Standards Comparison

    CCPA

    Mandatory
    2020

    California regulation for consumer personal data privacy rights

    VS

    BREEAM

    Voluntary
    1990

    Global sustainability certification for built environments

    Quick Verdict

    CCPA mandates data privacy rights for California businesses handling resident data, enforced by fines. BREEAM voluntarily certifies sustainable buildings via credits and audits. Companies adopt CCPA for legal compliance, BREEAM for ESG value, market premiums, and efficiency.

    Data Privacy

    CCPA

    California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Grants consumers rights to know, delete, opt-out, correct personal data
    • Applies to businesses over $25M revenue or 100K CA consumers/devices
    • Mandates Global Privacy Control signals and Do Not Sell links
    • Imposes $7,500 fines per intentional violation by CPPA
    • Private right of action for data breach victims
    Building Sustainability

    BREEAM

    Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Credit-based scoring with category weightings
    • Third-party certification by licensed assessors
    • 10 core sustainability categories including energy
    • Scheme-specific for new-build, in-use, infrastructure
    • Knowledge Base updates and regional adaptations

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    CCPA Details

    What It Is

    California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by CPRA, is a California state regulation establishing consumer privacy rights. It applies to for-profit businesses meeting thresholds like $25M revenue or handling 100K+ CA residents' data. Primary purpose: empower consumers with control over personal information (PI) via rights-based approach, including opt-out of sales/sharing.

    Key Components

    • Consumer rights: know/access, delete, correct, opt-out sales/sharing, limit sensitive PI.
    • Obligations: notices at collection, privacy policies, DSAR handling within 45 days, GPC honoring.
    • Enforcement by CPPA and AG with $2,500-$7,500 per violation fines; private breach actions.
    • No certification; compliance via documented practices, audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for qualifying businesses to avoid fines, litigation. Drives data governance, risk reduction, trust-building. Strategic benefits: efficiency, market differentiation, GDPR alignment.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scoping/gap analysis (0-3 months), policies/contracts (1-4 months), technical controls (2-6 months), operationalization/training, audits. Targets enterprises in tech/retail/finance with CA ties; requires cross-functional teams, automation tools.

    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, social, and resilience performance across buildings, infrastructure, and communities throughout their lifecycle. Its credit-based methodology converts performance into weighted scores and ratings (Pass to Outstanding).

    Key Components

    • **10 core categoriesManagement, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
    • Hundreds of credits with prerequisites, evidence requirements, and weightings prioritizing high-impact areas like energy.
    • Built on third-party assurance via licensed assessors and BRE audits (ISO/IEC 17065 accredited).
    • Scheme-specific manuals and KBCNs for continuous updates.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives operational savings (e.g., 22-33% energy reduction), asset value uplift (up to 30%), and ESG credibility.
    • Meets planning incentives, investor demands, and EU Taxonomy alignment.
    • Mitigates climate risks and enhances occupant health/productivity.
    • Builds stakeholder trust through verified ratings.

    Implementation Overview

    • **Phased approachPre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, certification.
    • Involves early assessor/AP appointment, evidence management, training.
    • Applies to all sizes/industries globally, with regional adaptations.
    • Requires BRE certification post-QA.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CCPA
    Consumer data privacy rights and obligations
    BREEAM
    Building sustainability and environmental performance

    Industry

    CCPA
    All businesses handling CA resident data
    BREEAM
    Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally

    Nature

    CCPA
    Mandatory state regulation with enforcement
    BREEAM
    Voluntary third-party certification scheme

    Testing

    CCPA
    Consumer request handling, security audits
    BREEAM
    Assessor-led credit assessments, BRE audits

    Penalties

    CCPA
    $2,500-$7,500 per violation, private actions
    BREEAM
    No fines, loss of certification only

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CCPA and BREEAM

    CCPA FAQ

    BREEAM FAQ

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