Standards Comparison

    WELL

    Voluntary
    2014

    Certification standard for occupant health in buildings

    VS

    FSSC 22000

    Voluntary
    2023

    GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for food safety management.

    Quick Verdict

    WELL certifies healthy buildings for occupant well-being via performance testing, while FSSC 22000 ensures food safety management across supply chains through audits and PRPs. Companies adopt WELL for ESG and talent attraction; FSSC for global market access and recall prevention.

    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 targeting occupant health
    • Preconditions plus point-based optimizations
    • Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
    • Certification tiers from Bronze to Platinum
    Food Safety

    FSSC 22000

    Food Safety System Certification 22000

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

    Key Features

    • Integrates ISO 22000, PRPs, and additional requirements
    • GFSI-benchmarked for global supply chain recognition
    • Mandates food defense and fraud mitigation plans
    • Covers food chain categories from farm to fork
    • Requires verified allergen and environmental monitoring

    Detailed Analysis

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

    WELL Details

    What It Is

    The WELL Building Standard v2, administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), is a performance-based certification framework focused on advancing human health and well-being in buildings. It emphasizes evidence-based strategies across design, operations, and policies, using a concept-based approach 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 and 102 Optimizations for scoring.
    • Built on public health research and building science.
    • Certification model: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80), with balanced concept minimums.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enhances occupant productivity, retention, and ESG reporting.
    • Provides verified health metrics for investors and tenants.
    • Mitigates risks like poor IAQ or thermal discomfort.
    • Differentiates assets with higher rents and credibility.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification every 3 years.
    • Applies to new/existing buildings, various types.
    • Requires third-party testing and continuous monitoring options.

    FSSC 22000 Details

    What It Is

    FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies across food chain categories like manufacturing, packaging, and logistics. The scheme uses a risk-based PDCA approach integrating ISO 22000:2018 requirements.

    Key Components

    • **Three pillarsISO 22000:2018 (clauses 4-10), sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, allergen management).
    • Covers ~100+ requirements via layered controls (PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs).
    • Built on HACCP principles within management system framework.
    • Third-party certification by licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1:2022.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables global market access and buyer requirements.
    • Mitigates risks like recalls, fraud, and contamination.
    • Builds stakeholder trust via public register.
    • Drives efficiency, culture, and SDG alignment.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits.
    • For food chain organizations worldwide; suits SMEs to globals.
    • Requires initial/recertification audits (min 2 days), surveillance.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    WELL
    Occupant health, well-being in buildings (10 concepts: Air, Water, etc.)
    FSSC 22000
    Food safety management systems across food chain categories

    Industry

    WELL
    Real estate, offices, healthcare, hospitality globally
    FSSC 22000
    Food manufacturing, packaging, catering, logistics worldwide

    Nature

    WELL
    Voluntary performance-based certification
    FSSC 22000
    GFSI-benchmarked voluntary FSMS certification scheme

    Testing

    WELL
    On-site performance verification, continuous monitoring
    FSSC 22000
    ISO audits, PRP verification, annual surveillance audits

    Penalties

    WELL
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    FSSC 22000
    Loss of certification, market access denial

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about WELL and FSSC 22000

    WELL FAQ

    FSSC 22000 FAQ

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