Author: Ronald Lui; Proofread by Ryan Lau

Summary

• Performance-based verification confirms that buildings support real occupant health and well-being, not just design intent. 
• WELL Certification focuses on measurable indoor environmental quality across air, water, lighting, acoustics and thermal comfort.
• Independent on-site testing is a core requirement of WELL Certification and recertification processes.
• Third-party verification helps identify operational gaps early and provides credible evidence for certification and ongoing building performance. 

Accurate testing and verification improve transparency, occupant confidence and long-term building resilience.

Global attention on healthy, resilient and human-centric buildings is accelerating, and building owners are increasingly required to demonstrate, with data, that indoor environments genuinely support occupant health and well-being. Performance-based standards like the WELL Building Standard respond to this shift by coupling design intent with rigorous, third-party on-site testing of real operating conditions. For organisations in Hong Kong and the region, WELL has become a key benchmark for health-focused buildings, reshaping expectations around indoor environmental performance, transparency and independent verification.

WELL is useful because it translates broad health goals into measurable building conditions. Rather than relying only on design documents, it checks whether the occupied space actually performs as intended for air, water, light, sound and thermal comfort.

WELL Standard introduction

The WELL Building Standard, now most commonly implemented as WELL v2, is a global, performance-based framework for designing, operating and certifying buildings that support human health and well-being. It is administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and certified through Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), with requirements organised around measurable outcomes rather than purely prescriptive design rules. WELL v2 builds on the earlier WELL v1 approach and expands the certification structure into concepts such as Air, Water, Light, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community and Movement.

A defining feature of WELL is performance verification. After design and construction, a trained WELL Performance Testing Agent performs on-site testing and visual inspections to confirm that measured indoor conditions meet WELL’s health-based criteria. The WELL Performance Verification Guidebook standardises test methods, sampling strategies, measurement equipment requirements and reporting expectations, so results are comparable across markets and project types.

When performance testing is required

For WELL v2 certification, performance testing is required wherever a feature uses a performance-test verification pathway. In other words, projects cannot substitute self-collected measurements for these features unless the specific feature explicitly allows another method such as sensor data or documentation-based evidence. This is why performance testing is a core part of WELL certification, not an optional add-on.

For WELL Ratings and recertification, on-site testing is also required for features that specify performance testing, and results must be submitted during the relevant review cycle. Some WELL Ratings features allow sensor data instead of performance testing, but that exception applies only where the standard explicitly permits it. In practical terms, any project pursuing WELL through the performance-test route needs to plan early for an approved Performance Testing Provider, especially when the project seeks certification, renewal or portfolio-wide consistency.

Why verification matters

WELL performance testing is important because it checks real environmental conditions, not just design intent. Buildings can look compliant on paper while still failing in operation due to poor maintenance, user behaviour, system drift or unanticipated site conditions. Third-party testing reduces this gap by giving project teams and reviewers objective evidence that the building is performing as expected.

A robust verification process delivers several benefits. It provides proof that health-focused strategies, such as filtration, water treatment, lighting controls or acoustic treatments, are functioning properly under normal use. It also identifies performance gaps early, allowing targeted corrective action before certification or renewal decisions are made. Just as important, it creates a repeatable evidence base that can support portfolio benchmarking and ongoing building operations.

Technical focus areas

Air quality

Indoor air quality is one of the most scrutinised WELL areas because it has a direct link to respiratory health, comfort and cognitive performance. WELL performance testing may include formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, PM2.5, PM10 and ozone, depending on the feature requirements and project conditions. Testing is usually conducted at representative locations under normal operating conditions so the results reflect actual occupant exposure.

Technical accuracy matters here because pollutant levels can be influenced by ventilation rates, filtration, outdoor air infiltration and indoor source control. A good testing programme therefore does more than take a reading; it confirms that the building’s air delivery and control strategy work in practice.

Water quality

Water quality verification typically involves point-of-use sampling and laboratory analysis for microbiological and chemical indicators. Common parameters include coliforms, turbidity and disinfectant-related factors, depending on the WELL feature being pursued. Sampling must be handled carefully, because improper collection or transport can affect results and create uncertainty.

This part of WELL is especially relevant in buildings with central treatment systems, long pipe runs or variable local supply conditions. Testing confirms that the water actually available to occupants meets the expected quality threshold and that the building’s treatment or distribution systems are working properly.

