Comparison of Certifications for Sustainable Buidlings - Revision history

Tkokotas at 12:30, 19 November 2018

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			''Developed by Zandra Llamas''


	Poor quality in buildings is often caused by bad quality management in the construction process. The consequences of that can go from small mistakes to big and problematic situations. This can, furthermore, lead to additional expenses for the correction of errors that could have been avoided, or to big disasters like an uninhabitable building or a building tearing down. Thus, it is important to consider the different quality management systems that will, from an early stage, guide the project not only to be successful, but also to be completely reliable by using all resources appropriately.		Poor quality in buildings is often caused by bad quality management in the construction process. The consequences of that can go from small mistakes to big and problematic situations. This can, furthermore, lead to additional expenses for the correction of errors that could have been avoided, or to big disasters like an uninhabitable building or a building tearing down. Thus, it is important to consider the different quality management systems that will, from an early stage, guide the project not only to be successful, but also to be completely reliable by using all resources appropriately.

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	==== '''Quality Assurance''' ====		==== '''Quality Assurance''' ====

	Quality Assurance can be defined as the “part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled” <ref name="ISO 9000 (2015).">ISO 9000. (2015).</ref> by supplying a set of processes than can be applied to ensure high quality in the output. Quality Assurance can be considered as a Strategy of Prevention as its main focus is to plan, document and set guidelines at an early stage of the project to prevent defects from penetrating into the solution <ref name="Arthur, B. (2017).">Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. ~~Dialog Information Technology~~.</ref>. Thus, engaging with QA already at the starting point of the project is crucial to reduce the risks identified in specification phases.		Quality Assurance can be defined as the “part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled” <ref name="ISO 9000 (2015).">ISO 9000. (2015).</ref> by supplying a set of processes than can be applied to ensure high quality in the output. Quality Assurance can be considered as a Strategy of Prevention as its main focus is to plan, document and set guidelines at an early stage of the project to prevent defects from penetrating into the solution <ref name="Arthur, B. (2017).">Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Retrieved from https://www.dialog.com.au/open-dialog/the-difference-between-quality-assurance-and-quality-control/</ref>. Thus, engaging with QA already at the starting point of the project is crucial to reduce the risks identified in specification phases.

	There are three basic types of QA:		There are three basic types of QA:
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	Since the third-party systems are the most frequent practice, many independent third parties such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard have emerged.		Since the third-party systems are the most frequent practice, many independent third parties such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard have emerged.

	As mentioned before and contrary to QC, QA , the process of managing for quality is not used to verify the quality of the output <ref name="Arthur, B. (2017).">Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. ~~Dialog Information Technology~~.</ref>. However, LEED and WELL are complete quality management tools because they focus on inspection, management of processes, quality verification of the output, and continuous process of improvement. Thus, these two certifications are different from what was first thought as third-party certifications because they are also included in the Project Definition (refer to Figure 1).		As mentioned before and contrary to QC, QA , the process of managing for quality is not used to verify the quality of the output <ref name="Arthur, B. (2017).">Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Retrieved from https://www.dialog.com.au/open-dialog/the-difference-between-quality-assurance-and-quality-control/</ref>. However, LEED and WELL are complete quality management tools because they focus on inspection, management of processes, quality verification of the output, and continuous process of improvement. Thus, these two certifications are different from what was first thought as third-party certifications because they are also included in the Project Definition (refer to Figure 1).


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	== '''Annotated Bibliography''' ==		== '''Annotated Bibliography''' ==

			*Winch, G. M. (2010). Managing Construction Projects. Iowa: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

			Provides a focused perspective on the role of people involved in construction, especially on project management. One of its approaches is the quality of conformance to requirements, not only product related but also process related. To reach this conformance, quality management systems are used, thus Winch explains further and in detail the different systems that exist. It also provides some Case Studies where the theory is made clear by using real-life examples.

			*Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Retrieved from https://www.dialog.com.au/open-dialog/the-difference-between-quality-assurance-and-quality-control/

			Describes the characteristics of Quality Assurance and Quality Control, and explains the connection and differences between both. They are considered to be strategies applied at different stages of the project, and Arthur describes this in a very clear way. It also discusses the benefits of applying these strategies at the right moment.

