EMAS
EU voluntary scheme for environmental management and audit
ISO 27017
International standard for cloud security controls.
Quick Verdict
EMAS drives voluntary environmental performance via verified public statements for EU organizations, while ISO 27017 provides cloud security guidance extending ISO 27001 globally. Companies adopt EMAS for eco-credibility and ISO 27017 for shared cloud risk management.
EMAS
Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 (EMAS III)
Key Features
- Requires validated public environmental statements
- Mandates verified legal compliance checks
- Demands measurable performance improvements
- Incorporates core indicators for comparability
- Uses independent verifier validation
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific controls for multi-tenancy risks
- Provides guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls for cloud
- Addresses virtual machine segregation and hardening
- Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001 certification
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
EMAS Details
What It Is
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is EU Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009, a voluntary environmental management framework. It promotes continuous improvement in environmental performance through structured EMS, evaluation, and transparent reporting. Built on ISO 14001 with added verification, it uses PDCA cycle for direct/indirect aspects.
Key Components
- Initial environmental review and policy
- EMS implementation with employee involvement
- Internal audits, management review
- Core indicators (energy, water, waste, emissions)
- Annual validated public statements (Annex IV)
- Independent verifier validation and Competent Body registration
Why Organizations Use It
- Verified legal compliance reduces risks
- Measurable efficiency gains (energy, resources)
- Procurement advantages and incentives
- ESG/CSRD reporting synergies
- Enhanced stakeholder trust and reputation
Implementation Overview
Phased: review, EMS design, audits, verification (12-18 months typical). Applies to all sectors/sizes; SMEs have derogations. Requires verifier audits and public disclosure.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific guidance for information security controls. It provides implementation advice for cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, using a risk-based approach integrated into an ISO 27001 ISMS, focusing on shared responsibilities between cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs).
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO/IEC 27002 controls adapted for cloud environments.
- 7 additional cloud-specific CLD controls covering shared roles, virtual machine segregation/hardening, admin operations, monitoring, and asset removal.
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS framework; not standalone certification but assessed within ISO 27001 audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses cloud risks like multi-tenancy and shared responsibility.
- Supports regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR) and procurement demands.
- Enhances risk management and builds customer trust.
- Provides competitive differentiation for CSPs.
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment and control mapping.
- Key activities: define shared responsibilities, configure virtualization controls, enable monitoring.
- Applicable to CSPs/CSCs of all sizes; global geography.
- Certification via joint ISO 27001 audits (9-12 months typical).
Key Differences
| Aspect | EMAS | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Environmental management, performance reporting, continuous improvement | Cloud-specific information security controls, shared responsibility |
| Industry | All sectors, EU-focused, organizations of all sizes | Cloud service providers/customers, global IT/cloud sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary EU regulation with registration and verification | Guidance code extending ISO 27001/27002, not standalone certifiable |
| Testing | Independent verifier validation, internal audits, annual statements | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits by accredited certification bodies |
| Penalties | Registration suspension/deletion for non-compliance | Loss of ISO 27001 certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EMAS and ISO 27017
EMAS FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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