WELL
Certification framework for building occupant health
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via 10 concepts and on-site testing, while ISO 27017 extends ISO 27001 with cloud-specific security controls. Companies adopt WELL for wellness differentiation and ISO 27017 for cloud risk management and procurement trust.
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- Mandatory on-site performance verification testing
- 10 core concepts for occupant health
- Preconditions plus point-earning Optimizations
- Evidence-based air, water, light strategies
- Bronze-to-Platinum tiers with balanced scoring
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds seven cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for multi-tenancy and VM segregation
- Extends 37 ISO 27002 controls for cloud environments
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
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, with a methodology blending mandatory Preconditions and optional Optimizations for tiered certification.
Key Components
- **10 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; requires on-site performance verification.
- Certification model: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80), with concept balance rules.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives occupant productivity, reduces absenteeism, enhances ESG reporting, and boosts rents/asset values. Voluntary but complements LEED for dual benefits; manages health risks and builds stakeholder trust via verified outcomes.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, third-party review, on-site testing, recertification every 3 years. Applies to new/existing buildings across industries; cross-functional teams handle design, operations, policies.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice providing cloud-specific guidance for information security controls. It extends ISO/IEC 27002 for cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), using a risk-based approach within an ISO 27001 ISMS to address shared responsibilities and multi-tenancy.
Key Components
- Additional implementation guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls
- 7 cloud-specific CLD controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening, asset removal)
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS framework
- No standalone certification; integrated into ISO 27001 audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Clarifies CSP-CSC responsibilities for procurement and contracts
- Supports regulatory alignment (GDPR, CCPA indirectly)
- Mitigates cloud risks like misconfigurations and data leakage
- Provides competitive differentiation for CSPs
- Builds stakeholder trust via auditable cloud security
Implementation Overview
- Extend existing ISO 27001 ISMS with cloud risk assessments
- Map controls, update SoA, implement technical measures
- Applies to CSPs and CSCs globally, all sizes/industries
- Audited jointly with ISO 27001 (9-12 months typical)
Key Differences
| Aspect | WELL | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupant health, 10 concepts (air, water, mind) | Cloud-specific security controls, 7 CLD controls |
| Industry | Buildings, real estate, all sectors globally | Cloud providers/customers, IT/tech globally |
| Nature | Voluntary performance certification standard | Voluntary cloud security code of practice |
| Testing | On-site performance verification, continuous monitoring | ISO 27001 audits with cloud control assessment |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WELL and ISO 27017
WELL FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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