			*LEED, U. G. (2017). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Retrieved from http://leed.usgbc.org/leed.html

			Shows a very detailed overview of the LEED Certification, including its meaning, the reasons to and benefits from choosing LEED, the people that should be involved in the project, categories, steps to follow and more. It serves as a good introduction to the certification and further information can be found in the different sections of type of certified buildings.

			*IWBI. (2017). The WELL Certification Guidebook. New York

			Guides the user through all the steps that are to be followed to get the WELL certification. It dives into the Project Team’s roles, the documentation requirements, performance verification and the final report. It allows the reader to have a clear picture of how to achieve the award and continue with the health engagement in the future.

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	Projects searching for WELL certification go through a similar process as LEED’s. They must compile certain prerequisites or “Preconditions” and earn points in the focus areas by meeting some “Optimizations”.		Projects searching for WELL certification go through a similar process as LEED’s. They must compile certain prerequisites or “Preconditions” and earn points in the focus areas by meeting some “Optimizations”.

	To earn points, WELL projects go through onsite testing by the WELL AP ~~(accredited professional)~~ assigned to the project to ensure they’ve achieved key components of the WELL Building Standard. Testing and measurement during the performance verification are completed according to sampling protocols set by the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) based on the size and project where some collected samples are then sent to a third-party laboratory for analysis.		To earn points, WELL projects go through onsite testing by the WELL AP assigned to the project to ensure they’ve achieved key components of the WELL Building Standard. Testing and measurement during the performance verification are completed according to sampling protocols set by the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) based on the size and project where some collected samples are then sent to a third-party laboratory for analysis.

	Points are earned and calculated differently than LEED and a minimum of 5 in each section is required. The following formulas are used:		Points are earned and calculated differently than LEED and a minimum of 5 in each section is required. The following formulas are used:

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	=== '''WELL''' ===		=== '''WELL''' ===

	[[File:Well_Logo.png‎\|thumb\|right\|250px\|Figure 5. WELL <ref name="IWBI Standard (2017).">IWBI Standard. (2017).The WELL Building Standard. Retrieved from https://standard.wellcertified.com/</ref>]]		[[File:Well_Logo.png‎\|thumb\|right\|250px\|Figure 4. WELL <ref name="IWBI Standard (2017).">IWBI Standard. (2017).The WELL Building Standard. Retrieved from https://standard.wellcertified.com/</ref>]]

	WELL Building Standard is one of the leading tools that comprehensively address not only the design and operations of buildings, but also how they impact and influence human behaviors related to health and well-being.		WELL Building Standard is one of the leading tools that comprehensively address not only the design and operations of buildings, but also how they impact and influence human behaviors related to health and well-being.
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	==== '''Certification Process''' ====		==== '''Certification Process''' ====

			[[File:Figure 6. Certification Phases.jpg\|thumb\|right\|350px\|Figure 5. Certification Phases.jpg <ref name="IWBI Standard (2017).">IWBI Standard. (2017).The WELL Building Standard. Retrieved from https://standard.wellcertified.com/</ref>]]

	To apply for WELL certification, a project must first be registered online. Basic information as well as the project scope and path need to be provided and Performance Verification needs to be scheduled. After registration, a WELL AP is assigned to the project by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) with the responsibility of answering technical questions prior to submission and reviewing the project after the submission.		To apply for WELL certification, a project must first be registered online. Basic information as well as the project scope and path need to be provided and Performance Verification needs to be scheduled. After registration, a WELL AP is assigned to the project by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) with the responsibility of answering technical questions prior to submission and reviewing the project after the submission.

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S161839 at 12:44, 14 June 2017

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	In construction~~, quality assurance (QA)~~ can ~~be defined as~~ the ~~“part~~ of quality management ~~focused on providing confidence~~ that ~~quality requirements~~ will ~~be fulfilled” (Winch~~, ~~2010). It includes all planned actions necessary~~ to ~~achieve a satisfactory performance~~, ~~although it does not identify conformity or non-conformity~~.		Poor quality in buildings is often caused by a bad quality management in the construction process. Its consequences can go from the need of a small correction to big and problematic situation. It can lead to big expenses to correct mistakes that could have been avoided, or to big disasters like an uninhabitable building or a building tearing down. Thus, it is important to consider the different quality management systems that will, from an early stage, guide the project not to only be successful, but also completely reliable by using the resources appropriately.

