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**. Credits are weighted and aggregated into ratings: **Pass (≥30%)**, **Good (≥45%)**, **Very Good (≥55%)**, **Excellent (≥70%)**, **Outstanding (≥85%)**. This enables comparable, verified outcomes for new construction, in-use assets, infrastructure, and communities.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **BREEAM**?

**No organization is legally required to comply with BREEAM, as it is a voluntary certification scheme.** Professionally, it applies to developers, owners, and operators of buildings, infrastructure, and communities seeking market differentiation, ESG credibility, or alignment with planning incentives. **National Scheme Operators** in **Austria**, **Germany**, **Netherlands**, **Norway**, **Spain**, and **Sweden** deliver locally adapted versions; others use International schemes. Licensed **BREEAM Assessors** and **Advisory Professionals (APs)** are mandatory for certification.

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

**Yes, BREEAM requires third-party certification by BRE Global Ltd following quality audits.** Licensed **BREEAM Assessors** compile evidence from scheme technical manuals and submit for **BRE QA**, including potential site visits. BRE, accredited to **ISO/IEC 17065** and aligned with **ISO 9001**, issues the certificate, ensuring impartiality. Evidence must meet criteria like **ISO/IEC 17025** for emissions testing.

How often should an assessment for **BREEAM** be performed?

**BREEAM New Construction assessments occur at design and post-construction stages, while In-Use certifications are valid for 3 years requiring reassessment.** Ongoing **Knowledge Base Compliance Notes (KBCNs)** update requirements, necessitating periodic reviews. **Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE)** is recommended to verify performance gaps, with **In-Use** recertification every 3 years to maintain ratings and support continuous improvement.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **BREEAM**?

**Non-compliance with BREEAM results in denied credits, lower ratings, or failed certification, with no direct legal penalties as it is voluntary.** Consequences include lost market premiums (e.g., up to 25% rental uplift), higher operational costs, rejected planning incentives, and weakened ESG reporting. **BRE QA** rejections delay certification; poor evidence risks rework or zero credits in weighted categories like **Energy**.

Can **BREEAM** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, BREEAM New Construction Version 7 explicitly aligns with the EU Taxonomy through revised issues on whole-life carbon and net-zero strategies.** It supports ESG disclosures via comparable ratings and evidence. However, mappings depend on scheme/version; **KBCNs** clarify external standard integrations like **ISO 7730** for thermal comfort or **EN 14501:2021** for glare control, enabling cross-framework use without formal equivalency.

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 and AP early at project inception.** Conduct a pre-assessment using the technical manual to target ratings, map credits, and integrate into design/procurement. Register the project with BRE for guidance on **KBCNs**, evidence, and **Version 7** updates.

What is the primary objective of **MAS TRM**?

**MAS TRM's primary objective is to establish sound technology risk governance and cyber resilience for financial institutions through defence-in-depth controls preserving confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of data and systems.** Issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in January 2021, the Guidelines promote proportional practices across governance (§3.1), risk frameworks (§4), secure SDLC (§5–6), IT service management (§7), resilience (§8), access/cryptography (§9–10), cyber operations (§11–13), and audit (§15), addressing digital transformation risks like cyber threats and third-party dependencies.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **MAS TRM**?

**MAS TRM applies to all financial institutions (FIs) supervised by MAS, including banks, insurers, capital market intermediaries, payment service providers, and fintech sandbox participants.** Applicability is proportional to risk profile and complexity (§2.2), with boards and senior management accountable for oversight (§3.1.7–3.1.8). Third-party service providers handling FI assets must meet equivalent standards for access (§9.1.8), training (§3.6.2), and diligence (§3.4.3), extending TRM's scope beyond owned systems (§3.3.1).

Does **MAS TRM** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**MAS TRM requires an independent internal audit function to assess TRM controls, governance, and risk management effectiveness (§3.1.7; §15), but does not mandate external audits or certifications.** FIs must ensure independent assurance, with external providers permissible for penetration testing (§13.2), cyber exercises (§13.3–13.4), or managed services (§12.2.1). Compliance verification occurs via internal processes (§3.2.3), risk metrics (§4.5.3), and supervisory review of Guidelines observance (§2.2).

How often should an assessment for **MAS TRM** be performed?

**TRM assessments must occur regularly, with vulnerability assessments commensurate to system criticality (§13.1.1) and penetration testing at least annually for internet-exposed systems or after major changes (§13.2.4).** DR plans require annual review (§8.2.2) and periodic testing (§8.3.1); policies and frameworks periodic review (§3.2.1; §4.1.5); access reviews periodic (§9.1.6); cyber exercises scenario-based and regular (§13.3.1). Remediation tracks severity-based timeframes (§13.6.1).

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **MAS TRM**?

**Non-compliance with MAS TRM exposes FIs to supervisory actions including fines, license conditions, revocations, and executive prohibitions, as MAS considers Guidelines observance in supervision (§2.2).** Enforcement examples include S$27.45 million AML/CFT fines across nine FIs and CMS license revocation for governance lapses. Weak TRM leads to remediation directives, reputational damage, and operational disruptions from unaddressed cyber risks.

Can **MAS TRM** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**MAS TRM aligns with international frameworks through shared outcomes in governance, risk management, and controls, but the Guidelines emphasize proportional implementation without formal mappings (§2.3).** Common alignments include NIST CSF for ERM integration, ISO 27001 for ISMS controls, and practitioner practices for SDLC/resilience, enabling hybrid approaches while prioritizing MAS-specific expectations like board risk appetite (§3.1.7) and annual PT for internet systems (§13.2.4).

