BREEAM vs ISO 27017
BREEAM
Global sustainability certification for built environment assets
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
BREEAM certifies sustainable buildings via category ratings for developers worldwide, while ISO 27017 guides cloud security controls within ISO 27001 ISMS for providers and users. Organizations adopt BREEAM for ESG value uplift; ISO 27017 for shared cloud risk management.
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Framework Comparison
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud controls
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific controls like VM segregation
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
- Addresses multi-tenancy and virtualization risks
- Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001 certification
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, third-party certification framework for assessing sustainability in the built environment. Originating in 1990, it applies to buildings, infrastructure, and communities across lifecycles from design to operation. Its credit-based, weighted scoring methodology converts performance into ratings: 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 against scheme-specific manuals.
- Licensed assessors submit for BRE Global quality audits (ISO/IEC 17065 accredited).
- Continuous updates through Knowledge Base Compliance Notes (KBCNs).
Why Organizations Use It
Drives ESG compliance, net-zero alignment (e.g., EU Taxonomy), and resilience. Yields energy savings (22-33%), asset value uplift (up to 30%), and market differentiation. Mitigates regulatory/planning risks; builds investor/tenant trust via verified performance.
Implementation Overview
Staged process: early assessor appointment, pre-assessment, design integration, evidence collection, post-construction submission. Applies globally (with NSOs in 6 countries) to all sizes/sectors; requires APs, training, and In-Use recertification every 3 years. (178 words)
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific information security controls. It provides guidance for implementing security in cloud environments, focusing on shared responsibilities between cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs). Its risk-based approach adapts general controls to address multi-tenancy, virtualization, and dynamic assets.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO/IEC 27002 controls tailored for cloud.
- 7 additional cloud-specific CLD controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening, asset removal).
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS framework; not standalone certification.
- Domains mirror ISO 27002: access control, operations, supplier relationships.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets procurement demands for cloud assurance.
- Supports GDPR/CCPA via risk reduction in shared models.
- Enhances trust, differentiates CSPs, aids regulatory compliance.
- Builds stakeholder confidence through auditable cloud practices.
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment and SoA updates.
- Key activities: map controls, configure monitoring, define responsibilities.
- Applies to CSPs/CSCs of all sizes in cloud-heavy industries globally.
- Audited as extension of ISO 27001; joint audits in 9-12 months.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BREEAM | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Sustainability in built environment, categories like energy, health | Cloud-specific security controls, shared responsibility, virtualization |
| Industry | Construction, real estate, infrastructure worldwide | Cloud service providers, customers across all industries globally |
| Nature | Voluntary certification framework with ratings | Guidance code of practice extending ISO 27001 |
| Testing | Assessor-led audits, BRE quality assurance, staged certification | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certification |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | No direct penalties, impacts ISO 27001 certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BREEAM and ISO 27017
BREEAM FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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