	~~Among~~ the ~~three basic~~ systems to ~~identify the procedures to follow~~, ~~the~~ third-party ~~ones have now been proven to be~~ the ~~best practice as they follow international standards such as ISO~~. ~~These systems consist of independent third parties that certify~~ the ~~QA system. Thus~~, ~~many independent third parties such as~~ Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard ~~have emerged~~ in ~~the last 15 years~~.		This article mentions the different quality management systems that should be followed to obtain a high-quality building, which are Inspection, [[Quality Control]], Quality Assurance and Total quality management. It, however, focuses its attention in third-party certifications for sustainable buildings that compile with the four processes, assuring an output of high-quality sustainable buildings.
	~~LEED certification provides independent verification of~~ a ~~building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for~~ the ~~design,~~ construction, ~~operation and maintenance of~~ resource-efficient~~, high-performing, healthy,~~ cost-effective buildings. ~~(LEED~~, ~~2017)~~
			Among the most widely used certifications, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard (WELL) play a crucial role. Thus, this report compares them in terms of objective, focus areas, project types, and evaluation method and certification process.
			Results show that both play a very important role in the construction industry because while LEED is focused on building sustainable, resource-efficient and cost-effective buildings, WELL, on the other hand, is meant to improve indoor climate to impact human health and wellbeing. Therefore, the connection between both certifications is of complementation rather than exclusion.


			== '''INTRODUCTION''' ==

	On the ~~other hand~~, WELL ~~is a performance-~~based ~~system for measuring, certifying,~~ and ~~monitoring features~~ of the ~~built environment that impact human health and wellbeing, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind~~. ~~(WELL, 2017)~~		Among the systems of Quality Assurance to identify the procedures of quality management, the third-party ones have now been proven to be the best practice as they follow international standards such as ISO. These systems consist of independent third parties that certify the quality of a building. Thus, many independent third parties such as LEED and WELL have emerged in the last 15 years. These certifications are based on [[Sustainability in Construction]] and aim to increase the number of sustainable buildings in the world.

	~~The aim~~ of ~~this report is to compare~~ the ~~requirements~~ and ~~goals~~ of ~~both certifications. However~~, ~~since they have different approaches~~, ~~it is expected that the connection between them will be of complementation rather than of exclusion~~.		LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings. (LEED, 2017)

			On the other hand, WELL is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. (Knox, 2015)

	~~== '''INTRODUCTION''' ==~~

	== '''BIG IDEA''' ==		== '''BIG IDEA''' ==
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	* ''Quality Assurance (QA)'': externally accredited procedures.		* ''Quality Assurance (QA)'': externally accredited procedures.
	* ''Total Quality Management'': continuous process improvement.		* ''Total Quality Management'': continuous process improvement.

			==== '''Inspection''' ====

			Inspection consists on the “conformity evaluation by observation and judgement accompanied as appropriate by measurement, testing or gauging” (Winch, 2010) and is usually performed by external people, or people who are not responsible for the job. Samples are taken and analyzed, which reduces effectiveness for not all the components are audited. However, it is an important task since it identifies problems to be tackled.

	==== '''Quality Control''' ====		==== '''Quality Control''' ====
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	Although the three systems are widely used, the third-party systems are now considered to be best practice for they usually follow the international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Thus, many independent third-parties have emerged in the last 15 years.		Although the three systems are widely used, the third-party systems are now considered to be best practice for they usually follow the international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Thus, many independent third-parties have emerged in the last 15 years.

			==== '''Total Quality Management''' ====

			Finally, the TQM aims for a continuous process of improvement that will lead to higher levels of conformance from the client. It consists of many actions and different processes that will solve one or more non-conformances.


	== '''APPLICATION''' ==		== '''APPLICATION''' ==
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	Since the third-party systems are the most frequent practice, many independent third parties such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard have emerged.		Since the third-party systems are the most frequent practice, many independent third parties such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard have emerged.

