Standards Comparison

    ISO 37001

    Voluntary
    2025

    International standard for anti-bribery management systems

    VS

    WELL

    Voluntary
    2014

    Global certification for occupant health in buildings.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 37001 certifies anti-bribery systems to mitigate corruption risks globally, while WELL verifies building performance for occupant health. Companies adopt ISO 37001 for compliance defense and trust; WELL for productivity, retention, and ESG differentiation.

    Anti-Bribery/Compliance

    ISO 37001

    ISO 37001: Anti-Bribery Management Systems

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based bribery assessment and proportionate controls
    • Comprehensive third-party due diligence requirements
    • Leadership commitment and anti-bribery compliance function
    • PDCA structure across Clauses 4-10 for integration
    • Certifiable with external audits and surveillance
    Building Health & Wellness

    WELL

    WELL Building Standard v2

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • 10 concept-based framework (Air, Water, etc.)
    • Mandatory Preconditions + point-based Optimizations
    • On-site performance verification testing required
    • Certification tiers from Bronze to Platinum
    • Continuous monitoring for ongoing compliance

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    ISO 37001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management Systems is an international certifiable standard for establishing, implementing, and improving an Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS). It applies to all organizations, focusing on preventing, detecting, and responding to bribery risks through a risk-based, proportionate approach structured around the ISO Harmonized Structure and PDCA cycle (Clauses 4-10).

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: context/risk assessment, leadership/policy, planning, support/training, operations (due diligence, financial/non-financial controls), performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Eight auditable control areas including third-party due diligence and compliance function.
    • Built on proportionality and continual improvement principles.
    • Optional third-party certification with Stage 1/2 audits and surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates legal risks (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act) via evidentiary due diligence.
    • Enhances reputation, stakeholder trust, and ESG alignment.
    • Drives 15% compliance cost reductions and operational efficiencies.
    • Provides competitive edge in tenders and partnerships.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, control design, training, audits.
    • Scalable for SMEs to multinationals across sectors/geographies.
    • 6-12 months typical; integrates with ISO 9001/27001.

    WELL Details

    What It Is

    The 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 across environmental quality, operations, and policies.

    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 research; certification via Bronze (40 pts), 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 (e.g., higher rents, retention).
    • Mitigates risks like poor IEQ; complements LEED for holistic sustainability.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification (3 years).
    • Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries; requires third-party testing.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 37001
    Anti-bribery management systems only
    WELL
    Building occupant health and well-being

    Industry

    ISO 37001
    All sectors worldwide, any size
    WELL
    Real estate, offices, healthcare globally

    Nature

    ISO 37001
    Voluntary certifiable management standard
    WELL
    Voluntary performance-based certification

    Testing

    ISO 37001
    Third-party audits, annual surveillance
    WELL
    On-site performance verification testing

    Penalties

    ISO 37001
    Certification loss, no legal penalties
    WELL
    Certification denial, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 37001 and WELL

    ISO 37001 FAQ

    WELL FAQ

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