Standards Comparison

    WELL

    Voluntary
    2014

    Certification framework for occupant health in buildings

    VS

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for distributors of unaltered parts.

    Quick Verdict

    WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via performance testing across 10 concepts, while AS9120B ensures aerospace distributors maintain traceability and prevent counterfeits through QMS audits. Organizations adopt WELL for wellness differentiation; AS9120B for supply chain access.

    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 outcomes
    • Preconditions plus point-based optimizations
    • Tiered certifications Bronze to Platinum
    • Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B Quality Management Systems for Distributors

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

    Key Features

    • Traceability and chain-of-custody for split lots
    • Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
    • Enhanced external provider evaluation and controls
    • Configuration management in distribution processes
    • Risk-based operational planning and preservation

    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 through evidence-based strategies. Its people-first approach emphasizes measurable indoor environmental quality and organizational policies across **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community, plus Innovation.

    Key Components

    • 24 Preconditions (mandatory pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (point-earning) distributed across concepts.
    • **Certification tiersBronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80), with concept minimums at higher levels.
    • Built on public health research; requires on-site performance verification and documentation review.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enhances occupant productivity, retention, and ESG reporting.
    • Differentiates assets with verified health metrics; complements LEED.
    • Mitigates risks like poor IAQ; boosts rents and asset value.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, verification, recertification (3 years).
    • Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries globally.
    • Cross-functional teams; third-party testing mandatory.

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It targets organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, using a risk-based approach to address supply chain risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

    Key Components

    • Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
    • Pillars: context analysis, leadership, risk planning, support, distribution operations (traceability, preservation, counterfeit prevention), performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, not full procedures.
    • Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
    • Mitigates risks of nonconformities, counterfeits, legal liabilities.
    • Enhances market access, customer trust, operational efficiency.
    • Builds reputation in aviation, space, defense sectors.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
    • Applies to stockists/distributors globally; scales by size.
    • Involves cross-functional teams, internal audits, management reviews for certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    WELL
    Occupant health, 10 concepts (air, water, light, etc.)
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention

    Industry

    WELL
    All buildings globally (offices, residential, etc.)
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distributors worldwide

    Nature

    WELL
    Voluntary performance-based certification
    AS9120B
    Voluntary QMS certification standard

    Testing

    WELL
    On-site performance verification, continuous monitoring
    AS9120B
    Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance audits

    Penalties

    WELL
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    AS9120B
    Loss of certification, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about WELL and AS9120B

    WELL FAQ

    AS9120B FAQ

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