	As mentioned before and contrary to QC, QA is the process of managing for quality and it is not used to verify the quality of the output (Arthur, 2017). However, LEED and WELL ~~fall into both categories~~ because they focus on the ~~managing process~~ as well as in ~~the quality verification~~ of the ~~output~~.		As mentioned before and contrary to QC, QA is the process of managing for quality and it is not used to verify the quality of the output (Arthur, 2017). However, LEED and WELL are complete quality management tools because they focus on inspection, management of processes, quality verification of the output, as well as in continuous process of improvement. Thus, these two certifications are different from what was first thought for third-party certifications because they are also included in the Project Definition from Figure 1.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:00, 20 June 2017
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	Poor quality in buildings is often caused by bad quality management in the construction process. The consequences of that can go from small mistakes to big and problematic situations. This can, furthermore, lead to additional expenses for the correction of errors that could have been avoided, or to big disasters like uninhabitable building or a building tearing down. Thus, it is important to consider the different quality management systems that will, from an early stage, guide the project not only to be successful, but also to be completely reliable by using all resources appropriately.		Poor quality in buildings is often caused by bad quality management in the construction process. The consequences of that can go from small mistakes to big and problematic situations. This can, furthermore, lead to additional expenses for the correction of errors that could have been avoided, or to big disasters like an uninhabitable building or a building tearing down. Thus, it is important to consider the different quality management systems that will, from an early stage, guide the project not only to be successful, but also to be completely reliable by using all resources appropriately.

	This article mentions the different quality management systems - Inspection, [[Quality Control]], Quality Assurance and Total ~~quality management~~ - that should be followed to obtain high-quality buildings. It, however, focuses its attention mainly on third-party certifications for sustainable buildings that compile with the four processes, assuring an output of high-quality sustainable buildings.		This article mentions the different quality management systems - Inspection, [[Quality Control]], Quality Assurance and Total Quality Management - that should be followed to obtain high-quality buildings. It, however, focuses its attention mainly on third-party certifications for sustainable buildings that compile with the four processes, assuring an output of high-quality sustainable buildings.

	Among the most widely used certifications, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard (WELL) play a crucial role. Thus, this report compares them in terms of objective, focus areas, project types, evaluation method and certification process. Results show that both play a very important role in the construction industry because while LEED is focused on sustainable, resource-efficient and cost-effective buildings, WELL is, on the other hand, meant to improve indoor climate and impact human health and wellbeing. Therefore, the connection between both certifications is of complementation rather than exclusion.		Among the most widely used certifications, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard (WELL) play a crucial role. Thus, this report compares them in terms of objective, focus areas, project types, evaluation method and certification process. Results show that both play a very important role in the construction industry because while LEED is focused on sustainable, resource-efficient and cost-effective buildings, WELL is, on the other hand, meant to improve indoor climate and impact human health and wellbeing. Therefore, the connection between both certifications is of complementation rather than exclusion.
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	=== '''Quality Management Systems''' ===		=== '''Quality Management Systems''' ===

	Quality can be defined as “the degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfils requirements” <ref name="Winch, G. M. (2010)">Winch, G. M. (2010). Managing Construction Projects. Iowa: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.</ref>. One of the objectives ~~for~~ the Quality Management Systems is to make clear that non-conformance in a product is somebody’s fault. Thus, workers are encouraged, reward-based, to take responsibility when achieving high quality.		Quality can be defined as “the degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfils requirements” <ref name="Winch, G. M. (2010)">Winch, G. M. (2010). Managing Construction Projects. Iowa: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.</ref>. One of the objectives of the Quality Management Systems is to make clear that non-conformance in a product is somebody’s fault. Thus, workers are encouraged, reward-based, to take responsibility when achieving high quality.
	There are four main basic approaches to make sure that high quality has been reached and these act as complement rather than as ~~alternatives~~:		There are four main basic approaches to make sure that high quality has been reached and these act as a complement rather than as an alternative:
	* ''Inspection'': physical check.		* ''Inspection'': physical check.
	* ''Quality Control (QC)'': management control techniques.		* ''Quality Control (QC)'': management control techniques.
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	==== '''Quality Assurance''' ====		==== '''Quality Assurance''' ====

