What It Is

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a mature, science-led sustainability certification framework for the built environment. Developed by BRE in 1990, it evaluates performance across lifecycles using a credit-based, weighted scoring methodology, yielding ratings from Pass (≥30%) to Outstanding (≥85%).

Key Components

• **10 core categoriesManagement, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation
• Credits via evidenced compliance in scheme-specific manuals (e.g., New Construction V7)
• **Third-party assuranceLicensed assessors submit for BRE Global audits under ISO/IEC 17065
• Continuous updates through Knowledge Base Compliance Notes (KBCNs)

Why Organizations Use It

• Achieves operational savings (22-33% energy reductions), asset premiums (up to 30% sales uplift)
• Supports ESG reporting, EU Taxonomy alignment, net-zero goals
• Mitigates regulatory, climate risks; enhances tenant appeal, market differentiation
• Builds investor trust via independently verified benchmarks

Implementation Overview

• **Phased processEarly assessor appointment, pre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, post-occupancy via In-Use
• Applies globally to buildings/infrastructure; voluntary yet incentivized by planning/finance
• Requires evidence rigor, training; modest capex uplift with quick ROI

What It Is

APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a binding prudential regulation issued by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, effective 1 July 2019. It mandates APRA-regulated entities like banks, insurers, and super funds to maintain information security capabilities commensurate with threats to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. Its risk-based approach emphasizes governance, controls, and assurance.

Key Components

• **Governance and rolesBoard ultimate responsibility, defined roles for management.
• **Core requirementsAsset classification, commensurate controls, systematic testing, internal audit assurance.
• **Incident management72-hour notification for material incidents, 10-day for control weaknesses.
• No fixed controls; proportionality based on criticality/sensitivity. Compliance via evidence, not certification.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory for APRA entities to avoid penalties, enforcement.
• Enhances resilience, reduces incident impact, builds trust.
• Strategic benefits: operational continuity, better vendor terms, competitive edge.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, policy development, asset register, controls, testing, monitoring. Applies to all sizes in Australian financial sector; requires ongoing assurance, third-party assessments. (178 words)