Hello! First, thank you Tristan for adding a WELL discussion to this site. I'm sure it will be a great resource for a whole host of "do gooders" like myself. :)
My question has to do with implementing WELL in a partially occupied building. We are engaged in a large LEED CS v3 project where approx 30% of the interior space is currently occupied by multiple tenants. The other 70% is undergoing a gut, phased renovation. The existing tenants may be relocated over time, but for now we are running under the assumption that their spaces will remain in tact with procedural changes and some mechanical system changes to accommodate all of the other changes to the building.
In the context of WELL, are there any "red flags" in a situation like this that we need to be mindful of? Particularly IAQ testing where the finishes were installed prior to any building modifications.
Thanks!
Brian
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
494 thumbs up
June 1, 2016 - 4:21 pm
Hello Brian,
I'd recommend running through the preconditions of the WELL Core & Shell typology as they apply to your project. This WELL typology also requires that the project achieve at least one Optimization for each Compliance path.
The 'red flags' of the preconditions may include:
Feature 3 - demand control ventilation requirements.
Feature 11 - lead evaluation and abatement requirements.
Feature 64 - stair accessibility requirements.
Feature 85 - Integrative Design (if project is already designed)
As for one Optimization in each Concept, I would be confident the project team could identify Features most applicable to the scope of the project.
Please note that there is a WELL addendum dated May 2016 available at the wellcertified.com that helps better explain some of the requirements.
Hope this helps!
Brian Salazar
President, LEED AP, WELL APEntegra Development & Investment, LLC
56 thumbs up
June 1, 2016 - 5:23 pm
Hi David - Thank you for your comments. We have gone through the preconditions and optimizations and there's nothing really in there that directly relates to physical disruption of the existing tenant spaces. We can test and examine these areas as needed with limited disruption (after hours, weekends, etc.) Also mechanical system upgrades will be rolled out into the tenant spaces. What they aren't getting: new lighting, new finishes, new layouts. And also in terms of integrative Design, we think we have that covered as the owner has been knocking this idea around for a while with the whole team at the table. Now they are looking to act on it. But I will review each of these again with them and make sure the path is clear. Thanks!
Michael Munn
Assistant Project Manager, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, CPHCThe Green Engineer, Inc.
8 thumbs up
June 2, 2016 - 10:47 am
Hi folks,
I just wanted to add some updated info. As of the May 2016 addendum, the IWBI now offers a full Core and Shell certification. The Core and Shell Typology no longer requires 1 Optimization from each category as it did with the "Certifiable" approach. There are now 26 Preconditions that a Core and Shell building must comply with (if applicable), and it can achieve a Silver level certification with 0 Optimizations like other Typologies.
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
494 thumbs up
June 2, 2016 - 10:58 am
Good catch Michael, thank you for posting.