CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity maturity in defense supply chain
BREEAM
Global certification framework for sustainable built environment performance
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting sensitive data, while BREEAM voluntarily certifies sustainable building performance. Defense firms adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; developers pursue BREEAM for value uplift, ESG credibility, and market differentiation.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligning FAR and NIST controls
- Third-party C3PAO and DIBCAC certifications required
- Mandatory flow-down to DIB subcontractors via DFARS
- Limited POA&Ms with strict 180-day closure rules
- SPRS annual affirmations ensuring ongoing compliance
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Credit-based scoring across 10 sustainability categories
- Third-party BRE certification and quality audits
- Adaptable schemes for buildings, infrastructure, communities
- Weighted emphasis on energy, health, whole-life carbon
- Continuous updates via Knowledge Base Compliance Notes
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CMMC Details
What It Is
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) certification framework ensuring cybersecurity protections for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It uses a tiered, risk-based model with three cumulative levels: Level 1 (basic FCI safeguards), Level 2 (NIST SP 800-171 for CUI), and Level 3 (NIST SP 800-172 enhancements against APTs).
Key Components
- 171 practices across 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response)
- Level 1: 17 FAR 52.204-21 practices; Level 2: 110 NIST controls; Level 3: +24 enhancements
- Built on NIST SP 800-171/172 and FAR standards
- Certification via self-assessments (Levels 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), or DIBCAC (Level 3), with SPRS/eMASS reporting
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI, preventing contract ineligibility. Reduces cyber risks, enhances supply chain trust, lowers incident costs, and provides competitive procurement advantages. Builds operational resilience and stakeholder confidence.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB firms (SMEs to primes); requires System Security Plan (SSP), evidence artifacts, POA&Ms (limited), annual affirmations. Timelines: 12+ months for Level 2.
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 new construction, refurbishments, in-use assets, communities, and infrastructure using a credit-based, weighted scoring methodology producing ratings from Pass (≥30%) to Outstanding (≥85%).
Key Components
- **10 core categoriesManagement, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
- Credits for compliant issues, category weightings prioritizing high-impact areas like energy.
- Technical manuals, KBCNs, licensed assessors, BRE third-party audits under ISO/IEC 17065.
Why Organizations Use It
- Operational savings (22-33% energy reduction), asset premiums (up to 30% sales uplift).
- ESG alignment, EU Taxonomy support, regulatory incentives.
- Risk mitigation for climate resilience, biodiversity; market differentiation, tenant appeal.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: pre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, certification, in-use monitoring.
- Early assessor/AP appointment essential; global applicability, all scales.
- BRE QA certification required. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | BREEAM |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Sustainability across built environment lifecycle |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors | Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally |
| Nature | Mandatory DoD certification program | Voluntary third-party sustainability certification |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Licensed assessor audits with BRE QA |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | No penalties, loss of certification/market access |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and BREEAM
CMMC FAQ
BREEAM FAQ
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