BREEAM
World-leading sustainability certification for built environment
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorization
Quick Verdict
BREEAM certifies sustainable buildings globally via voluntary credits and audits, enhancing value and ESG compliance. FedRAMP authorizes secure US federal cloud services through mandatory NIST controls and 3PAO assessments, enabling government contracts.
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Third-party BRE Global certification and audits
- Credit-weighted scoring across 10 categories
- Lifecycle schemes from new-build to in-use
- Global with local NSO adaptations
- Living updates via KBCNs and V7 enhancements
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Reusable authorizations across federal agencies
- NIST SP 800-53 baselines by impact levels
- Independent 3PAO security assessments required
- Continuous monitoring with monthly deliverables
- FedRAMP Marketplace for transparency and reuse
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. Its credit-based, weighted scoring methodology converts performance into 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 evidence-backed criteria; categories weighted by impact.
- Schemes for lifecycle stages (New Construction, In-Use, Infrastructure).
- Third-party certification via licensed assessors and BRE audits; supported by KBCNs.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives ESG compliance, operational savings (e.g., 22-33% energy reduction), asset value uplift (up to 30%), and EU Taxonomy alignment. Mitigates regulatory risks, enhances market differentiation, and builds stakeholder trust through verified performance.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: early assessor appointment, pre-assessment, design integration, evidence collection, BRE QA. Applies globally to all sizes; requires training, documentation, and post-occupancy monitoring for In-Use renewal.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. It employs a risk-based approach using NIST SP 800-53 controls mapped to FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High).
Key Components
- Baselines with ~156 (Low), ~323 (Moderate), ~410 (High) controls, plus LI-SaaS subset
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M
- Built on NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5; requires 3PAO assessments
- Compliance via Agency or Program Authorizations with Marketplace listing
Why Organizations Use It
- Effectively mandatory for federal cloud procurement
- Enables reuse across agencies, cutting duplication
- Strengthens security posture and risk management
- Provides competitive differentiation and stakeholder trust
Implementation Overview
- Involves gap analysis, documentation, 3PAO audit, remediation
- Typical 10-19 months; costs $150k-$2M+
- Targets CSPs serving U.S. federal market; requires training, automation
Key Differences
| Aspect | BREEAM | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Building sustainability, health, energy, ecology | Cloud security assessment, authorization, monitoring |
| Industry | Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally | US federal cloud service providers only |
| Nature | Voluntary third-party certification | Mandatory standardized government authorization |
| Testing | Assessor-led audits, evidence review | 3PAO independent security assessments |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Revocation, contract ineligibility, legal exposure |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BREEAM and FedRAMP
BREEAM FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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