	Quality Assurance can be defined as the “part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled” <ref name="ISO 9000 (2015).">ISO 9000. (2015).</ref> by supplying a set of processes than can be applied to ensure high quality in the output. QA can be considered as a Strategy of Prevention as its main focus is to plan, document and set guidelines at an early stage of the project to prevent defects from penetrating into the solution <ref name="Arthur, B. (2017).">Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Dialog Information Technology.</ref>. Thus, engaging with QA already at the starting point of the project is crucial to reduce the risks identified in specification phases.		Quality Assurance can be defined as the “part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled” <ref name="ISO 9000 (2015).">ISO 9000. (2015).</ref> by supplying a set of processes than can be applied to ensure high quality in the output. Quality Assurance can be considered as a Strategy of Prevention as its main focus is to plan, document and set guidelines at an early stage of the project to prevent defects from penetrating into the solution <ref name="Arthur, B. (2017).">Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Dialog Information Technology.</ref>. Thus, engaging with QA already at the starting point of the project is crucial to reduce the risks identified in specification phases.

	There are three basic types of QA:		There are three basic types of QA:
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	Projects that are aiming to get LEED certification earn points in several areas that are meant to address many sustainability issues. The following are the aspects that are considered when applying for the final certification:		Projects that are aiming to get LEED certification earn points in several areas that are meant to address many sustainability issues. The following are the aspects that are considered when applying for the final certification:
	* LEED prerequisites: minimum requirements that all buildings must achieve to acquire a LEED certification.		* LEED prerequisites: minimum requirements that all buildings must achieve to acquire a LEED certification.
	* LEED credits: several credits from different sustainable areas that can be chosen by the project holder to earn points. The areas are the same as mentioned the former section.		* LEED credits: several credits from different sustainable areas that can be chosen by the project holder to earn points. The areas are the same as mentioned in the former section.
	* LEED points: earned by the chosen credits that are addressed in the project.		* LEED points: earned by the chosen credits that are addressed in the project.

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	==== '''Certification Process''' ====		==== '''Certification Process''' ====

	From the list of prerequisites, perhaps the most crucial one is the necessity of commissioning by a certified LEED AP (accredited professional). Commissioning is a highly effective management method to improve the performance of building systems and equipment. It reduces problems and promotes satisfied ~~buildings~~ owners because it is a quality based process. This process consists of written documentation of facility planning, physical inspection of all installed equipment and operational performance verification of mechanical electrical systems <ref name="Commissioning Solutions. (2017).">Commissioning Solutions. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.commissioningsolutions.com/what-is-commissioning/</ref>.		From the list of prerequisites, perhaps the most crucial one is the necessity of commissioning by a certified LEED AP (accredited professional). Commissioning is a highly effective management method to improve the performance of building systems and equipment. It reduces problems and promotes satisfied building owners because it is a quality based process. This process consists of written documentation of facility planning, physical inspection of all installed equipment and operational performance verification of mechanical electrical systems <ref name="Commissioning Solutions. (2017).">Commissioning Solutions. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.commissioningsolutions.com/what-is-commissioning/</ref>.

	The process of commissioning includes the pre-design process as well as the executive design, construction, operation and maintenance. The LEED AP of each project is an independent part of the building team and represents the client’s wishes. He must, however, have experience in all the areas of the construction process, for ~~they work~~ together with the architects, engineers and contractors.		The process of commissioning includes the pre-design process as well as the executive design, construction, operation and maintenance. The LEED AP of each project is an independent part of the building team and represents the client’s wishes. He must, however, have experience in all the areas of the construction process, for he works together with the architects, engineers and contractors.

	Figure 4 shows the correction costs across the opportunity for influence related to every phase of the construction process. Thus, LEED AP’s goals are to manage the project from an early stage to save the most and to establish strategies to reduce operation costs by focusing on the building’s operation life.		Figure 3 shows the correction costs across the opportunity for influence related to every phase of the construction process. Thus, LEED AP’s goals are to manage the project from an early stage to save the most and to establish strategies to reduce operation costs by focusing on the building’s operation life.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:29, 20 June 2017
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	This article mentions the different quality management systems - Inspection, [[Quality Control]], Quality Assurance and Total quality management - that should be followed to obtain high-quality buildings. It, however, focuses its attention mainly on third-party certifications for sustainable buildings that compile with the four processes, assuring an output of high-quality sustainable buildings.		This article mentions the different quality management systems - Inspection, [[Quality Control]], Quality Assurance and Total quality management - that should be followed to obtain high-quality buildings. It, however, focuses its attention mainly on third-party certifications for sustainable buildings that compile with the four processes, assuring an output of high-quality sustainable buildings.

