Standards Comparison

    COBIT

    Voluntary
    2019

    Framework for enterprise IT governance and management

    VS

    CAA

    Mandatory
    1970

    U.S. federal statute for air quality and emissions control

    Quick Verdict

    COBIT provides flexible IT governance frameworks for enterprises worldwide, while CAA mandates strict U.S. air emission controls for regulated industries. Organizations adopt COBIT for value optimization and risk management; CAA for legal compliance and environmental protection.

    IT Governance

    COBIT

    COBIT 2019: Governance and Management Objectives

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

    Key Features

    • Tailored governance system using 11 design factors
    • 40 objectives across 5 domains (EDM, APO, BAI, DSS, MEA)
    • CMMI-based performance management with 0-5 capability levels
    • Explicit separation of governance from management responsibilities
    • Goals cascade linking stakeholder needs to IT metrics
    Air Quality

    CAA

    Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
    • State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for attainment
    • Title V operating permits consolidating requirements
    • NSPS and MACT technology-based emission standards
    • Multi-layered enforcement and penalties

    Detailed Analysis

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

    COBIT Details

    What It Is

    COBIT 2019 (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is an ISACA framework for enterprise governance and management of IT (EGIT). It translates stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored, risk-optimized approach using design factors and goals cascade.

    Key Components

    • 40 governance/management objectives in 5 domains: EDM (governance), APO (strategy), BAI (delivery), DSS (operations), MEA (assurance).
    • 6 governance system principles and 7 components (processes, structures, culture, etc.).
    • CMMI-based performance model (levels 0-5); no formal certification but assessments via ISACA tools.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Aligns IT with business value, optimizes resources, manages risks.
    • Supports compliance (SOX, GDPR) and audit readiness via MEA04.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, enables digital transformation, provides competitive agility.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: assess gaps, design via 11 factors, pilot objectives, measure capabilities.
    • Applies to all sizes/industries; requires training (Foundation/Design certs), change management.

    CAA Details

    What It Is

    The Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a U.S. federal statute establishing national air quality standards and emission controls. It employs cooperative federalism, with EPA setting standards and states implementing via SIPs. Primary purpose: protect public health and welfare from air pollution through ambient and source-based regulations.

    Key Components

    • NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (primary/secondary standards).
    • Technology standards: NSPS, MACT/NESHAPs, mobile source rules.
    • Title V operating permits, NSR/PSD preconstruction review.
    • Enforcement via penalties, sanctions, citizen suits. Over 100 subparts in CFR Parts 60/63.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for emitters; drives compliance to avoid fines, shutdowns. Reduces health risks, supports ESG, enables permitting for expansions. Enhances reputation, market access via proven controls.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, permitting, controls/monitoring installation, training. Applies to major stationary/mobile sources nationwide. Requires Title V permits, audits; no central certification but EPA/state oversight. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    COBIT
    Enterprise IT governance and management
    CAA
    Air quality standards and emission controls

    Industry

    COBIT
    All industries worldwide, any size
    CAA
    Manufacturing, energy, regulated emitters

    Nature

    COBIT
    Voluntary governance framework
    CAA
    Mandatory U.S. federal regulation

    Testing

    COBIT
    Capability/maturity assessments, audits
    CAA
    CEMS, stack testing, permit compliance

    Penalties

    COBIT
    No legal penalties, certification loss
    CAA
    Fines, sanctions, facility shutdowns

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about COBIT and CAA

    COBIT FAQ

    CAA FAQ

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