances can mimic, block, or interfere with the body's natural hormones, leading to a range of reproductive and developmental health issues.

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.

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

Core of Feature C02: This feature centers on establishing a collaborative process to define the project's health-focused goals at the very beginning. The stakeholder charrette is the primary mechanism to accomplish this.

Foundation for Success: Clear health and well-being goals guide all subsequent design decisions and ensure the project remains focused on achieving optimal outcomes for occupants.

Charrette Purpose: Without establishing these goals upfront, the charrette lacks a central purpose and direction, making the stakeholder input less effective.

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.

To address the issue of degrading air quality due to the demolition of wooden boards, the most direct and effective initial step would be to use saws equipped with dust guards or collectors. These devices help to capture and contain sawdust at the source, preventing it from becoming airborne and contaminating the indoor environment. This approach aligns with best practices in occupational health and safety, as it directly addresses the source of the pollution and minimizes the exposure of workers and other occupants to potentially harmful airborne particles.

The WELL Building Standard™ includes various features that aim to increase access to fresh, local, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Among the options provided, the one that can fulfill a WELL feature by addressing environmental barriers and increasing accessibility to healthy food options is:

D. Option D: The project must be located within 0.25 mi (0.4 km) walking distance of a supermarket or farmers' market

• Accessibility to Fresh Food: Option D directly supports the goal of increasing access to fresh and nutritious food by ensuring that the location of the project is within a short walking distance from a food source. This convenience is crucial in encouraging the consumption of fresh, local, and seasonal produce.
• WELL Feature Alignment: This option aligns with WELL features that focus on nourishment and the availability of healthy food choices for occupants. WELL standards often emphasize the proximity to amenities that support health and wellness, including access to healthy food options.

• Reducing Environmental Barriers: Proximity to fresh food sources reduces transportation barriers that might prevent individuals from accessing healthy foods, thereby supporting dietary choices that are beneficial for both personal health and the environment.
• Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: By fulfilling this WELL feature, the design team contributes to a built environment that promotes healthy lifestyle choices and supports the physical well-being of occupants.

Rationale Behind the AnswerImportance in ContextIn summary, Option D is most in line with the objectives of the WELL Building Standard™, as it encourages the integration of buildings into communities where essential resources, such as fresh food markets, are readily accessible. This facilitates a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for building occupants.

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.

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

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.

The project can earn points from the Nourishment feature N01: Fruits and Vegetables, by including gardening supplies along with 1000 ft2 (93 m2) of raised beds in the rooftop garden. This would meet the requirement of providing at least 0.5 ft2 (0.05 m2) of edible garden space per regular building occupant, and also promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables by making them easily accessible.

References: = N01: Fruits and Vegetables

For a project to earn points under the Nourishment concept, particularly with regards to responsible food sourcing or promotion of healthy eating, including gardening supplies and dedicated space for raised beds on the rooftop garden can contribute towards this goal. This approach aligns with features like N01 Fruits and Vegetables, which emphasizes the availability and accessibility of fruits and vegetables. By providing space and resources for gardening, the project supports the consumption of fresh produce, potentially meeting the intent of nourishment-related features​​.

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.

Tier 3 pesticides are the least hazardous pesticides according to the City of San Francisco Pesticide Hazard Screening Protocol, which is one of the reference standards used by WELL v2 to evaluate pesticide safety. WELL v2 requires projects to use outdoor pesticides with a Hazard Tier ranking of 3, except in cases of emergency, and to implement an Integrated Pest Management plan to minimize pesticide use.

References: = WELL v2 Feature X07 Optimization Pesticide Use, WELL v2 Feature X10 Optimization Pest Management and Pesticide Use

According to the WELL v2 Feature N11, projects must source and label certified organic and certified sustainable foods. The minimum required thresholds are as follows: At least 50% of the total produce line (fruits and vegetables) is certified organic. At least 25% of the total animal product line (meat, seafood, egg and dairy products) is certified organic, Certified Humane® or certified by a GSSI-recognized Seafood Certification Scheme.

References: = WELL v2 Feature N11: Responsible Food Sourcing

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.

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​​.

