Water

For water delivered to Lumnia Building, verification and mandatory auditing is conducted to ensure that it complies with the WELL water quality thresholds.

• Turbidity ≤ 1.0 NTU

• Coliforms not detected in any 100 ml sample.

The Chemical and Biological Water Quality is also monitored closely. These parameters are important to prevent breeding of bacteria and viruses. For example, exposure to fecal coliform pathogens could lead to diarrhea, ear infections and rashes [12]. Monitoring of water quality also ensures that aesthetics of the water are not compromised - occupants will not find cloudy or smelly water appealing.

All audits of LUMNIA’s internal water quality or system maintenance are shared internally to tenants via e-mail or newsletter. The information is also visualized in the building’s directories. These audits are usually conducted quarterly, or whenever necessary.

[Fulfills W01.1]

Based on Lumnia Building's WELL Report, they have implemented a Legionella Management Plan, and Mold and Moisture Management Plan [1]. Unfortunately, the specifics of the plans were not elaborated. We assume that Lumnia Building's plans would have complied with WELL's requirements, as summarised below. 

Legionella Management Plan:

• Applied for hot water systems and cooling towers (on rooftop) and any other devices or space within the facility where water is recirculated and aerosolized. 

• Water system inventory and process flow diagrams of systems within project boundary is documented.

• Hazard analysis of water assets within the project boundary has been conducted.

• List of monitoring actions, critical control points, verification and validation procedures, and documentation protocols have been established for Legionella management. 

Mold and Moisture Management Plan:

• Schedule for periodic inspections for signs and potential of water damage, mold etc.

• System or inspection protocol to assess water pipe leaks

• System for occupants and tenants to notify building management about mold or water damage.

• Results of inspections for mold and leaks are submitted annually through WELL digital platform.

• As covered under air, we also assume that Lumnia building would have tracked humidity readings across different zones. By keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% to 60%, mold growth and other harmful allergens could be managed [11].

• Also covered under air, maintenance for the air ventilation unit is conducted annually or whenever deemed necessary. Routine maintenance ensures that bathrooms with moisture generating appliances like dryers receive proper ventilation, preventing mold growth.

[Fulfills W03.2 and W07.3]

Based on Lumnia Building's website, their key approach towards water management is through water efficiency, through installation and utilization of water efficient fixtures which can help them save around 40% of potable water [6]. Please click here for more information on the materials used. 

To supplement water savings, Lumnia Building has a rainwater recovery system, although the specifics of the system (e.g. rainwater collected, reuse applications) were not readily available online [1]. Referencing to the Lumnia Building's floor plan, we assume that all roof gardens and roofs are the primary catchment areas for the collection of rainwater. This is a common approach taken by buildings to harvest rainwater [2]. In total, we estimate at least 6,500 sqm (i.e. 1,500 sqm - roof gardens; 5,000 sqm - roof) of surface area is available to function as catchment area for rainwater harvesting.

• Rainwater usage is assumed to be for either irrigation to maintain the plants at the green spaces, toilet flushing or even potentially for cooling tower makeup water. 

• The design of the rainwater harvesting system would have to take into account the Lisbon's climate, specifically the average rainfall in Lisbon (around 753 mm annually), the wettest months (October to January), and the drier months (June to August) to size the storage and estimate potential yield. Please click here for more information regarding Lisbon's climate. 

• Assuming annual average rainfall of 753 mm (i.e. 753 litre in 1 sqm) and 6,500 sqm of water catchment area, the total rainwater harvested by Lumnia Building is estimated to be around 4.90 million litres annually. 

Given Lumnia Building's established auditing framework and various management plans, it is likely they have a similar safety plan in place for the reuse of onsite non-potable water, potentially including the following features:  

• Comprehensive Safety Plan incorporating necessary features described within the WELL v2 W09ß.1's requirements.

• Compliant with applicable codes and regulations in the jurisdiction - EU Drinking Water Directive [3], Decree-Law No. 119/2019 [4] and Decree-Law No. 236/98 [5].

• Annual submission of documentation for startup procedures, maintenance logs, verification tests and third-party inspection reports.

• Conspicuous signage to distinguish potable from non-potable water, to prevent accidental ingestion of non-potable water which could lead to health implications. 

[Fulfills W09ß.1]

Although Lumnia Building's floor plan shows accessible toilets on most floors (potentially excluding the two basements), it remains uncertain whether the building incorporates the hygiene support features required by WELL W08. Specifics like contactless soap dispensers, hands-free flushing, and family bathrooms were not documented. The lack of visual evidence makes it challenging to assume compliance.