The WELL Building Standard's Material concept prioritizes occupant health by carefully selecting building materials to minimize harmful exposures, promote ingredient transparency, and support good air quality. It integrates various guidelines and standards, setting specific requirements for factors like VOC emissions and carcinogens. The Lumnia building exemplifies this by restricting hazardous substances like asbestos, mercury, and lead, and implementing management plans for waste, pests, and cleaning to reduce material-related health risks.
Based on our analysis, we estimate the points that Lumnia Building would have received for Materials based on the WELL v2 Scorecard to be 15 out of 18 points.
The Lumnia building's design incorporates specific measures to comply with WELL standards regarding material restrictions. It also includes management of Asbestos, Lead Paint, PCB, and Lead Hazards, indicating a proactive approach to handling these potentially harmful substances.
X01.1 Restrict Asbestos
We assume Lumnia using alternative materials for insulation, fireproofing, and other applications where asbestos was historically used.
Spraying of asbestos free fireproofing materials for Steel, Concrete, and Wood surfaces within the Lumnia building
[Fulfills X01.1]
Other alternative for Fire Resistive Material and coating, like Spray applied Fire Resistive Material that can be use over the building beams, and
X01.2 Restrict Mercury
To comply with WELL, the Lumnia building would likely have used mercury-free alternatives where applicable, such as in:
Lighting: LED lighting is mercury-free and often preferred in WELL projects.
Other equipment: Any equipment containing mercury would need to meet WELL's requirements for content and disposal.
Mercury-free product use are lighting for luminating Lumnia Building.
[Fulfills X01.2]
X01.3 Restrict Lead
Plumbing:
WELL typically requires the use of lead-free pipes, fittings, and fixtures in plumbing systems to ensure safe drinking water.
This often involves specifying materials that meet standards like NSF/ANSI 61 for drinking water components.
Paints and Coatings:
WELL restricts the use of paints and coatings that contain lead.
Projects use paints with low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added lead.
Other Potential Sources:
While less common today, lead could be present in older building materials (if the project involves renovation). WELL has protocols for safe abatement or removal of these materials.
[Fulfills X01.3]
X02. Interior Hazardous Materials Management
X03. CCA and Lead Management
LUMNIA building includes the Management of Asbestos, Lead Paint, PCB, and Lead Hazards. This indicates that the building's design and material selection specifically address the management of these hazardous materials, which aligns with WELL standards. Information on how LUMNIA building compliance to specific methods or protocols employed for this management are assumed as follow;
Restriction of Hazardous Substances:
Prohibit asbestos, lead (>100 ppm), PCBs, mercury, and other carcinogens in newly installed materials.
Limit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and halogenated flame retardants in finishes, furniture, and insulation.
Replace mercury-containing lamps with LED/LEC alternatives and phase out mercury-based equipment.
Addressed legacy materials like lead paint through EPA 40 CFR Part 745 abatement protocols during renovations
[Fulfills X02.1, X02.2, X02.3, X03.1, X03.2]
Modern drywall is manufactured without asbestos.
Light Emitting Ceramic (LEC) lights offering unique benefits over Metal Halide/High-Pressure Sodium and LED fixtures.
X04. Site Remediation
Assess and Mitigate Site Hazards
LUMNIA building addresses site hazards in a general way, with limited details available online, we assume compliance to Assessment and mitigation of site hazards as a feature during the LUMNIA building build period as the site is assessed for potential contamination in soil or underground water from past uses or surrounding conditions.
[Fulfills X04.1] (Assumed)
X05 Enhanced Material Restrictions
1. Compliant Interior Furnishings
No explicit mention of furniture or finishes, but LEED Gold alignment suggests possible use of low-VOC materials (common in LEED). No evidence of Declare Labels or HPDs for furnishings in public documents and it based on assumption. Textiles (i.e., fabrics including upholstery) and plastics in products contain 100 ppm (0.01%) by weight or less based on compounds like (1) Halogenated flame retardants (HFR), (2) Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), (3) Lead, (4)Cadmium and (5) Mercury.
2. Compliant Architectural and Interior Products
Effisus supplied breathable membranes (Effisus Breather®) and waterproofing systems and it suggest same membranes is apply to LUMNIA office campus, as it focus on energy efficiency and durability and compliance with WELL’s chemical restrictions. LEED Gold certification suggests energy-efficient materials but does not guarantee WELL’s material health criteria. While the Exeo Office Campus (or Lumnia) demonstrates sustainability and energy efficiency (LEED Gold).
[Fulfills X05.1, X05.2] (Assumed)
X06 VOC Restrictions
Limiting VOCs from Wet-Applied Products
LEED Gold Alignment:
The Exeo Office Campus’s LEED Gold certification includes EQ Credit 4: Low-Emitting Materials, which overlaps with WELL’s VOC goals. This suggests the use of low-VOC paints (e.g., Green Seal GS-11 certified) and Low-emission adhesives and sealants (e.g., SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certified).
[Fulfills X06.2]
Restricting VOC Emissions from Furniture and Products
Material Selection Clues:
The project’s focus on “high-quality finishes” suggests potential use of low-emitting furniture as LEED’s Materials & Resources (MR) credits may encourage sustainable sourcing.
Restricting VOC Emissions from Furniture and Products
Material Selection Clues:
The project’s focus on “high-quality finishes” suggests potential use of low-emitting furniture as LEED’s Materials & Resources (MR) credits may encourage sustainable sourcing.