What is the first step to begin implementing **MAS TRM**?

**The first step for MAS TRM implementation is Board approval of a technology risk appetite/tolerance statement and establishment of an independent TRM function (§3.1.7).** This sets governance tone, followed by asset inventory/classification (§3.3), risk identification (§4.2), and policy development (§3.2), ensuring proportional controls aligned to FI complexity (§2.2).

BREEAM vs MAS TRM

Standards Comparison

BREEAM

Voluntary

1990

World-leading certification framework for built environment sustainability

MAS TRM

Mandatory

2021

Singapore guidelines for financial technology risk management

Quick Verdict

BREEAM certifies sustainable buildings globally via credits and audits, while MAS TRM mandates tech risk controls for Singapore FIs. Organizations adopt BREEAM for ESG value and ratings; MAS TRM to avoid fines and ensure cyber resilience.

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 category credits for sustainability scoring
Lifecycle schemes covering new-build to in-use
Global standards with local National Scheme Operators
Continuous updates via Knowledge Base Compliance Notes

Technology Risk Management

MAS TRM

MAS Technology Risk Management Guidelines

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Board and senior management accountability
Proportional risk-based implementation
Third-party risk management integration
Defence-in-depth cyber controls
Annual penetration testing requirement

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. Launched in 1990 by BRE, it evaluates buildings, infrastructure, and communities across lifecycles using a category-based, weighted credit system producing ratings from Pass to Outstanding.

Key Components

Core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation (10 primary).
Credits earned via evidence compliance, weighted by impact (e.g., high for Energy).
Schemes: New Construction, In-Use, Refurbishment, Infrastructure, Communities.
Licensed assessors submit for BRE Global audits under ISO/IEC 17065.

Why Organizations Use It

Drives ESG alignment, net-zero strategies, asset value uplift (up to 30% premiums), operational savings (22-33% energy). Mitigates regulatory risks (EU Taxonomy), enhances tenant appeal, builds investor trust via verified performance.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: early assessor appointment, pre-assessment, design integration, evidence collection, certification. Applies globally with local adaptations; suits all sizes via tailored schemes. Requires training, governance, POE for ongoing In-Use recertification.

MAS TRM Details

What It Is

MAS Technology Risk Management (TRM) Guidelines (January 2021) are supervisory guidelines from Singapore's Monetary Authority for financial institutions (FIs). They establish a risk-based framework for governing technology and cyber risks, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability across IT operations.

Key Components

Covers 15 sections: governance, asset management, secure SDLC, IT service management, resilience, access controls, cryptography, cyber operations, testing, audit.
Emphasizes defence-in-depth, proportionality, board oversight, and independent assurance.
Principles-based; no fixed controls count, aligned with NIST/ISO.

Why Organizations Use It

Supervisory compliance to avoid fines (e.g., S$27M AML cases), license risks.
Builds resilience, enables digital transformation, manages third-party risks.
Enhances trust, reduces systemic vulnerabilities in interconnected finance.

Implementation Overview

Phased: governance setup, inventories, risk assessment, controls, testing.
Targets Singapore FIs (banks, insurers, fintechs); scalable by size/risk.
No certification; evidenced via audits, metrics, board reporting. (178 words)

Key Differences

Aspect	BREEAM	MAS TRM
Scope	Building sustainability across lifecycle stages	Technology/cyber risks in financial IT systems
Industry	Built environment, global with adaptations	Singapore financial institutions only
Nature	Voluntary certification scheme	Supervisory guidelines with enforcement
Testing	Assessor-led audits and evidence review	Annual pen tests, vulnerability scans
Penalties	Loss of certification rating	Fines, license revocation, reprimands

Scope

BREEAM

Building sustainability across lifecycle stages

MAS TRM

Technology/cyber risks in financial IT systems

Industry

BREEAM

Built environment, global with adaptations

MAS TRM

Singapore financial institutions only

Nature

BREEAM

Voluntary certification scheme

MAS TRM

Supervisory guidelines with enforcement

Testing

BREEAM

Assessor-led audits and evidence review

MAS TRM

Annual pen tests, vulnerability scans

Penalties

BREEAM

Loss of certification rating

MAS TRM

Fines, license revocation, reprimands

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BREEAM and MAS TRM

BREEAM FAQ

MAS TRM FAQ

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BREEAM

MAS TRM

Quick Verdict

BREEAM

Key Features

MAS TRM

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

BREEAM Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

MAS TRM Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

BREEAM FAQ

What is the primary objective of BREEAM?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with BREEAM?

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

How often should an assessment for BREEAM be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with BREEAM?

Can BREEAM be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing BREEAM?

MAS TRM FAQ

What is the primary objective of MAS TRM?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with MAS TRM?

Does MAS TRM require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for MAS TRM be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with MAS TRM?

Can MAS TRM be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing MAS TRM?

You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

HITRUST CSF MyCSF Platform Deep Dive: Automating Evidence Collection for Continuous R2 Renewal in Multi-Regulated Environments 2025

NIST CSF 2.0 Govern Function Deep Dive: Building Executive Cybersecurity Governance from Scratch

ISO 27701 Standalone Certification in 2025: Debunking Myths and Navigating the New Reality

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

GDPR vs EU AI Act

CE Marking vs ISO 19600

TISAX vs AS9120B