WELL
Certification framework for building occupant health and well-being
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security assessments.
Quick Verdict
WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via performance testing, while FedRAMP authorizes cloud services for federal use through NIST controls and 3PAO audits. Companies adopt WELL for wellness differentiation; FedRAMP for mandatory government contracts.
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- Mandatory on-site performance verification testing
- 10 core concepts with Preconditions and Optimizations
- Point-based tiers: Bronze (40), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80)
- Continuous monitoring pathways for compliance
- People-first health outcomes beyond sustainability
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Reusable authorizations across federal agencies
- NIST SP 800-53 baselines at Low/Moderate/High levels
- Independent 3PAO security assessments required
- Continuous monitoring with monthly deliverables
- FedRAMP Marketplace for visibility and procurement
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 occupant outcomes across environmental quality and organizational policies, using preconditions (mandatory) and optimizations (points-based).
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
- 24 Preconditions and 102 Optimizations totaling up to 110 points.
- Built on public health research and building science.
- Certification model: Meet all preconditions, earn points for tiers (Bronze 40, Silver 50, Gold 60, Platinum 80), with concept minimums at higher levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives productivity, retention, higher rents (up to 7.7% premium).
- Enhances ESG reporting with human metrics.
- Mitigates health risks, complements LEED.
- Builds stakeholder trust via verified performance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: Gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification every 3 years.
- Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries.
- Requires third-party review and testing; continuous monitoring optional.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is to enable secure, reusable cloud adoption via NIST SP 800-53-derived controls tailored to FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High).
Key Components
- Baselines with ~156 (Low), ~323 (Moderate), ~410 (High) controls, plus LI-SaaS for low-risk SaaS.
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M; independent 3PAO assessments.
- Built on NIST standards; emphasizes continuous monitoring and automation (Rev5, OSCAL).
- Compliance via Agency or Program Authorizations, listed on FedRAMP Marketplace.
Why Organizations Use It
- Unlocks federal contracts; mandatory for agencies using cloud providers.
- Reduces duplication via reusable authorizations; enhances risk management.
- Builds trust, competitive edge in govtech; supports commercial differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, 3PAO assessment, authorization (10-19 months typical).
- Applies to CSPs targeting U.S. federal market; high cost ($150k-$2M+).
- Requires audits, ongoing monitoring; suits enterprises, challenging for startups.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WELL | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupant health, IEQ, wellness concepts | Cloud security, NIST controls, risk management |
| Industry | Buildings, real estate, global | Cloud providers, US federal agencies |
| Nature | Voluntary performance certification | Mandatory authorization program |
| Testing | On-site performance verification | 3PAO independent assessments |
| Penalties | Loss of certification | Revocation, contract ineligibility |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WELL and FedRAMP
WELL FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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