Thermal comfort

Thermal comfort verification checks whether occupants are likely to experience stable, acceptable conditions in normal use. Measurements commonly include dry-bulb temperature, mean radiant temperature and relative humidity, with results interpreted against comfort models such as PMV and related indices. These variables help show whether HVAC systems are balanced and operating as intended across occupied zones.

This is a practical area because thermal complaints often come from localised issues rather than a single building-wide fault. WELL testing can reveal uneven temperature distribution, control instability or settings that are technically acceptable but uncomfortable in use.

Acoustics

Acoustic performance is central to concentration, privacy and stress reduction in workplaces and public buildings. WELL verification commonly covers background noise, reverberation time and sound insulation, depending on the feature and space type. The aim is not only to reduce excessive noise but also to make spaces usable for speech, focus and rest.

Acoustic testing needs proper equipment, calibrated procedures and careful site interpretation because results can vary significantly between rooms and occupancy states. In open-plan offices or mixed-use buildings, this kind of testing helps identify whether the acoustic design is actually performing as intended.

Lighting

Lighting performance in WELL extends beyond simple brightness. It may include visual lighting checks, circadian-related metrics and other measurements that confirm the space supports both task performance and occupant well-being. The key idea is that light should be measured in the occupied environment, not assumed from design specifications alone.

This makes lighting verification especially relevant for buildings that use daylighting strategies, automated controls or layered lighting systems. WELL testing helps confirm that the system delivers useful light levels while supporting visual comfort and, where relevant, circadian intent.

Role in certification

Within the WELL certification process, performance testing sits between documentation review and final verification. The project team first submits design and policy documentation, then the on-site performance tests confirm whether the building meets the operational criteria required for certification. If measurements fail to meet the threshold, the project may need corrective action and retesting before certification can proceed.

The Performance Testing Provider is therefore the independent technical party that turns WELL from a document-based system into an evidence-based one. It coordinates sampling, executes tests, maintains quality control and submits results through the correct WELL workflow. This role is critical because WELL certification depends not only on what was designed, but on what the building actually delivers in use.

CMA Testing’s role

CMA Testing is officially accredited as a WELL Performance Testing Provider through IWBI and GBCI. This means CMA Testing is authorised to conduct the on-site performance verification required for projects pursuing WELL Certification, supported by a team that includes WELL APs and WELL Performance Testing Agents. As a result, CMA Testing can help projects complete the technical verification stage in a way that is aligned with WELL’s quality and independence requirements.

In practice, CMA Testing’s role is to provide the technical testing backbone of the certification process. That includes air, water, thermal comfort, acoustics and lighting measurements, along with the documentation and quality controls needed for GBCI review. Its contribution is best understood as independent assurance: helping project teams demonstrate, with credible evidence, that the building’s health-focused design is working in real life.

On May 16th, at The Inlet in Shanghai’s Hongkou district, the weather was sunny.

Over 70 families with dogs and cats gathered on site. Some were taking photos, some were strolling, and the furry little ones were wagging their tails beside their owners. It was lively but not chaotic, warm yet orderly.

But in the eyes of the event organizers, the most important thing about this day was not the liveliness itself, but the arrival of a professional milestone:

The first batch of shopping malls in Shanghai that comply with the “Pet‑Friendly Premises Plan” was officially launched.

Many people ask: isn’t “pet‑friendly” just about allowing pets to enter the premises?

Ms. Cui Xiaoting, General Manager of CMA Testing East China, gave a clear answer:

“True pet‑friendliness is neither a slogan nor just a logo. It needs to answer these questions: Where do pets enter? Which areas can they stay in? How is excrement handled? How should staff respond to complaints? How are the feelings of non‑pet‑owning customers respected? The special significance of this project lies in the fact that it is not a one‑time event planning effort, but a deep integration of Hong Kong’s professional service capabilities with the innovative demands of the mainland market. The Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and InnoPet Hub, the pet fashion and culture center, have bridged the commercial resources of Shanghai and Hong Kong. The Asia Pet Alliance (APA) has brought the ecological influence of the pet industry, and CMA Testing provides third‑party credibility and professional support. All these elements are indispensable.”

As a professional testing and certification body under the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, CMA Testing has long been serving the quality and safety of the manufacturing, retail, and service industries. This time, we have systematically applied an internationally recognized service evaluation methodology to the emerging consumption scenario of “human‑pet friendliness.”