	Among the most widely used certifications, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard (WELL) play a crucial role. Thus, this report compares them in terms of objective, focus areas, project types, evaluation method and certification process. Results show that both play a very important role in the construction industry because while LEED is focused on ~~building~~ sustainable, resource-efficient and cost-effective buildings, WELL is, on the other hand, meant to improve indoor climate and impact human health and wellbeing. Therefore, the connection between both certifications is of complementation rather than exclusion.		Among the most widely used certifications, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard (WELL) play a crucial role. Thus, this report compares them in terms of objective, focus areas, project types, evaluation method and certification process. Results show that both play a very important role in the construction industry because while LEED is focused on sustainable, resource-efficient and cost-effective buildings, WELL is, on the other hand, meant to improve indoor climate and impact human health and wellbeing. Therefore, the connection between both certifications is of complementation rather than exclusion.

	== '''Introduction''' ==		== '''Introduction''' ==
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	Among the systems of Quality Assurance to identify the procedures of quality management, the third-party ones have now been proven to be the best practice as they follow international standards such as ISO. These systems consist of independent ~~third~~ parties that certify the quality of a building. Thus, many independent third parties such as LEED and WELL have emerged in the last 15 years. These certifications are based on [[Sustainability in Construction]] and aim to increase the number of sustainable buildings in the world.		Among the systems of Quality Assurance to identify the procedures of quality management, the third-party ones have now been proven to be the best practice as they follow international standards such as ISO. These systems consist of independent parties that certify the quality of a building. Thus, many independent third parties such as LEED and WELL have emerged in the last 15 years. These certifications are based on [[Sustainability in Construction]] and aim to increase the number of sustainable buildings in the world.

	LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings <ref name="LEED, 2017">LEED, U. G. (2017). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Retrieved from http://leed.usgbc.org/leed.html</ref>.		LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings <ref name="LEED, 2017">LEED, U. G. (2017). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Retrieved from http://leed.usgbc.org/leed.html</ref>.
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	* ''Third-party systems:'' consists of independent and certified third-party systems.		* ''Third-party systems:'' consists of independent and certified third-party systems.

	Although the three systems are widely used, the third-party systems are now considered to be best practice as they usually follow the international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization <ref name="ISO 9000 (2015).">ISO 9000. (2015).</ref>. Thus, many independent third-parties have emerged in the last 15 years.		Although the three systems are widely used, the third-party systems are now considered to be best practice as they usually follow the international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization <ref name="ISO 9000 (2015).">ISO 9000. (2015).</ref>. Thus, many independent third-parties have emerged in the last years.

	==== '''Total Quality Management''' ====		==== '''Total Quality Management''' ====
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	Since the third-party systems are the most frequent practice, many independent third parties such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard have emerged.		Since the third-party systems are the most frequent practice, many independent third parties such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL Building Standard have emerged.

	As mentioned before and contrary to QC, QA , the process of managing for quality is not used to verify the quality of the output <ref name="Arthur, B. (2017).">Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Dialog Information Technology.</ref>. However, LEED and WELL are complete quality management tools because they focus on inspection, management of processes, quality verification of the output, and continuous process of improvement. Thus, these two certifications are different from what was first thought as third-party certifications because they are also included in the Project Definition ~~from~~ Figure 1.		As mentioned before and contrary to QC, QA , the process of managing for quality is not used to verify the quality of the output <ref name="Arthur, B. (2017).">Arthur, B. (2017). The Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Dialog Information Technology.</ref>. However, LEED and WELL are complete quality management tools because they focus on inspection, management of processes, quality verification of the output, and continuous process of improvement. Thus, these two certifications are different from what was first thought as third-party certifications because they are also included in the Project Definition (refer to Figure 1).


