BREEAM
World-leading sustainability certification for built environment
ISO 56002
International guidance for innovation management systems
Quick Verdict
BREEAM certifies sustainable built environments via audited credits for buildings and infrastructure, while ISO 56002 guides innovation management systems for value creation across organizations. Companies adopt BREEAM for ESG compliance and asset value; ISO 56002 for systematic innovation governance.
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Third-party audited certification by BRE Global
- Weighted category credits for Pass-Outstanding ratings
- Multiple schemes covering full asset lifecycles
- Living Knowledge Base with KBCN updates
- Global adaptability via National Scheme Operators
ISO 56002
ISO 56002:2019 Innovation management system — Guidance
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for IMS structure and improvement
- Leadership commitment and portfolio governance
- Risk-aware opportunity identification and operations
- Balanced KPIs for performance evaluation
- Staged adoption for SMEs and enterprises
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, launched in 1990 by BRE. 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
- Core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
- Credits awarded via scheme-specific technical manuals and KBCNs.
- Third-party assurance by licensed assessors and BRE Global audits (ISO/IEC 17065 accredited).
- Schemes for new construction, in-use, refurbishment, infrastructure.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives operational savings (e.g., 22-33% energy reduction), asset value uplift (up to 30% premiums), ESG credibility, and regulatory alignment (e.g., EU Taxonomy). Mitigates risks in planning, finance, and reputation while enhancing market differentiation.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: early assessor appointment, pre-assessment, evidence gathering across design-construction-operation. Applies globally to all sizes; requires licensed assessors, documentation, and BRE certification. Best embedded early for cost-effectiveness.
ISO 56002 Details
What It Is
ISO 56002:2019 is an international guidance standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Innovation Management System (IMS). It provides a generic, non-prescriptive framework applicable to all organization sizes and sectors, structured around the PDCA cycle and seven clauses focusing on context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
Key Components
- Seven core clauses (4-10) mirroring ISO High-Level Structure
- Eight principles: value realization, future-focused leadership, strategic direction, culture, insights, uncertainty management, adaptability, systems thinking
- Emphasis on portfolio governance, risk-aware processes, and continual learning
- No mandatory certification; supports conformity assessments via ISO 56004
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives strategic innovation aligned with business goals
- Improves ROI, reduces project failures, enhances resilience
- Builds stakeholder confidence without legal mandates
- Enables competitive advantage through systematic value creation
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: diagnosis, design, pilot, scale, sustain
- Involves leadership workshops, diagnostics (e.g., PII), tooling, audits
- Suitable for SMEs to enterprises; integrates with ISO 9001 etc.
- Optional external audits for maturity validation (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | BREEAM | ISO 56002 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Built environment sustainability assessment | Innovation management system framework |
| Industry | Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally | All sectors, organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary third-party certification schemes | Voluntary guidance for management systems |
| Testing | Assessor-led audits, BRE quality assurance | Internal audits, management reviews |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | No penalties, internal improvement focus |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BREEAM and ISO 56002
BREEAM FAQ
ISO 56002 FAQ
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