BREEAM
World-leading sustainability certification for built environment
EN 1090
EU standard for execution of steel and aluminium structures
Quick Verdict
BREEAM drives voluntary sustainability certification for buildings worldwide via rated credits and audits, enhancing ESG value. EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium via FPC and NB certification, ensuring market access and safety.
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Third-party audited certification by BRE Global
- Category-weighted credit scoring system
- Lifecycle schemes for new, existing, infrastructure
- Continuous updates via Knowledge Base Compliance Notes
- Alignment with EU Taxonomy and net zero
EN 1090
EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Risk-based Execution Classes EXC1-EXC4
- Factory Production Control FPC certification
- CE marking and DoP under CPR
- Welding quality via ISO 3834 alignment
- Material traceability and NDT inspection
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 awarded for evidenced compliance, weighted by impact
- Schemes for full lifecycle: New Construction, In-Use, Infrastructure
- Third-party assurance via licensed assessors and BRE audits
Why Organizations Use It
Drives operational savings (e.g., 22-33% energy reduction), asset value uplift (up to 30% premiums), ESG credibility, and regulatory alignment (e.g., EU Taxonomy). Mitigates risks in planning, finance, and reputation while enhancing market differentiation.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: early assessor appointment, pre-assessment, design integration, evidence gathering, BRE certification. Applies globally to all sizes/industries; requires assessors, training, and evidence management for project timelines.
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family for the execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components. It implements the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), enabling CE marking. Its risk-based approach scales requirements via Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) based on consequence, service, and production categories.
Key Components
- **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC), Declaration of Performance (DoP).
- **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection, inspection).
- Core principles: Traceability, ISO 3834 welding alignment, NDT inspection. Certified FPC by Notified Body under AVCP systems.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for EU market access; reduces liability, ensures safety. Drives capability in welding/traceability, unlocks high-risk projects, builds stakeholder trust via CE marking.
Implementation Overview
Phased: Gap analysis, FPC build, personnel quals, NB certification, surveillance. Applies to fabricators; 6-12 months typical, high complexity for EXC3/4.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BREEAM | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Sustainability assessment across buildings, infrastructure, lifecycle stages | Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structural components |
| Industry | Built environment, global with regional adaptations | Structural fabrication, mandatory in EU/EEA markets |
| Nature | Voluntary certification framework with ratings | Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking |
| Testing | Assessor-led audits, evidence review, BRE certification | FPC certification, NB audits, ITT/ITC, surveillance |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Market exclusion, fines, certificate suspension |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BREEAM and EN 1090
BREEAM FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
The Human-AI Synergy: How Modern Compliance Tools Amplify Your Team's Strategic Impact
Unlock human-AI synergy with modern compliance tools. Automate monitoring, cut non-compliance risks 3x, and boost strategic decision-making. Elevate your team's
The CIS Controls v8.1 Evidence Pack: What Auditors Ask For (and How to Produce Proof Fast)
Fail CIS Controls v8.1 audits due to missing evidence? Get the blueprint: exact artifacts auditors want, repository structure, and automation from security tool
NIST CSF 2.0 Govern Function Deep Dive: Building Executive Cybersecurity Governance from Scratch
Step-by-step blueprint for NIST CSF 2.0 Govern function: templates, RACI matrices, metrics to elevate cybersecurity governance to boardroom level. Reduce breach
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
GMP vs FSSC 22000
Compare GMP vs FSSC 22000: Pharma's cGMP rigor meets food's ISO 22000 scheme. Uncover differences, compliance strategies & benefits for global ops. Optimize now!
IEC 62443 vs APRA CPS 234
Compare IEC 62443 vs APRA CPS 234: Master OT cybersecurity for industrial resilience & financial compliance. Bridge gaps, align frameworks—unlock robust strategies today!
COBIT vs NIST 800-53
Compare COBIT vs NIST 800-53: Governance framework meets security controls catalog. Optimize IT risk, compliance & value—tailor your best-fit strategy now!