A Deep Integration of Hong Kong’s Professional Services with Mainland Commercial Scenarios

Mr. Zhang Guozheng, President of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, noted in his speech at the event that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Chamber. He stated that the Chamber will further engage in the new track of the human‑pet economy, sharing and promoting its positive significance for urban consumption upgrading, commercial space innovation, and the enhancement of economic vitality.

Afterwards, Ms. Chen Baojin, founder of InnoPet Hub – the Pet Fashion and Culture Center, introduced the positioning and resource‑linking function of her platform. She expressed the hope to combine Hong Kong’s advanced practical experience in pet‑friendliness and international good practices with mainland commercial scenarios, in order to promote an implementable, sustainable, and auditable human‑pet friendly system.

Mr. Hu Jun, Secretary General of APA Asia Pet Alliance, also pointed out in his speech: “Pet‑friendliness is not only a value‑added feature for commercial spaces, but also a new reflection of urban civilization and consumption vitality. Through a standardized system, we can help more venues build friendly scenarios for human‑pet coexistence, create better consumption and activity experiences for pet owners, and inject new vitality into the commercial ecosystem.”

Human-Pet Friendliness: A Professional Track in the New Consumption Era

On the surface, pet-friendly places are about whether pets can enter shopping malls, but in essence, they are about how commercial spaces can respond in a more professional way to the new generation of consumers’ needs for emotional value, community belonging, and lifestyle.

Today’s consumers, especially pet owners in cities, want more than just transactional functions when they enter commercial spaces. They hope to be understood and accepted when bringing their pets, and to have a safe and comfortable co‑existence experience. This emotional value lies at the heart of the consumption experience. When commercial spaces consistently provide this value, they are no longer merely places of transaction but become true social spaces and places of belonging. Pet owners will return repeatedly because of shared interests and develop loyalty—that is community belonging. Once commercial spaces successfully navigate this track, they gain not only the favor of pet‑owning consumers, but also new reasons for visits, longer dwell times, new consumption scenarios, and the extremely rare emotional connection in this era of highly fragmented attention. Therefore, pet‑friendliness is not just a public welfare gesture or a commercial label; it is a professional choice for commercial spaces to enhance their competitiveness in the new consumption era, and also the intersection of urban civilization and commercial innovation.

Starting from Shanghai

On the day of the event, over 70 pet families took part in an orderly wellness walk. They had a designated route, proper management, a pleasant experience, and a warm atmosphere.

This is exactly the state that human‑pet friendly commercial spaces most need to present.

For CMA Testing, this day marked an even more important beginning: a set of pet‑friendly standards established by a Hong Kong professional institution was implemented for the first time in Shanghai, and this will serve as the starting point.

We hope that in the future, when you walk into a shopping mall displaying the CMA Testing Pet‑Friendly Place Plan logo, you will not only be able to bring your pet inside, but also truly enjoy a worry‑free, comfortable, and sustainable experience with your pet. That is the meaning of this project, and it is also the original intention behind what we do.

On December 16, 2024, the European Council formally adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40, which was subsequently signed into law by the European Parliament and the Council on December 19. On January 22, 2025, the EU officially published the PPWR in its Official Journal, abolishing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC. The EU Packaging Regulation PPWR entered into force on February 11, 2025, and will be implemented from August 12, 2026 (unless otherwise specified).

Scope of PPWR regulations

Applicable to all packaging and packaging waste, whether such packaging is used in industry, other manufacturing, retail or distribution, office, service or household.

Main contents of PPWR regulations

• Regulations specify requirements for environmental sustainability and labeling throughout the entire lifecycle of packaging.
• Regulations stipulate extended producer responsibility.
• Regulations specify requirements for packaging waste prevention.

PPWR core requirements

Material requirements in packaging

Packaging type	Requirement
All packaging	The total concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is ≤100 mg/kg.
Food contact material packaging	The concentration of any single target PFAS substance is <25 ppb (excluding polymeric PFAS); The sum of analyses of the target PFAS substance and optional degradable precursors is <250 ppb (excluding polymeric PFAS); The total PFAS concentration is <50 ppm (including polymeric PFAS). If the total fluorine content exceeds 50 mg/kg, provide proof of the amount of fluorine contained in either PFAS or non-PFAS.

