WELL
Building certification for human health and well-being
ISO 22000
International standard for food safety management systems
Quick Verdict
WELL advances building occupant health via verified indoor environments, while ISO 22000 ensures food safety through hazard controls and FSMS. Companies adopt WELL for wellness differentiation and ESG; ISO 22000 for supply chain trust and market access.
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 to Platinum 80 points
- Continuous monitoring pathways for compliance
- People-first health focus complementing LEED
ISO 22000
ISO 22000:2018 Food safety management systems
Key Features
- Adopts High-Level Structure for management system integration
- Two nested PDCA cycles for strategic and operational control
- Integrates HACCP with PRPs, OPRPs, and CCPs
- Risk-based hazard analysis and control planning
- Interactive communication across food chain
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 uses 10 core concepts like Air, Water, and Mind, emphasizing measurable outcomes via preconditions and optimizations.
Key Components
- **10 conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
- 24 preconditions (mandatory) and 102 optimizations (point-earning).
- Built on public health and building science research.
- Certification model: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80), with concept minimums at higher tiers.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives occupant health, productivity gains (e.g., 8% performance boost), higher rents, ESG reporting, and talent retention. Complements LEED for holistic sustainability. Enhances reputation and reduces risks like sick building syndrome.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, scorecard development, documentation, on-site verification, recertification every 3 years. Applies to new/existing buildings across sectors; requires cross-functional teams, third-party testing.
ISO 22000 Details
What It Is
ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It provides a certifiable framework for organizations in the food chain to ensure safe products through systematic hazard control. Its risk-based approach integrates HACCP principles with management system discipline using the High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
- Core elements: PRPs, hazard analysis, CCPs/OPRPs, traceability, verification.
- Built on two PDCA cycles (organizational and operational) and Codex HACCP.
- Voluntary certification via accredited bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets regulatory/customer requirements; reduces recalls and risks.
- Enables market access, GFSI schemes like FSSC 22000.
- Builds trust, integrates with ISO 9001/14001; improves efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, PRPs, hazard plans, training, audits.
- Applies to all food chain actors; scalable by size.
- Certification: stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | WELL | ISO 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupant health/well-being in buildings (air, water, light, etc.) | Food safety management across food chain (hazards, PRPs, HACCP) |
| Industry | Building/real estate (offices, residential, hospitality globally) | Food chain (production, processing, retail, services worldwide) |
| Nature | Voluntary performance-based certification standard | Voluntary certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | Mandatory on-site performance verification/testing | Internal audits, management review, external certification audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WELL and ISO 22000
WELL FAQ
ISO 22000 FAQ
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