WELL
Certification for occupant health and well-being
ISO 41001
International standard for facility management systems
Quick Verdict
WELL certifies building health outcomes via performance testing for occupant well-being, while ISO 41001 structures facility management systems for efficiency and alignment. Companies adopt WELL for ESG/tenant appeal, ISO 41001 for operational governance.
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- Mandatory on-site performance verification testing
- 10 core concepts for health domains
- Preconditions plus point-based Optimizations
- Tiered certifications Bronze to Platinum
- Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
ISO 41001
ISO 41001:2018 Facility management — Management systems
Key Features
- Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
- HLS alignment enables integrated management systems
- Stakeholder requirements lifecycle management (Clause 4.2)
- Risk planning includes business continuity (Clause 6.1)
- Operational service integration (Clause 8.3)
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 by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), prioritizing human health and well-being in buildings. It emphasizes evidence-based outcomes via 10 concepts like Air, Water, and Mind, using mandatory Preconditions and optional Optimizations.
Key Components
- **10 conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (+ Innovation)
- 24 Preconditions, 102 Optimizations for scoring
- Tiered levels: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) with concept balance rules
- Verified through documentation and on-site testing
Why Organizations Use It
- Boosts productivity, retention, ESG metrics
- Commands higher rents, reduces IEQ risks
- Builds stakeholder trust via verified health outcomes
- Complements LEED for holistic sustainability
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, verification, recertification (3 years)
- Suits new/existing buildings, all types
- Cross-functional: design, operations, policies
- Third-party review and Performance Testing Agents required
ISO 41001 Details
What It Is
ISO 41001:2018 — Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use — is an international certifiable standard for facility management systems (FMS). It specifies requirements for effective, efficient FM delivery supporting demand organization objectives, stakeholder needs, and sustainability in competitive environments. Employs PDCA cycle and High-Level Structure (HLS) for interoperability.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
- FM-specific elements: stakeholder mapping (4.2), leadership commitment (5.1), risk/opportunity planning incl. continuity (6.1), service integration (8.3).
- Built on process approach, risk-based thinking; ~20 core requirements.
- Third-party certification via audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Strategic FM alignment, cost savings (e.g., OPEX reductions), risk mitigation.
- Meets tenders/contracts; enhances ESG/climate resilience.
- Builds stakeholder trust, competitive differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits.
- Applicable all sizes/sectors; 6–24 months typical.
- Internal audits, management reviews precede certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WELL | ISO 41001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupant health/well-being in buildings (10 concepts) | Facility management systems (planning, operations, improvement) |
| Industry | Buildings (offices, residential, hospitality globally) | All sectors (public/private, any size/geography) |
| Nature | Voluntary performance-based certification | Voluntary management system standard |
| Testing | On-site performance verification/testing | Internal audits, management reviews |
| Penalties | No certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WELL and ISO 41001
WELL FAQ
ISO 41001 FAQ
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