Standards Comparison

    BREEAM

    Voluntary
    1990

    World-leading sustainability certification for built environment

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    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.

    Building Sustainability

    BREEAM

    Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

    Cost
    €€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    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
    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    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 categoriesManagement, 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

    Scope

    BREEAM
    Sustainability assessment for built environment
    AS9110C
    Quality management for aviation MRO

    Industry

    BREEAM
    Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally
    AS9110C
    Aerospace maintenance organizations worldwide

    Nature

    BREEAM
    Voluntary third-party certification scheme
    AS9110C
    Voluntary QMS certification standard

    Testing

    BREEAM
    Assessor-led audits, BRE quality assurance
    AS9110C
    Internal audits, registrar certification audits

    Penalties

    BREEAM
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, regulatory risks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about BREEAM and AS9110C

    BREEAM FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

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