Packaging recyclability requirements

All packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable.

Packaging must be designed for recycling and as a substitute for raw materials, and must be collected and sorted separately when it becomes waste.

From 1 January 2030 or 24 months after the enactment of the authorizing act (whichever comes first), only packaging meeting the recycling efficiency level of A, B, or C in Table 3 of Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 may be placed on the EU market. From 1 January 2038, only packaging meeting the recycling efficiency level of A or B in Table 3 of Annex II may be placed on the EU market.

Minimum Recycling Requirements for Plastic Packaging

Packaging type	Target date
	1st Jan 2030	The year of 2040
Contact-sensitive packaging with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the main component (excluding single-use plastic beverage bottles)	30%	50%
Contact-sensitive packaging made of plastic materials other than PET (excluding single-use plastic beverage bottles)	10%	25%
Disposable plastic beverage bottles	30%	65%
Other plastic packaging	35%	65%

Minimize packaging

By January 1, 2030, manufacturers or importers should ensure that the design of packaging placed on the market reduces its weight and volume to the minimum required to ensure its functionality, while taking into account the shape and material of the packaging.

PPWR Regulatory Labeling Requirements

Packaging placed on the market on August 12, 2028, or 24 months from the effective date of the Implementing Act (whichever is latest), should display information on its composition to facilitate consumer classification.

Reusable packaging placed on the market on February 12, 2029, or 30 months from the effective date of the Implementing Act (whichever is latest), should be labeled to inform users that the packaging is reusable. Reusability information and collection points may be provided via QR codes or other types of data carriers.

Plastic packaging with recycled material content labels placed on the market on August 12, 2028, or 24 months from the effective date of the Implementing Act (whichever is latest), should have labels that comply with the Implementing Act.

Single-use plastic packaging is prohibited.

Starting January 1, 2030, the following single-use plastic packaging will be prohibited from being placed on the market:

• Single-use plastic repackaging;
• Suitable for pre-packaged fresh fruits and vegetables weighing no more than 1.5 kg;
• Packaging for ready-to-eat foods and beverages in restaurants and hotels;
• Single-packaged seasonings, sauces, creamer, and sugar packets;
• Small disposable cosmetics and toiletries for the accommodation industry;
• Very lightweight plastic tote bags.

CMA Testing Services

CMA Testing offers testing services for heavy metal limits, PFAS restrictions, SVHC testing, and Declaration of Compliance (DoC) requirements for food contact packaging. For PFAS, we can test for over 400 target substances and screen for total fluoride. Leveraging Q-TOF MS/MS technology, we can screen for over 10,000 PFAS, helping companies easily identify “permanent chemicals” and confidently address compliance challenges. Please feel free to contact us for inquiries!

On the afternoon of May 16th, a unique “Spring Human-Pet LoopWalk” kicked off joyfully at Hongkou the Inlet. The event was co-hosted by the Shanghai Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and InnoPet Hub, while the highly anticipated “Pet-Friendly Premises” was fully created and implemented by CMA Testing. Ms. Cui Xiaoting, General Manager of CMA Testing East China, was present at the event, together with Mr. Zhang Guozheng, President of the Shanghai Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Lyu Jian, Chief Representative of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) East China; Mr. Hu Jun, Secretary General of the Asia Pet Alliance (APA); Ms. Liang Meifen, Senior Managing Director of Chongbang Group; Ms. Chen Baojin, founder of the InnoPet Hub; and 70 pet-loving families, all witnessing this important moment.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce. As one of the important part of the celebration, the “Pet-Friendly Premises” was officially launched. Developed independently by CMA Testing based on international standards and the practical needs of commercial spaces and pet owners, the initiative has established a comprehensive scientific and quantifiable evaluation system. Covering areas such as environmental hygiene, facility configuration, service processes, and emergency management, CMA Testing has set detailed assessment criteria for pet-friendly scenarios. The aim is to help commercial spaces truly achieve “human-pet dual friendliness” — ensuring that pet owners feel at ease when bringing their pets for consumption, while also safeguarding the comfort of other customers, and creating new drivers of consumption growth for shopping malls, commercial streets, and dining establishments.

At the ceremony, CMA Testing, together with the co-organizers, presented the first batch of national evaluation certificates to the two commercial entities that first passed the initiative — Bingang Commercial Center and Jinqiao International Commercial Plaza. This marks that these two venues have met good standards in terms of pet reception protocols, cleaning and disinfection procedures, and emergency facility provisions, officially becoming “standardized” pet-friendly spaces.

