BREEAM
Sustainability certification framework for built environments
ISO 27018
Code of practice for PII protection in public clouds
Quick Verdict
BREEAM assesses building sustainability for construction worldwide, while ISO 27018 protects PII in public clouds for service providers. Companies adopt BREEAM for ESG ratings and value uplift; ISO 27018 for privacy assurance and regulatory alignment in cloud contracts.
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Third-party certification by BRE Global and assessors
- Weighted credits across 10 sustainability categories
- Schemes for new construction, in-use, infrastructure
- Knowledge Base Compliance Notes for updates
- Ratings from Pass to Outstanding for benchmarking
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 Code of practice for PII protection
Key Features
- Extends ISO 27001 with cloud PII processor controls
- Requires subprocessor transparency and location disclosure
- Prohibits PII use for marketing without consent
- Mandates breach notification to PII controllers
- Supports data subject rights like erasure and portability
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 certification framework for sustainability in the built environment, launched by BRE in 1990. It assesses new construction, refurbishments, in-use assets, infrastructure, and communities worldwide. Primary purpose: translate sustainability ambitions into measurable credits, weighted scores, and ratings. Key approach: category-based issues with evidence-driven compliance.
Key Components
- **10 core categoriesManagement, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
- Credits summed and weighted for overall score; ratings: Pass (≥30%) to Outstanding (≥85%).
- Built on technical manuals, KBCNs for clarifications.
- **Certification modelLicensed assessors submit evidence; BRE Global audits and certifies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Value uplift (8-12%), energy savings (22-33%), ESG readiness.
- Aligns with EU Taxonomy, net-zero; supports planning incentives.
- Reduces risks, boosts tenant appeal, enables benchmarking.
- Builds investor trust via third-party verification.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: early assessor appointment, design integration, evidence collection, post-construction submission.
- Key activities: credit targeting, IAQ plans, energy modelling, POE.
- Suits all sizes/industries globally; voluntary, assessor-led process.
ISO 27018 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is a code of practice extending ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in public clouds where providers act as PII processors. Its primary scope targets cloud-specific privacy risks like multi-tenancy and cross-border flows, using a risk-based, control-oriented approach with ~25-30 additional privacy controls.
Key Components
- Core pillars: transparency, accountability, consent, purpose limitation, data minimization, security safeguards.
- Builds on ISO 27001 Annex A (93 controls) with cloud PII-specific guidance.
- Principles from ISO 29100 and OECD guidelines.
- Compliance via ISO 27001 audits; no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Builds customer trust and accelerates procurement.
- Aligns with GDPR Article 28, HIPAA; aids regulatory compliance.
- Mitigates privacy risks, supports cyber insurance.
- Differentiates CSPs in competitive markets.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis against existing ISMS, integrate controls into Statement of Applicability.
- Key activities: subprocessor disclosure, breach notification setup, staff training.
- Suits CSPs of all sizes; global applicability.
- Requires accredited third-party audits within ISO 27001 cycle.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BREEAM | ISO 27018 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Sustainability in built environment (buildings, infrastructure) | PII protection in public cloud services (privacy controls) |
| Industry | Construction, real estate, infrastructure worldwide | Cloud service providers, IT globally (processor focus) |
| Nature | Voluntary sustainability certification framework | Voluntary code of practice extending ISO 27001 |
| Testing | Licensed assessor audits, BRE quality assurance | ISO 27001 audits with privacy control extensions |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BREEAM and ISO 27018
BREEAM FAQ
ISO 27018 FAQ
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