For achieving compliance with WELL v2™ Feature A01: Air Quality, Part 2, which focuses on monitoring and meeting thresholds for organic gases such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the requirement for the number of sensors is based on the area of the project. The correct choice for an 87,500 ft² (8,120 m²) project is:

C. 20 VOC sensors

• Sensor Distribution Standard: The WELL v2™ standard typically recommends installing one VOC sensor for every 5,000 square feet of project space to ensure adequate monitoring coverage and accuracy in detecting VOC levels throughout the space.
• Calculating Sensor Needs: For an 87,500 ft² area, dividing by the 5,000 ft² coverage per sensor gives a requirement of 17.5 sensors. Rounding up to the nearest whole number, this would typically mean at least 18 sensors are necessary. However, to ensure comprehensive coverage and considering practical deployment strategies (such as additional sensors for high-risk areas like kitchens or print rooms), the minimum practical number could rise to the next available option, which is 20 sensors.

• Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage: Adequate sensor placement is crucial for real-time monitoring and ensuring all areas of the project meet air quality standards consistently. This is especially important in larger spaces where air quality can vary significantly from one area to another.
• Health and Compliance Implications: By meeting the minimum required number of sensors, the project not only adheres to WELL standards but also protects occupant health by enabling prompt identification and mitigation of poor air quality events, particularly those related to VOC emissions from building materials, furnishings, and equipment.

Rationale Behind the AnswerImportance in ContextThis approach aligns with WELL’s overarching goal of fostering environments that support occupant health through proactive management of building air quality. The focus on sufficient and strategic sensor deployment is a critical component of ensuring that indoor environments remain safe and healthy for all users.

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

Understanding Circadian Photoentrainment: This refers to how light exposure adjusts our biological clock, influencing our sleep-wake cycle.

Phase Advance: A phase advance means your internal clock shifts to an earlier sleep and wake time.

Light Timing Matters: Early morning sunlight exposure is the strongest trigger for a phase advance. The light signals to your body that it's time to start the day.

The purpose of an Alternative Adherence Path (AAP) within the WELL framework is to offer project teams the flexibility to propose alternative methods or solutions that still meet the intended outcomes of a WELL feature. This pathway allows for innovation and customization in how WELL standards are applied, particularly when standard compliance paths may not be feasible or optimal for a specific project context. AAPs enable teams to tailor their strategies to better suit their unique circumstances, ensuring that the core objectives of WELL features—enhancing health and well-being in buildings—are still achieved​​.

References:

• Your roadmap to the WELL AP exam
• Standard | WELL V2
• IWBI Resource Hub | WELL v2
• Everything you need to know about the WELL AP beta exam
• Alternative Adherence Paths & Equivalencies | WELL Standard
• Alternative Adherence Paths | WELL Standard - v6

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

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​​​​.

Promoting proper hydration and access to drinking water is a crucial aspect of the WELL Building Standard's Water concept. A strategy that contributes to points under this concept is to locate water dispensers throughout the building, ensuring they are easily accessible in all regularly occupied floor areas. This approach encourages occupants to drink water by making it readily available, thereby supporting hydration and overall health. Accessibility is key; when water dispensers are placed within a convenient reach, occupants are more likely to consume the recommended amounts of water, staying hydrated and alert.

For subsequent recertifications after a WELL project's first recertification, the project will be reviewed under the version of the WELL standard that is in place at the time of performance verification. This approach ensures that the project remains up-to-date with the latest WELL standards and practices, reflecting ongoing advancements in building health and wellness. By aligning recertification with the current version of the standard, projects can continuously improve and adapt to new research and methodologies, thereby maintaining a high level of commitment to occupant well-being​​.

References:

• WELL Certification Guidebook: This is the official guidebook that explains the process and requirements for WELL Certification, including recertification and renewal.
• WELL Certification | WELL Feature Library - v2: This is the official source of the WELL v2 standard, where the recertification requirements are described in detail.

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.

Feature N03 aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of food production by encouraging the use of organic, local, and seasonal food. Sourcing at least 50% certified organic fruits and vegetables can be most effective in reducing antibiotics and pesticides in food, as organic farming prohibits or restricts the use of synthetic chemicals and promotes natural methods of pest and disease control. The other options are not directly related to reducing antibiotics and pesticides in food, although they may have other benefits or drawbacks for health and sustainability.

