GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy
WELL
Building certification for occupant health and well-being.
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates data privacy compliance for EU data processors worldwide with hefty fines, while WELL voluntarily certifies buildings for occupant health via performance testing. Companies adopt GDPR for legal protection, WELL for wellness differentiation and ESG gains.
GDPR
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope targeting non-EU entities processing EU data
- Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover
- Accountability principle requiring demonstrable compliance via DPIAs
- Enhanced data subject rights including erasure and portability
- 72-hour mandatory data breach notification requirement
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- Mandatory on-site performance verification testing
- 10 core health concepts with preconditions/optimizations
- Point-based certification tiers Bronze-Platinum
- Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
- Crosswalks with LEED for dual certification
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), officially Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a binding EU regulation modernizing data privacy. It protects personal data of EU residents with extraterritorial scope, using a risk-based accountability approach replacing the 1995 Directive.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure ("right to be forgotten"), portability, objection.
- Obligations: DPO appointment, DPIAs for high-risk processing, Records of Processing Activities, 72-hour breach notifications.
- Enforcement: fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover; one-stop-shop supervision.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for EU data handlers to avoid severe penalties and legal risks. Enhances trust, sets global benchmark (Brussels Effect), aids risk management, supports innovation via privacy-by-design.
Implementation Overview
Gap analysis, policy updates, DPO/DPIA setup, training, vendor contracts. Applies to all sizes/industries processing EU data; ongoing DPA audits, no formal certification.
WELL Details
What It Is
WELL Building Standard (WELL v2) is a performance-based certification framework administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It focuses on designing, operating, and verifying buildings to advance human health and well-being through evidence-based strategies. Its people-first approach emphasizes measurable indoor environmental quality and organizational policies across new and existing buildings.
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
- 24 Preconditions (mandatory pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (point-earning).
- Built on public health and building science research.
- Certification tiers: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) with concept minimums.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances occupant health, productivity, and ESG reporting.
- Differentiates assets with verified performance, supporting higher rents and retention.
- Mitigates risks like poor IEQ; complements LEED for holistic sustainability.
- Builds stakeholder trust via rigorous verification.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification (3 years).
- Applies to offices, residential, portfolios globally.
- Requires third-party review and performance testing for air, water, etc.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection and privacy | Building health, air, water, wellness |
| Industry | All sectors processing EU data globally | Real estate, construction, operations |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with fines | Voluntary performance certification |
| Testing | DPIAs, audits by DPAs | On-site performance verification testing |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Loss of certification, no fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and WELL
GDPR FAQ
WELL FAQ
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