Standards Comparison

    WELL

    Voluntary
    2014

    Performance-based certification for occupant health

    VS

    AS9100

    Mandatory
    2016

    International standard for aerospace quality management systems

    Quick Verdict

    WELL advances building occupant health via performance verification across concepts, while AS9100 ensures aerospace product safety through rigorous QMS and supply chain controls. Organizations adopt WELL for wellness credibility and AS9100 for market access and compliance.

    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 core concepts for human health
    • Preconditions plus point-based Optimizations
    • Tiered certifications Bronze to Platinum
    • Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
    Quality Management

    AS9100

    AS9100D Quality Management Systems Requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Configuration management ensures product integrity
    • Product safety controls across entire lifecycle
    • Counterfeit parts prevention and detection
    • Operational risk management in processes
    • Enhanced supplier evaluation and controls

    Detailed Analysis

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

    WELL Details

    What It Is

    WELL Building Standard 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. Scope covers new/existing buildings across types like offices, residential, and hospitality. Key approach: evidence-based concepts with mandatory Preconditions and optional Optimizations.

    Key Components

    • **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
    • 24 Preconditions, 102 Optimizations totaling up to 110 points.
    • Built on public health/building science research.
    • Certification model: all Preconditions met + points for tiers (Bronze 40, Silver 50, Gold 60, Platinum 80 points) with concept minimums.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives occupant health, productivity, ESG reporting, higher rents/values. Complements LEED for people-first focus. Mitigates health risks, boosts talent retention/reputation. Voluntary but tenant-demanded.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification every 3 years. Cross-functional teams for new/existing buildings globally. Requires third-party review/testing; suits all sizes via Core/Residential paths.

    AS9100 Details

    What It Is

    AS9100D (AS9100:2016) is the global quality management system (QMS) certification standard for aviation, space, and defense (ASD) organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with 100+ aerospace-specific requirements. Its purpose is ensuring product safety, configuration integrity, and supply chain reliability in high-consequence industries. The methodology is process-based, risk-oriented, and follows a 10-clause Annex SL structure.

    Key Components

    • Operational controls (Clause 8): configuration management, product safety, counterfeit prevention.
    • **Dual risk managementstrategic (Clause 6) and operational (Clause 8).
    • Human factors and enhanced supplier controls.
    • Third-party certification via Stage 1/2 audits, with annual surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandated by OEMs for supplier approval and market access via OASIS.
    • Reduces defects, rework, and delivery delays; improves ROI.
    • Mitigates safety risks and builds customer/regulatory trust.
    • Drives competitive edge in ASD supply chains.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification. Suits all ASD organization sizes globally; 6-18 months typical, emphasizing evidence-based continual improvement.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    WELL
    Occupant health, well-being, IEQ across 10 concepts
    AS9100
    Quality management, product safety, supply chain in aerospace

    Industry

    WELL
    All buildings, offices, residential globally
    AS9100
    Aviation, space, defense organizations worldwide

    Nature

    WELL
    Voluntary performance-based certification
    AS9100
    Voluntary QMS certification with aerospace additions

    Testing

    WELL
    On-site performance verification, continuous monitoring
    AS9100
    Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, recertification

    Penalties

    WELL
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    AS9100
    Certification suspension, market access loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about WELL and AS9100

    WELL FAQ

    AS9100 FAQ

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