NIS2
EU directive for cybersecurity resilience across critical sectors
WELL
Performance-based certification for occupant health in buildings.
Quick Verdict
NIS2 mandates cybersecurity resilience for EU critical sectors via risk management and rapid incident reporting, while WELL certifies voluntary building health through on-site performance testing. Companies adopt NIS2 for regulatory compliance to avoid fines; WELL for occupant well-being, productivity, and ESG differentiation.
NIS2
Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2)
Key Features
- Broadens scope to medium/large entities in 18 sectors
- Mandates strict 24/72-hour incident reporting timelines
- Imposes direct accountability on senior management
- Levies fines up to 2% global annual turnover
- Requires continuous risk management and supply chain security
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- On-site performance verification testing
- Mandatory preconditions across 10 concepts
- Point-based optimizations for certification tiers
- Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
- Balanced scoring with concept minimums
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIS2 Details
What It Is
NIS2 Directive (EU) 2022/2555 is an EU regulation expanding the original NIS Directive. It establishes a high common level of cybersecurity resilience for critical infrastructure and digital services across member states. Primary scope covers essential and important entities in 18 sectors via size-cap rule (50+ employees or €10M turnover). Adopts a risk-based, all-hazards approach with continuous assurance.
Key Components
- Four pillars: risk management, incident reporting, business continuity, corporate accountability.
- Strict timelines: 24-hour early warning, 72-hour notification, 1-month final report to CSIRTs.
- Mandates supply chain security, access controls, encryption, training.
- Built on standards like ISO 27001, NIST CSF; no formal certification but national audits and spot checks.
Why Organizations Use It
Legal compliance avoids fines up to 2% global turnover. Enhances resilience against threats, builds stakeholder trust, ensures business continuity. Provides competitive edge through proactive cybersecurity posture.
Implementation Overview
Assess applicability, conduct gap analysis, implement measures, register with authorities. Targets medium/large entities in EU sectors; varies by member state transposition (by Oct 2024). Involves ongoing audits, training, governance changes.
WELL Details
What It Is
The WELL Building Standard v2 is a performance-based certification framework by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It advances human health and well-being in buildings through evidence-based design, operations, and policies. Key approach: mandatory Preconditions ensure baselines, while Optimizations earn points via on-site verification.
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community.
- 24 Preconditions, 102 Optimizations, plus Innovation.
- Tiers: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) with concept minimums.
Why Organizations Use It
- Boosts productivity, retention, ESG reporting.
- Commands higher rents, reduces health risks.
- Builds stakeholder trust, complements LEED.
- Voluntary but market-driven for differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: enrollment, scorecard, documentation review, on-site testing, recertification (3 years).
- For new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries.
- Cross-functional: facilities, HR, design; third-party verification required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIS2 | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity risk management, incident reporting, supply chain security | Building health, air/water quality, thermal comfort, mental well-being |
| Industry | Essential/important entities in EU sectors (energy, transport, digital) | All building types globally (offices, residential, hospitality) |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with national transposition | Voluntary performance-based certification |
| Testing | Incident reporting to CSIRTs, no routine on-site testing | On-site performance verification for air, water, light, sound |
| Penalties | Fines up to 2% global turnover or €10M | Loss of certification, no financial penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIS2 and WELL
NIS2 FAQ
WELL FAQ
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