Standards Comparison

    BREEAM

    Voluntary
    1990

    World-leading certification framework for built environment sustainability

    VS

    FSSC 22000

    Voluntary
    2023

    GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    BREEAM certifies sustainable buildings and infrastructure via weighted credits and audits, while FSSC 22000 ensures food chain safety through ISO 22000, PRPs, and hazard controls. Companies adopt BREEAM for ESG value uplift; FSSC for GFSI market access and recall prevention.

    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
    • Weighted credit scoring across 10 core categories
    • Lifecycle schemes for new, in-use, infrastructure
    • Continuous KBCN updates for evolving compliance
    • Global adaptation with NSO local schemes
    Food Safety

    FSSC 22000

    Food Safety System Certification 22000

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

    Key Features

    • Integrates ISO 22000 with sector-specific PRPs
    • FSSC Additional Requirements for food defense/fraud
    • GFSI-benchmarked for global market access
    • Risk-based environmental/allergen monitoring programs
    • Food safety culture and quality objectives

    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 methodology with category weightings 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 awarded via evidence against technical manuals and KBCNs.
    • Schemes for lifecycle stages: New Construction, In-Use, Infrastructure.
    • Third-party certification by 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 EU Taxonomy alignment. Mitigates regulatory risks, enhances tenant appeal, and builds stakeholder trust through verified performance.

    Implementation Overview

    Early assessor/AP appointment, phased evidence collection from design to post-occupancy. Applies globally with local adaptations; suits all sizes via tailored schemes. Requires BRE certification with ongoing In-Use recertification every 3 years.

    FSSC 22000 Details

    What It Is

    FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) across the food chain. Its primary purpose is to ensure safe food provision through independent third-party audits, covering categories from farming to packaging and logistics. It employs a risk-based PDCA approach anchored in ISO 22000:2018.

    Key Components

    • **Three pillarsISO 22000:2018 (clauses 4-10), sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), and FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, fraud, allergens).
    • Over 100 requirements integrated into a single auditable framework.
    • Built on HACCP principles with layered controls (PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs).
    • Certification model via licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1:2022.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets retailer and GFSI demands for market access.
    • Reduces recalls, enhances supply-chain trust.
    • Manages risks like fraud, defense, and allergens.
    • Builds reputation via public register of 40,000+ certified sites.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, FSMS build, PRP/HACCP deployment, audits.
    • Applies to food chain organizations globally.
    • Requires Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance; 6-24 months typical.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    BREEAM
    Sustainability across buildings, infrastructure, communities
    FSSC 22000
    Food safety management in food chain categories

    Industry

    BREEAM
    Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally
    FSSC 22000
    Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics worldwide

    Nature

    BREEAM
    Voluntary third-party certification scheme
    FSSC 22000
    GFSI-benchmarked FSMS certification scheme

    Testing

    BREEAM
    Assessor-led audits, BRE quality assurance
    FSSC 22000
    CB audits per ISO 22003-1, surveillance cycles

    Penalties

    BREEAM
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    FSSC 22000
    Certification suspension, market access loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about BREEAM and FSSC 22000

    BREEAM FAQ

    FSSC 22000 FAQ

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