References: = WELL v2 Feature N03: Responsible Food Production, World leaders and experts call for significant reduction in the use of antimicrobial drugs in global food systems, Three things needed to curb antibiotic and pesticide resistance

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.

Light is the most critical environmental cue for regulating the body's circadian rhythm, which is the natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. Exposure to natural light during the day and darkness at night is essential for maintaining healthy circadian rhythms, which in turn influence sleep patterns, mood, and overall health. WELL Building Standards incorporate lighting strategies that mimic natural daylight patterns to support circadian health, emphasizing the importance of light in creating environments that align with human health and well-being.

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.

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.

Turbidity is a measure of how clear or cloudy water is. It is caused by suspended particles, such as dirt, sand, algae, bacteria, or organic matter, that scatter light and reduce water transparency3. Turbidity can affect the color, taste, odor, and safety of drinking water. High turbidity levels can indicate the presence of harmful contaminants, such as pathogens, heavy metals, or pesticides, that can cause health problems2. Therefore, the water should be tested for turbidity to determine the cause and extent of the cloudiness and take appropriate actions to improve the water quality.

References:

• Why is my tap water cloudy? 3 common causes – and what to do
• Water Q&A: Why is my drinking water cloudy? Completed - USGS.gov
• Cloudy Drinking Water & How to Fix It

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

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

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 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 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​​.

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.

According to Feature A11: Source Separation, part 2 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must install exhaust fans in spaces that contain printers, copiers, or other equipment that emit VOCs, ozone, or particulate matter1. These fans must vent the return air outdoors and not recirculate it to other spaces1. This helps reduce the exposure of building occupants to indoor air pollutants that can affect their health and well-being2.

References: = Standard | WELL V2, Source separation | WELL Feature Library - v2

Feature C02: Integrative Process requires projects to facilitate a collaborative design and development process from commencement to completion of WELL Certification. Part 1 of this feature requires projects to facilitate a stakeholder charrette that includes representative key stakeholders such as the owner, facilities manager, architects, engineers, contractors, employees or other occupants. Community members are not required to be included in the stakeholder charrette, unless the project or organization has substantial impact on the surrounding community. Manufacturer’s representatives may provide valuable input on the selection of materials, products and systems that support health and well-being goals.

References:

• Standard | WELL V2, Feature C02: Integrative Process, Part 1: Facilitate Stakeholder Charrette
• WELL AP Study Guide, Chapter 3: Community Concept, page 53

In addition to turbidity, testing for coliforms in bathroom faucets is essential for assessing water quality and ensuring it is safe for use. Coliforms are a group of bacteria that are indicators of sanitary quality and potential contamination by pathogens. Testing for these bacteria helps identify breaches in the water supply system or potential for contamination, ensuring that water quality meets health and safety standards. This requirement aligns with the WELL Building Standard's focus on maintaining high levels of water quality to protect the health of building occupants.

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’

According to Feature A09: Cleaning Products, part 1 of the WELL Core requirements, the project team must use cleaning products that are certified as low-hazard or safer by a qualified third party, such as Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, or EPA Safer Choice1. This helps reduce the exposure of building occupants and cleaning staff to harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can adversely affect indoor air quality and environmental health2.

References: = Cleaning products | WELL Feature Library - v2, Standard | WELL V2

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 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.

Moveable seating arrangements should be recommended to contribute toward Feature M07: Restorative Spaces, which requires projects to provide spaces that promote a restorative environment and encourage relief from mental fatigue and stress. Moveable seating arrangements can accommodate a range of user preferences and activities, such as sitting, lying down, meditating, reading, or socializing. They can also create a sense of control and comfort for the occupants, as they can adjust the seating to suit their needs and moods. The other options are not directly related to the restorative function of the space, and may even distract or disrupt the occupants from relaxing and restoring.

References: = WELL v2 Feature M07: Restorative Spaces, WELL AP Exam Embedded Content

According to the WELL v2 Feature M07, the minimum size of a restorative space is 75 ft2 plus 1 ft2 per regular occupant, up to a maximum of 800 ft2. For a project with 30 regular occupants, the minimum size would be 75 + 30 = 105 ft2 (or 7 + 0.1 x 30 = 10 m2).

References: = WELL v2 Feature M07: Restorative Spaces

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.

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.

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.

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

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.