Air

Lumnia Building meets the Air Quality Thresholds [1], as summarized below [2]. Details on the actual indoor air quality within the Lumnia Building were not available. 

• Particulate Matter

• PM₂.₅ less than 15 μg/m³. 

• PM₁₀ less than 50 μg/m³. 

• Organic Gases

• Formaldehyde levels less than 27 ppb.

• Total volatile organic compounds less than 500 μg/m³.

• Inorganic Gases

• Carbon monoxide less than 9 ppm.

• Ozone less than 51 ppb.

• Radon

• Radon less than 0.148 Bq/L [4 pCi/L] in the lowest occupied level of the project. 

Air quality performance tests are conducted onsite to ensure that occupants have access to a basic level of high indoor air quality.

[Fulfills A01.1, A01.2, A01.3, A01.4 and A01.5]

Lumnia Building optimizes indoor air quality with renewal rates 30% higher than those recommended by the international reference standard, ASHRAE 62.1 [1]. This meets the WELL requirements.  

• Referring to ASHRAE Standard 62-2001 62.1, the area outdoor air rate for an office space is 0.06 cfm/ft2 [4]. 

• The renewal rate for Lumnia Building is estimated at 0.06 cfm/ft2 x 130% = 0.078 cfm/ft2. This calculation assumes a default occupant density of 5 persons per 1,000 ft2 and the absence of smoking-permitted spaces. The zone air distribution effectiveness and system ventilation efficiency were not considered in this estimation [4].

The ventilation system is assumed to operate using natural ventilation, which is commonly used in Portugal [6]. 

[Fulfills A03.1 and A06.1]

The ventilation system in all common areas receives regular maintenance, including filter cleaning, annually or whenever there are activities such as fit-out works which could compromise the health and well-being of the occupants. Maintenance is carried out by professional companies that comply with the legislative standards for this activity. Though the standards are not specified, we assume that the following standards were referenced by the management of Lumnia Building [3]:

• EN15239 - Inspection of ventilation systems.

• EN12599 - Test procedures and measurement methods for air conditioning and ventilation installations.

• EN12097 & EN15780 - Accessibility and cleanliness of the system.

• EN12237 & EN1507 - Measurement of airflow rates and ductwork leakage.

Similarly, we will assume that the filters used for the ventilation system complies with the WELL v2 standard - MERV13 or higher, based on an average outdoor PM2.5 threshold of around 23 µg/m3.

• An example of a ventilation system air filter that meets this application would be AAF's Astro-Pleat MERV 13 Standard Pleated High Capacity AC Filter [8]. The filter utilizes electrostatically charged, 100% synthetic media to achieve high particulate removal efficiency. The filter media can also remove pollen dust for circulate indoor air, an important feature during Spring season to alleviate allergies and sinus irritation considering Lumnia Building's surrounding green spaces.

[Fulfills A12.1 and A13.1]

As required by WELL, indoor air quality issues should be monitored and effectively addressed, when necessary. Additionally, building managers and occupants should be kept informed about indoor air quality levels. 

Lumnia Building conducts mandatory auditing of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) annually, or whenever necessary. All audits of IAQ or system maintenance are then, shared internally through emails or news letters to all tenants. Pertinent information are also visualized in the building's directories, which we assume should minimally feature the temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration per 10,000 ft2 of regularly occupied spaces, as required under Part 3 of Feature 18 [5].

[Fulfills A08.2]

Lumnia Building has recessed mats installed at entrances to capture particulates from occupant shoes. We assume the entrance mat to be a combination of carpet and rubber to offer scraping and wiping function, while also providing anti-slip properties. The mat would likely be commercial grade considering the potentially high foot traffic into the building. 

• A suitable entrance mat product would be the 3M Nomad Carpet Matting Aqua Series 85 [7]. This textile entrance mat has advanced water removal and retention properties, stopping up to 80% of dirt and moisture at the door. It is also highly suitable for high traffic applications (1500 to 5000 crossings per day).

Revolving entrance doors are also used at the main entrance to slow the movement of air from outdoors to indoors. Additionally, we assume that the remaining entrances have air seals to prevent outdoor air from entering when the doors are closed. 

[Fulfills A09.1]