WELL
Certification for occupant health in built environments
ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility.
Quick Verdict
WELL certifies building health via verified performance testing for real estate, while ISO 26000 guides broad social responsibility integration for all organizations. Companies adopt WELL for occupant wellness credibility, ISO 26000 for ethical governance and stakeholder trust.
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Seven principles underpinning all SR activities
- Seven interconnected core subjects for holistic coverage
- Non-certifiable guidance applicable to all organizations
- Stakeholder engagement for issue prioritization
- Integration into existing management systems
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 via 10 core concepts (Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community) plus Innovation.
Key Components
- 24 Preconditions (mandatory pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (point-earning).
- Concept-based structure with balanced scoring rules.
- On-site performance verification including testing for air, water, light, sound, thermal comfort.
- Certification tiers: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) with minimums per concept.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives productivity gains, talent retention, higher rents, and ESG reporting. Mitigates health risks, complements LEED for holistic sustainability. Builds stakeholder trust via verified outcomes.
Implementation Overview
Multi-phase: gap analysis, scorecard development, documentation review, on-site testing, recertification every 3 years. Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries globally. Requires cross-functional teams, continuous monitoring.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility is a non-certifiable international standard providing holistic guidance for organizations to integrate social responsibility (SR). Applicable to all organization types regardless of size, location, or sector, it uses a principles-based, stakeholder-driven approach focused on impacts, risks, and expectations.
Key Components
- **Seven core principlesAccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- **Seven core subjectsOrganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- Built on multi-stakeholder consensus; no requirements, thus no certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
- Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for credible ESG reporting.
- Drives operational resilience, competitive differentiation, talent retention without certification burdens.
Implementation Overview
- Contextual prioritization via stakeholder engagement and materiality assessments.
- Integrate into governance, strategy, operations; phased approach (gap analysis, policy development, training, reporting).
- Universal applicability; self-assessed progress with transparent communication.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WELL | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupant health/well-being in buildings (10 concepts: Air, Water, etc.) | Broad social responsibility (7 core subjects: governance, human rights, etc.) |
| Industry | Buildings/real estate (offices, residential, hospitality globally) | All organizations/sectors worldwide (public, private, non-profits) |
| Nature | Performance-based certification (Preconditions + Optimizations) | Non-certifiable voluntary guidance (principles + core subjects) |
| Testing | Mandatory on-site performance verification/testing by agents | No formal testing; self-assessment/stakeholder engagement |
| Penalties | No certification if fail verification/recertification | No penalties (voluntary guidance, no enforcement) |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WELL and ISO 26000
WELL FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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