RoHS
EU directive restricting hazardous substances in EEE
WELL
Performance-based certification for occupant health in buildings.
Quick Verdict
RoHS mandates hazardous substance limits in EEE for EU market access, while WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via performance verification. Companies adopt RoHS for legal compliance and WELL for productivity, talent retention, and ESG differentiation.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2 recast)
Key Features
- Homogeneous material thresholds: 0.1% most substances, 0.01% cadmium
- Restricts 10 specific hazardous substances in EEE
- Open scope: all EEE unless explicitly excluded
- Time-limited exemptions via delegated acts
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- Mandatory on-site performance verification testing
- 10 core concepts from Air to Community
- Preconditions mandatory, Optimizations point-based
- Tiered certification Bronze to Platinum
- Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
RoHS Details
What It Is
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) is an EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It aims to protect health and environment by limiting substances during waste management, using a homogeneous material approach with maximum concentration values (MCVs): 0.1% for most, 0.01% for cadmium.
Key Components
- Restricts **10 substancesPb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP.
- Annex I categories cover broad EEE scope unless excluded.
- Annex III/IV time-limited exemptions, reviewed via delegated acts.
- Compliance via technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and CE marking; guided by EN IEC 63000 and IEC 62321 testing.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EU market access; reduces end-of-life risks, improves recyclability with WEEE. Mitigates fines, recalls; enhances supply chain integrity, ESG reputation, global competitiveness.
Implementation Overview
Risk-based: scope analysis, BoM review, supplier declarations, tiered testing (XRF screening, ICP-MS/GC-MS confirmation), exemption tracking. Applies to manufacturers/importers of EEE; 6-18 months typical, with 10-year documentation retention.
WELL Details
What It Is
The WELL Building Standard v2 (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. WELL employs a concept-based, outcomes-oriented approach emphasizing measurable performance over prescriptive design.
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 via Bronze (40 pts), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80 points) with concept minimums at higher tiers.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives productivity, retention, ESG reporting, and premium rents.
- Mitigates health risks, enhances reputation.
- Complements LEED for holistic sustainability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification every 3 years.
- Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries globally.
- Requires third-party review and testing.
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Human health in building environments |
| Industry | EEE manufacturers, global with regional variants | Building owners, all real estate types worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with exemptions | Voluntary performance-based certification |
| Testing | XRF screening, IEC 62321 lab analysis | On-site performance verification, continuous monitoring |
| Penalties | Fines, recalls, market bans by Member States | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and WELL
RoHS FAQ
WELL FAQ
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