After the certificate presentation, all the guests, along with pet-loving families and their furry companions, took a group photo together and joyfully began the walking segment. At the same time, the “Spring Stroll Bingo Market” opened in the North Plaza, bustling with lively crowds and heartwarming human-pet interactions.

In the future, CMA Testing will join hands with the Shanghai Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, the Pet Fashion Culture Center, and more partners to jointly promote a comprehensive upgrade of the urban ecosystem and new consumption scenarios that embrace human-pet coexistence.

With the development of the green finance market, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has entered the implementation and supervisory phase of its Green and Sustainable Banking framework, marking a structural transition from policy design to enforceable execution. In this phase (Phase 3), authorised institutions are expected to embed climate risk considerations into governance, strategy, risk management and disclosure, in alignment with the Supervisory Policy Manual (GS‑1) and TCFD principles.

A defining shift in Phase 3 is the elevation of data from a reporting element to a regulatory expectation. Institutions are required not only to disclose climate-related information on an annual basis, but also to demonstrate the robustness, consistency and decision-usefulness of underlying data, supported by enhanced use of scenario analysis and stress testing. At the same time, supervisory scrutiny by HKMA is intensifying, reflecting a move towards outcome-based assessment of implementation quality.

This evolution is redefining market discipline. Climate considerations are increasingly embedded in credit allocation and risk pricing, effectively extending regulatory pressure beyond banks to corporates. For listed companies, access to financing is becoming closely linked to the credibility of ESG disclosures and the availability of verifiable carbon data.

Driven by CMA’s mission to promote industry development, CMA Testing actively provides support to corporates through integrated sustainability solutions, including carbon data management, regulatory-aligned reporting, and independent assurance, enabling clients to meet rising expectations from financial institutions and regulators while strengthening transparency and market confidence.

CMA Testing offers comprehensive ESG consulting and reporting services. Welcome to contact us for more details.

Facing increasingly stringent environmental regulations and ESG requirements – is your business ready?

With decades of experience and multiple international accreditations (ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection Body, ISO/IEC 17025 Testing and Calibration Laboratory, mutual recognition arrangements under ILAC and APAC, etc.), CMA Testing provides professional and reliable environmental services covering:

 Sustainable Development

• Carbon Management (ISO 14064-1: Greenhouse Gas Inventory at Organisation Level / ISO 14064-3: Validation and Verification of GHG Statements / ISO 14067: Carbon Footprint of Products)
• Local Carbon Audits & Energy Audits
• ESG Performance Certification & Customised Solutions
• Green Finance & Sustainability Assurance (ISAE 3000 + ISSA 5000)

 Environmental Testing & Certification

• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certification (Recognised by the Environmental Protection Department as an IAQ Certificate Issuing Body)
• Water Quality Testing (Drinking Water, Wastewater, Seawater)
• Green Building Certification (LEED / WELL / BEAM Plus)
• Environmental Monitoring & Auditing (Odour, Noise, Water Quality, Land Contamination, Waste Management, Ecological Risk, etc.)

Whether you are preparing a carbon inventory, applying for green building certification, or need ESG advisory services, CMA Testing offers tailor-made solutions for you.

 Contact us today to enhance your environmental performance!
 Tel: +852 9633 2337
 Email: candywong@cmatesting.org
 WhatsApp: https://wa.link/lyarqx
 Website: cmatesting.org

Mr. Harris Wan, Technical Manager of Toys and Material Division at CMA Testing, recently spoke at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair on the topic: “Design Considerations of a Safe Premium Product.”

Whether in business or daily life, giving gifts is a meaningful way to express goodwill. A well-designed gift not only conveys your intentions but also helps build a positive impression and fosters business relationships. However, poor design choices can pose unexpected safety risks to users.

While international product safety standards provide essential guidelines, they are only the baseline. As product designs evolve rapidly, meeting basic standards alone is not enough to guarantee full safety.

In his seminar, Mr. Wan explored hidden risk factors in product design from multiple perspectives, analysed their causes with a scientific approach, and discussed how to prevent these risks effectively during the design phase. 

CMA Testing offers comprehensive testing services for all types of gifts and materials—helping you ensure safety from the very start.