What is the primary objective of BREEAM?

BREEAM's primary objective is to provide a science-led sustainability assessment and third-party certification framework for the built environment. Developed by BRE in 1990, it measures performance across categories like Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, and Innovation, using a weighted credit system yielding ratings from Pass (≥30%) to Outstanding (≥85%).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with BREEAM?

No organizations are legally required to comply with BREEAM, as it is a voluntary certification scheme. Professionally, it applies to developers, owners, and managers of buildings, infrastructure, communities, and existing assets seeking verified sustainability credentials for market differentiation, ESG reporting, planning incentives, or investor demands, particularly via schemes like New Construction, In-Use, or Infrastructure.

Does BREEAM require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, BREEAM mandates third-party certification through licensed BREEAM Assessors and BRE Global quality audits. Assessors compile evidence against scheme manuals and submit for BRE's QA process, often including site visits, under UKAS-accredited ISO/IEC 17065 standards, ensuring impartial verification before issuing ratings.

How often should an assessment for BREEAM be performed?

BREEAM New Construction assessments occur once per project at design, construction, and post-occupancy stages. For BREEAM In-Use, certifications are valid for 3 years, requiring reassessment thereafter to verify ongoing performance via Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) and operational data.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with BREEAM?

Non-compliance with BREEAM results in no certification, lost credits, or rating downgrades, with no direct legal penalties as it is voluntary. Consequences include missed market premiums, higher operational costs, regulatory planning delays, reduced ESG credibility, and ineligibility for green financing or tenant preferences.

Can BREEAM be mapped to other international frameworks?

BREEAM is not formally mapped to other frameworks in its core requirements, but Version 7 aligns with EU Taxonomy for technical screening criteria. Its category structure and evidence rigor support comparability for ESG reporting, though scheme-specific manuals and Knowledge Base Compliance Notes (KBCNs) govern standalone application.

What is the first step to begin implementing BREEAM?

The first step is to select the appropriate scheme (e.g., New Construction, In-Use) and version, then appoint a licensed BREEAM Assessor early at project inception. Conduct a pre-assessment using the technical manual to target ratings, identify credits, and integrate into design via a BREEAM Advisory Professional (AP).

What is the primary objective of IFS Food?

IFS Food's primary objective is to audit product and process compliance ensuring manufacturers produce safe, legal products meeting customer specifications. Version 8 (mandatory from 1 January 2024) uses a Product and Process Approach (PPA) with risk-based product sampling, traceability tests, and at least 50% audit time in production areas to verify food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and integrity via HACCP, PRPs, and operational controls like food fraud (4.20) and food defense (4.21).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with IFS Food?

IFS Food applies to food product manufacturers processing food or packing loose products where contamination risk exists. It targets site-specific certification (one legal entity, one address) for all site products/processes; exclusions limited per Annex 4. Primarily demanded by European retailers for private-label suppliers; fully outsourced/traded products require IFS Broker. Partly outsourced processes must be controlled and scoped explicitly.

Does IFS Food require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, IFS Food mandates external audits by certification bodies accredited to ISO/IEC 17065:2012. Audits are annual full-scope via IFS-approved bodies, using PPA with product sampling and traceability. Types include initial (after ≥3 months operations), recertification, follow-up (for Majors), and extension; unannounced required at least every third audit since 1 January 2021.

How often should an assessment for IFS Food be performed?

IFS Food requires a full recertification audit every 12 months. Internal audits (KO 5.1.1) must cover full scope annually, risk-based (e.g., quarterly). Management reviews occur at least annually (1.3); unannounced audits hit ≥1 every 3 cycles. Post-audit action plans due within 28 days for Majors.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with IFS Food?

Non-compliance with IFS Food triggers certificate denial, withdrawal, or downgrade. KO failures (e.g., governance 1.2.1, traceability 4.18.1) deduct 50% score, block issuance; Majors deduct 15%. Recertification failures withdraw certificates within 2 days, notify database stakeholders. Access denial in unannounced audits withdraws certificate immediately.

Can IFS Food be mapped to other international frameworks?

IFS Food, as a GFSI-benchmarked scheme, aligns with frameworks like BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and SQF via shared foundations. Differences include annual audits (vs. BRCGS 6/12 months), ISO 17065 accreditation (vs. FSSC ISO 17021), and scoring (Higher ≥95%, Foundation ≥75%). Use for market-access alignment, but select per customer/operations.

What is the first step to begin implementing IFS Food?

The first step is to review normative documents: IFS Food Version 8 Standard and IFS Food Doctrine. Conduct gap analysis vs. checklist, define site-specific scope (all products/processes), appoint ISO 17065-accredited certification body, disclose products/outsourcing/export history. Secure senior management commitment via policy and resources.

Standards Comparison

BREEAM vs IFS Food

BREEAM

Voluntary

1990

World-leading sustainability certification for built environment

IFS Food

Voluntary

2023

International standard for food safety and quality auditing.

Quick Verdict

BREEAM certifies sustainable buildings and infrastructure worldwide, while IFS Food audits food manufacturing safety and quality, mainly for European retailers. Companies adopt BREEAM for ESG value uplift; IFS for market access and supply chain trust.