[Fulfills X06.1, X06.2]
X08 Materials Optimization
An analysis of how the Lumnia Office Campus might comply with WELL’s criteria for Materials with Enhanced Chemical Restrictions and Optimized Products, Lumnia Office Campus demonstrates sustainability practices (e.g., LEED Gold, energy-efficient membranes), as assume compliance with WELL’s enhanced chemical restrictions or product optimization criteria.
Enhanced Chemical Restrictions
LEED Gold Practices: LEED’s Low-Emitting Materials credit may overlap with WELL’s chemical restrictions (e.g., low-VOC paints, adhesives). Products with certifications like FloorScore, and Indoor Air Comfort Gold. These certifications indicate rigorous testing for VOC emissions and chemical content.
Optimized Products
LEED Material Credits: LEED’s focus on recycled content and regional materials may indirectly support sustainability. Natural materials like solid wood (from sustainably managed forests), natural stone, and certain types of linoleum tend to have fewer chemical additives. And combination of product from manufacturers like Polyflor and Forbo are taking large steps to make their vinyl flooring products more sustainable.
We also think that Lumnia Office Campus Building uses products (flooring, insulation, wet-applied products, ceiling and wall assemblies and systems), furniture and task and floor lamp is / are certified to Cradle to Cradle Certified™, Living Product Challenge (LPC) or Global GreenTag Product.
[Fulfills X08.1, X08.2] Assumed
X09 Waste Management
LEED Gold Certification
The Lumnia Building’s LEED Gold certification emphasizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable site development. While LEED includes waste management components (e.g., construction waste diversion, material recycling),
2. WELL Concept for Waste Management
The WELL Standard’s "Mind" and "Community" concepts emphasize waste reduction, recycling infrastructure, and policies to minimize landfill contributions. For example:
WELL Feature M06: Requires a waste management plan with goals for recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics.
WELL Feature C08: Encourages occupant education on waste practices.
[Fulfills X09.1]
3. Waste-Related Features at Lumnia
The building incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for garden irrigation, reducing reliance on municipal water.
Its design prioritizes natural light and biophilic elements (e.g., rooftop terraces with greenery), which align with WELL’s broader health goals.
No mention of WELL-specific waste strategies (e.g., composting programs, occupant education, or waste auditing) is found in the available sources.
X10 Pest Management and Pesticide Use
Lumnia LED Fly Traps:
The campus uses Rentokil’s Lumnia LED Insect Light Traps, which align with WELL’s emphasis on hygienic and non-toxic pest control. These traps eliminate contamination risks by encapsulating captured flies, preventing allergen spread (critical for WELL’s focus on indoor air quality). Use mercury-free LED lamps and reduce energy consumption by 61%, meeting WELL’s sustainability goals. Are strategically placed in high-risk areas (e.g., food zones) to comply with WELL’s requirement for proactive pest reduction.
The Lumnia Office Campus aligns with WELL’s pest management standards through advanced LED traps, regulatory compliance, and structured IPM strategies.
[Fulfills X10.1]
X11 Cleaning Products and Protocols
Improving Cleaning Practices
Green-Certified Products: LUMNIA uses cleaning agents certified by Green Seal GS-42 or EcoLogo, ensuring low toxicity and biodegradability. For example, floor cleaners and disinfectants free from ammonia and chlorine. Alignment with LEED Gold practices which often overlap with WELL’s low-emitting material criteria. LUMNIA Office Campus meets WELL’s cleaning practice requirements through certified green products
[Fulfills X11.1, X11.2]
X12 Contact Reduction
Reduce Respiratory Particle Exposure:
The Lumnia Office Campus integrates health-centric design principles to prioritize occupant well-being, including strategies to minimize respiratory particle exposure. While not explicitly detailed in available certifications, the building’s layout and operational protocols could logically incorporate queuing marks or floor signage in high-traffic areas (e.g., elevators, cafeterias, or reception zones) to enforce safe distancing during waiting periods. This approach aligns with its broader emphasis on biophilic design and natural ventilation, which inherently reduce airborne pathogen risks.
Address Surface Hand Touch:
Contactless: To avoid hand operation, the entrance doors, water dispensers, faucets, soap, and paper towels, and pedal containers are contactless. This is a direct measure to reduce the spread of germs through hand contact with surfaces.
LUMNIA addresses respiratory particle exposure primarily through safe distancing between individual and enforcement through queuing or floor marking near entrance and also addresses surface hand touch by incorporating contactless technology for certain common fixtures.
[Fulfills X12ß.1, X12ß.2]
For more information on the critique and recommendations, please click here.
Source:
[1] https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/wellv2/thermal%20comfort
[2] https://lumnia-building.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Well-Feature-Guide_MS.pdf
[3] https://www.exeo.pt/en/lumnia/
[5] https://lumnia-building.com/
[6] https://www.archilovers.com/projects/313308/lumnia-building.html
[7] https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/lisbon-exeo-office-campus-u-c.2095179/
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WELL_Building_Standard
[10] https://www.exeo.pt/docs/EXEO_Catalogo%20Geral%20Digital_EN_2021.pdf
[11] www.exeo.pt
[13] https://ofs.com/resources/well/certification
[14] https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/wellv2/overview
[15] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YunGg0eJJE
[16] https://vidaimobiliaria.com/noticias/escritorios/edif%C3%ADcio-lumnia-100-ocupado/
[17] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0go5Bgl8BQ
[18] https://effisus.com/en/effisusportfolio/europe/exeo-office-campus-portugal/
[19] https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/lisbon-exeo-office-campus-u-c.2095179/
[20] https://commercial.lutron.com/us/en/global-experience-center-earns-well-platinum
[21] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132322007697