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	[[File:Figure_4._Project_Life_Costs.jpg‎\|thumb\|right\|380px\|Figure 3. Project life costs and opportunity for influence <ref name="Mandelbaum, M. (2014, 10 09).">Mandelbaum, M. (2014, 10 09). Percolate, Applying Architecture to Product Design. Retrieved from https://blog.percolate.com/2014/10/applying-architecture-product-design-lesson-2-program/</ref>]]		[[File:Figure_4._Project_Life_Costs.jpg‎\|thumb\|right\|380px\|Figure 3. Project life costs and opportunity for influence <ref name="Mandelbaum, M. (2014, 10 09).">Mandelbaum, M. (2014, 10 09). Percolate, Applying Architecture to Product Design. Retrieved from https://blog.percolate.com/2014/10/applying-architecture-product-design-lesson-2-program/</ref>]]

	One of the most widely used third-party certifications in the United States buildings is LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and has been managed by The U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) ~~for the last 17 years~~. LEED not only focuses on the design and construction, but also gives considerable importance to the operation and maintenance areas.		One of the most widely used third-party certifications in the United States buildings is LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and has been managed by The U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) since 2000. LEED not only focuses on the design and construction, but also gives considerable importance to the operation and maintenance areas.

	==== '''Objective, Focus Areas and Project Types''' ====		==== '''Objective, Focus Areas and Project Types''' ====
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	* Building Operations and Maintenance: improvement work or little to no construction.		* Building Operations and Maintenance: improvement work or little to no construction.
	* Neighborhood Development: land development projects (residential).		* Neighborhood Development: land development projects (residential).
	* ~~Homes~~: single family ~~homes~~.		* Houses: single family houses.

	==== '''Evaluation Method''' ====		==== '''Evaluation Method''' ====
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	==== '''Certification Process''' ====		==== '''Certification Process''' ====

	From the list of prerequisites, perhaps the most crucial one is the necessity of commissioning by a certified LEED AP (accredited professional). Commissioning is a highly effective management method to improve the performance of building systems and equipment. It reduces problems and promotes satisfied buildings owners ~~for~~ it is a quality based process ~~that~~ consists of written documentation of facility planning, physical inspection of all installed equipment and operational performance verification of mechanical electrical systems <ref name="Commissioning Solutions. (2017).">Commissioning Solutions. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.commissioningsolutions.com/what-is-commissioning/</ref>.		From the list of prerequisites, perhaps the most crucial one is the necessity of commissioning by a certified LEED AP (accredited professional). Commissioning is a highly effective management method to improve the performance of building systems and equipment. It reduces problems and promotes satisfied buildings owners because it is a quality based process. This process consists of written documentation of facility planning, physical inspection of all installed equipment and operational performance verification of mechanical electrical systems <ref name="Commissioning Solutions. (2017).">Commissioning Solutions. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.commissioningsolutions.com/what-is-commissioning/</ref>.

	The process of commissioning includes the pre-design process as well as the executive design, construction, operation and maintenance. The LEED AP of each project is an independent part of the building team and represents the client’s wishes. He must, however, have experience in all the areas of the construction process, for they work together with the architects, engineers and contractors.		The process of commissioning includes the pre-design process as well as the executive design, construction, operation and maintenance. The LEED AP of each project is an independent part of the building team and represents the client’s wishes. He must, however, have experience in all the areas of the construction process, for they work together with the architects, engineers and contractors.
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	[[File:Figure 6. Certification Phases.jpg\|thumb\|right\|350px\|Figure 5. Certification Phases.jpg <ref name="IWBI Standard (2017).">IWBI Standard. (2017).The WELL Building Standard. Retrieved from https://standard.wellcertified.com/</ref>]]		[[File:Figure 6. Certification Phases.jpg\|thumb\|right\|350px\|Figure 5. Certification Phases.jpg <ref name="IWBI Standard (2017).">IWBI Standard. (2017).The WELL Building Standard. Retrieved from https://standard.wellcertified.com/</ref>]]

	To apply for WELL certification, a project must first be registered online. Basic information as well as the project scope and path need to be provided and Performance Verification ~~needs to~~ be scheduled. After registration, a WELL AP is assigned to the project by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) with the responsibility of answering technical questions prior to submission and reviewing the project after the submission.		To apply for WELL certification, a project must first be registered online. Basic information as well as the project scope and path need to be provided and Performance Verification must be scheduled. After registration, a WELL AP is assigned to the project by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) with the responsibility of answering technical questions prior to submission and reviewing the project after the submission.

	Then, project team roles are assigned as follows:		Then, project team roles are assigned as follows:
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	== '''Annotated Bibliography''' ==		== '''Annotated Bibliography''' ==



	== '''References''' ==		== '''References''' ==

	<references/>		<references/>