BREEAM vs AS9110C
BREEAM
World-leading sustainability certification for built environment
AS9110C
Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations.
Quick Verdict
BREEAM certifies sustainable buildings for real estate worldwide, while AS9110C ensures quality management in aviation MRO. Companies adopt BREEAM for ESG value and market premiums; AS9110C for regulatory compliance, safety, and contract eligibility.
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Third-party audited certification by BRE Global
- Category-weighted credit scoring to ratings
- Lifecycle schemes for new, in-use, infrastructure
- Global adaptation with national scheme operators
- Continuous KBCN updates and evidence rigor
AS9110C
AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance
Key Features
- Risk-based thinking in planning and operations
- Configuration management and traceability controls
- Counterfeit parts prevention and detection
- Maintenance release and human factors requirements
- Project management for MRO service delivery
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
BREEAM Details
What It Is
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a science-led sustainability certification framework for the built environment. Developed by BRE in 1990, it assesses environmental, health, and resilience performance across buildings, infrastructure, and communities using a credit-based, weighted scoring methodology producing ratings from Pass to Outstanding.
Key Components
- 10 core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
- Credits earned via evidenced compliance; categories weighted by impact (e.g., high for Energy).
- Built on technical manuals, KBCNs, and third-party assurance by licensed assessors and BRE audits.
- Schemes cover full lifecycle: New Construction, In-Use, Infrastructure.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives ESG alignment, net-zero readiness, asset value uplift (up to 30%), energy savings (22-33%), and regulatory compliance (e.g., EU Taxonomy). Mitigates risks, enhances tenant appeal, and builds investor trust via credible certification.
Implementation Overview
Early assessor/AP appointment, phased evidence gathering tied to design stages, BRE QA certification. Suits all sizes/industries globally; requires training, governance, and monitoring for ongoing In-Use validity.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for safety-critical processes, using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach.
Key Components
- Core clauses (4-10) covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, maintenance release, project management.
- Built on Annex SL high-level structure; requires documented evidence of operational QMS cycles.
- Certification via accredited registrars with internal audits and management reviews.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignments (FAA/EASA Part-145).
- Mitigates safety risks, ensures airworthiness traceability.
- Drives efficiency, on-time delivery, market access via OASIS listing.
- Builds stakeholder trust through demonstrable competence and continual improvement.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, pilot, audits, certification (6-12 months typical).
- Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; involves training, eQMS, risk registers.
- Requires IAQG-aligned auditor training and 3+ months operational data pre-certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BREEAM | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Sustainability assessment for built environment | Quality management for aviation MRO |
| Industry | Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally | Aerospace maintenance organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary third-party certification scheme | Voluntary QMS certification standard |
| Testing | Assessor-led audits, BRE quality assurance | Internal audits, registrar certification audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, regulatory risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BREEAM and AS9110C
BREEAM FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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