Standards Comparison

    PRINCE2

    Voluntary
    2023

    Structured project management methodology for governance and control

    VS

    WELL

    Voluntary
    2014

    Performance-based certification for occupant health in buildings

    Quick Verdict

    PRINCE2 governs projects with principles, practices, and processes for controlled delivery across industries. WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via air, water, and wellness metrics. Companies adopt PRINCE2 for reliable project success; WELL for enhanced well-being and ESG value.

    Project Management

    PRINCE2

    PRINCE2: Projects IN Controlled Environments 7th Edition

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

    Key Features

    • Exception-based management using defined tolerances
    • Continued business justification at stage boundaries
    • Tailored application to suit project context
    • Product focus with acceptance criteria
    • Governance via project board and defined roles
    Building Health & Wellness

    WELL

    WELL Building Standard v2

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

    Key Features

    • Mandatory on-site performance verification testing
    • 10 concepts covering air, water, light, and more
    • 24 preconditions plus 102 point-based optimizations
    • Tiered certification from Bronze to Platinum
    • Continuous monitoring pathways for compliance

    Detailed Analysis

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

    PRINCE2 Details

    What It Is

    PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based project management framework, now in its 7th Edition. It provides structured governance, control, and delivery for projects of any scale, emphasizing principle-guided, stage-managed execution to ensure value delivery.

    Key Components

    • **Seven PrinciplesGuiding obligations like continued business justification, manage by exception, and tailoring.
    • **Seven PracticesBusiness case, organization, plans, quality, risk, issues, progress—applied continuously.
    • **Seven ProcessesStarting Up, Directing, Initiating, Controlling a Stage, Managing Product Delivery, Stage Boundaries, Closing.
    • Certification via Foundation and Practitioner levels from PeopleCert.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Ensures auditability and compliance in regulated sectors.
    • Reduces risks through tolerances and stage gates.
    • Improves success via tailored governance and executive efficiency.
    • Builds stakeholder trust with clear roles and repeatable delivery.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased rollout: gap analysis, tailoring blueprint, training, pilots, institutionalization.
    • Scalable for all sizes/industries; focuses on certification and assurance.
    • Emphasizes executive sponsorship and lessons logs for continuous improvement.

    WELL Details

    What It Is

    The WELL Building Standard v2 is a performance-based certification framework from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It targets human health and well-being in built environments via evidence-based design, operations, and policies. Its methodology combines mandatory Preconditions with optional Optimizations for measurable outcomes.

    Key Components

    • **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (+ Innovation)
    • 24 Preconditions (pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (points)
    • Tiers: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50, min 1/concept), Gold (60, min 2/concept), Platinum (80, min 3/concept)

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives productivity, reduces absenteeism, boosts ESG reporting
    • Provides verified health metrics for tenant attraction
    • Mitigates risks like poor IAQ; complements LEED
    • Enhances reputation and asset value

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, scorecard development, documentation, on-site verification
    • Suits new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries
    • Third-party review and testing required; recertify every 3 years

    Key Differences

    Scope

    PRINCE2
    Project governance, processes, principles
    WELL
    Building health, air, water, well-being

    Industry

    PRINCE2
    All sectors, global project management
    WELL
    Real estate, facilities, global buildings

    Nature

    PRINCE2
    Voluntary project management methodology
    WELL
    Voluntary building certification standard

    Testing

    PRINCE2
    Stage reviews, exception reports, audits
    WELL
    On-site performance verification, testing

    Penalties

    PRINCE2
    No legal penalties, certification loss
    WELL
    No legal penalties, certification loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about PRINCE2 and WELL

    PRINCE2 FAQ

    WELL FAQ

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