GDPR
EU regulation protecting personal data of EU residents globally
BREEAM
Global sustainability certification framework for built environment.
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates data privacy for EU residents worldwide, enforcing rights and accountability with hefty fines. BREEAM voluntarily certifies sustainable buildings via credits and audits. Companies adopt GDPR for legal compliance, BREEAM for ESG value and market edge.
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope applies to non-EU entities targeting EU residents
- Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance proof
- Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover for violations
- Enhanced data subject rights including erasure and portability
- Mandatory 72-hour personal data breach notification
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Credit-based scoring with category weightings emphasizing energy
- Third-party certification by licensed assessors and BRE audits
- 10 core sustainability categories covering lifecycle performance
- Scheme-specific standards for new construction, in-use, infrastructure
- Continuous updates via Knowledge Base Compliance Notes
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), officially Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a binding EU regulation directly applicable since May 25, 2018. It protects personal data of EU residents, ensuring lawful processing and free data movement. GDPR uses a principles-based, accountability-driven, risk-focused approach replacing the fragmented 1995 Directive.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness/fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Expanded **data subject rightsaccess, rectification, erasure ("right to be forgotten"), portability, objection.
- Obligations include DPIAs, DPO appointment, Records of Processing Activities, 72-hour breach notifications.
- Extraterritorial scope, one-stop-shop enforcement, fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance for EU data processors to avoid severe penalties.
- Enhances risk management, builds stakeholder trust, reputational benefits.
- Global "gold standard" influences worldwide laws, enables cross-border operations.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, policies, training, technical safeguards (encryption, pseudonymisation).
- Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data.
- No formal certification; requires ongoing DPA compliance, audits. (178 words)
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, weighted scoring methodology converts performance into ratings from Pass to Outstanding.
Key Components
- 10 core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
- Hundreds of credits with prerequisites, evidence requirements, and Knowledge Base Compliance Notes (KBCNs) for updates.
- Built on third-party assurance via licensed assessors and BRE audits (ISO/IEC 17065 accredited).
- Scheme-specific manuals for New Construction, In-Use, Infrastructure, etc.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives operational savings (e.g., 22-33% energy reduction), asset value uplift (up to 30%), and ESG alignment.
- Meets planning incentives, investor demands, and EU Taxonomy.
- Mitigates risks in regulation, reputation, and climate resilience.
- Enhances market differentiation and tenant appeal.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: pre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, certification.
- Requires early licensed assessor appointment, evidence management, training.
- Applies globally to all sizes/industries; voluntary but strategically essential.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | BREEAM |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection and privacy | Building sustainability and environmental performance |
| Industry | All sectors processing EU data, global reach | Construction, real estate, infrastructure worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with fines | Voluntary certification scheme with audits |
| Testing | DPIAs, audits by supervisory authorities | Assessor-led assessments, BRE quality audits |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Loss of certification, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and BREEAM
GDPR FAQ
BREEAM FAQ
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