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​​.