ISO 9001
International standard for quality management systems
WELL
Certification for occupant health in buildings.
Quick Verdict
ISO 9001 ensures quality management for operational excellence across industries, while WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via air, water, and wellness metrics. Companies adopt ISO 9001 for efficiency and trust, WELL for productivity and ESG appeal.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems – Requirements
Key Features
- Risk-based thinking embedded in PDCA cycle
- Seven quality management principles foundation
- Process approach for operational excellence
- Leadership commitment and accountability required
- High-Level Structure enables multi-standard integration
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- 10 core concepts: Air to Community health focus
- Mandatory preconditions and point-based optimizations
- On-site performance verification testing required
- Certification tiers Bronze to Platinum with scoring
- Continuous monitoring pathways for compliance
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 9001 Details
What It Is
ISO 9001:2015 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS). It specifies requirements for organizations to consistently meet customer and regulatory needs through a process-based approach using PDCA cycle and risk-based thinking.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 auditable): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Built on **seven quality management principlescustomer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decisions, relationship management.
- High-Level Structure (Annex SL) for integration with other ISO standards.
- Voluntary third-party certification with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, risk management.
- Boosts market access, regulatory compliance, brand reputation.
- Drives cost savings, continual improvement, stakeholder trust.
- Over 1 million certifications worldwide.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, process mapping, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 6-12 months typical.
- Involves leadership commitment, documented information, performance monitoring.
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 indoor environmental quality and organizational 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-based).
- Built on public health research; certification via Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) with concept minimums.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives productivity, tenant retention, ESG reporting.
- Mitigates health risks; enhances reputation.
- Differentiates via verified outcomes vs. documentation-only standards.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site performance verification, recertification every 3 years.
- Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries; third-party review and testing required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 9001 | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Quality management systems, processes, continual improvement | Building occupant health, air/water quality, well-being outcomes |
| Industry | All sectors, sizes, global applicability | Real estate, offices, healthcare, hospitality globally |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable management standard | Voluntary performance-based building certification |
| Testing | Internal/external audits every 3 years | On-site performance verification, annual reporting |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Certification denial/revocation, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 9001 and WELL
ISO 9001 FAQ
WELL FAQ
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