WELL vs ISO 27017
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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