Building Sustainability

BREEAM

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Cost

€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Third-party BRE audited certification process
Weighted credits across 10 core categories
Lifecycle schemes: New Construction to In-Use
Continuous KBCN updates for compliance guidance
Net-zero and whole-life carbon emphasis

Food Safety

IFS Food

IFS Food Version 8

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Product and Process Approach (PPA) with traceability tests
Risk-based HACCP and operational controls
Annual audits with unannounced options
10 Knock-Out requirements for critical failures
GFSI-benchmarked scoring and certification levels

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 evidence-backed compliance; categories weighted by impact (e.g., high for Energy).
Built on technical manuals, KBCNs for updates, and third-party assurance.
BRE Global certification via licensed assessors and QA audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Drives ESG alignment, net-zero readiness, asset value uplift (up to 30% premiums), operational savings (22-33% energy), and regulatory support (e.g., EU Taxonomy). Mitigates risks, enhances reputation, and meets tenant/investor demands.

Implementation Overview

Early assessor/AP appointment, phased integration (design to post-occupancy), evidence management. Applies globally to all sizes/types; requires licensed assessor submission and BRE certification.

IFS Food Details

What It Is

IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for food manufacturers, auditing product and process compliance with food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer requirements. It uses a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) emphasizing on-site verification and traceability.

Key Components

Structured into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (e.g., allergens, fraud, defense), and performance monitoring.
Hundreds of checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria (e.g., traceability, CCP monitoring).
Built on HACCP principles, PRPs, and integrity programs.
Annual audits by ISO/IEC 17065-accredited bodies, scoring-based levels (Higher ≥95%, Foundation ≥75%).

Why Organizations Use It

Essential for European retailer access, private-label supply.
Reduces audit duplication, builds supply chain trust.
Mitigates risks in safety, fraud, recalls.
Enhances reputation, market competitiveness via Star status.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, FSMS development, training, validation, certification.
Applies to site-specific food processing globally.
Demands internal audits, management reviews, unannounced audit readiness.

Key Differences

Aspect	BREEAM	IFS Food
Scope	Sustainability across buildings, infrastructure, lifecycle stages	Food safety, quality, processes in manufacturing sites
Industry	Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally	Food manufacturing, processing, primarily Europe
Nature	Voluntary third-party certification framework	Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked audit standard
Testing	Assessor-led audits, BRE QA, periodic recertification	Annual on-site audits, product sampling, traceability tests
Penalties	Loss of certification, no legal penalties	Certificate withdrawal, no legal penalties

Scope

BREEAM

Sustainability across buildings, infrastructure, lifecycle stages

IFS Food

Food safety, quality, processes in manufacturing sites

Industry

BREEAM

Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally

IFS Food

Food manufacturing, processing, primarily Europe

Nature

BREEAM

Voluntary third-party certification framework

IFS Food

Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked audit standard

Testing

BREEAM

Assessor-led audits, BRE QA, periodic recertification

IFS Food

Annual on-site audits, product sampling, traceability tests

Penalties

BREEAM

Loss of certification, no legal penalties

IFS Food

Certificate withdrawal, no legal penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BREEAM and IFS Food

BREEAM FAQ

IFS Food FAQ

You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

Beyond the Checkbox: Why Maturity Assessments are the Secret to Sustainable Compliance

Discover why maturity assessments beat binary compliance checks by uncovering hidden gaps and enabling continuous improvement for sustainable success. Read now!

What is DORA and which Requirements does the Standard define?

Discover DORA requirements for info security, strict authority monitoring, and steps to achieve compliance. Build a resilient organization with our detailed gui

The Tool Landscape for Reaching and Maintaining ISO 27701 Compliance

Discover the top tools for ISO 27701 compliance. Compare functionality, complexity, costs, and benefits to choose the best solution for your privacy program. Ac

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.

100+ Standards & Regulations

AI-Powered Insights

Collaborative Assessments

Actionable Recommendations

Explore More Comparisons

See how BREEAM and IFS Food compare against other standards

Other BREEAM Comparisons

Other IFS Food Comparisons

What It Is

Key Components

10 core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.

Credits awarded for evidence-backed compliance; categories weighted by impact (e.g., high for Energy).

Built on technical manuals, KBCNs for updates, and third-party assurance.

BRE Global certification via licensed assessors and QA audits.

What It Is

Key Components

Structured into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (e.g., allergens, fraud, defense), and performance monitoring.

Hundreds of checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria (e.g., traceability, CCP monitoring).

Built on HACCP principles, PRPs, and integrity programs.

Annual audits by ISO/IEC 17065-accredited bodies, scoring-based levels (Higher ≥95%, Foundation ≥75%).

Aspect

BREEAM

IFS Food

Scope

Sustainability across buildings, infrastructure, lifecycle stages

Food safety, quality, processes in manufacturing sites

Industry

Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally

Food manufacturing, processing, primarily Europe

Nature

Voluntary third-party certification framework

Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked audit standard

Testing

Assessor-led audits, BRE QA, periodic recertification

Annual on-site audits, product sampling, traceability tests

Penalties

Loss of certification, no legal penalties

Certificate withdrawal, no legal penalties