IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity lifecycle frameworks
BREEAM
Global certification framework for sustainable built environments.
Quick Verdict
IEC 62443 secures industrial control systems against cyber threats via risk-based segmentation and certifications, while BREEAM assesses building sustainability for energy, health, and ecology ratings. Companies adopt IEC 62443 for OT resilience and BREEAM for ESG value uplift.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443: Industrial automation and control systems security
Key Features
- Zones and conduits for risk-based segmentation
- Security levels SL-T, SL-C, SL-A triad
- Shared responsibility across asset owners, integrators, suppliers
- Seven foundational requirements FR1-FR7 taxonomy
- ISASecure modular certifications for components, systems, SDLC
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Credit-based weighted scoring across 10 categories
- Third-party certification by licensed assessors
- Lifecycle coverage: design to in-use operations
- Evidence-driven compliance with KBCNs
- Aligns with net zero, EU Taxonomy, resilience
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
IEC 62443 Details
What It Is
IEC 62443 is the ISA/IEC series of standards for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). This consensus-based framework addresses OT cybersecurity across governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and product development, using a risk-based approach with zones/conduits and security levels.
Key Components
- Four groupings: General (-1), Policies (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
- Seven foundational requirements (FR1-7) mapped to system requirements (SRs) and component requirements (CRs).
- Security levels SL 0-4 (SL-T target, SL-C capability, SL-A achieved).
- ISASecure certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA) for modular compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates OT-specific risks like safety impacts and downtime.
- Enables supplier qualification and procurement standards.
- Builds stakeholder trust via certifications; supports regulatory alignment.
- Provides competitive edge in critical infrastructure sectors.
Implementation Overview
Phased: CSMS establishment (-2-1), risk assessment/segmentation (-3-2), controls (-3-3/-4-2). Applies to asset owners, integrators, suppliers globally; involves audits, maturity levels ML1-4.
BREEAM Details
What It Is
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a science-led sustainability certification framework for the built environment. It assesses environmental, social, and resilience performance across buildings, infrastructure, and communities. The primary purpose is to convert sustainability ambitions into measurable credits via a category-based, weighted scoring methodology.
Key Components
- Core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation (10 main domains).
- Credits awarded for compliance with evidence-based criteria; weighted scores yield ratings (Pass to Outstanding).
- Built on third-party assurance by licensed BREEAM Assessors and BRE Global audits.
- Schemes for lifecycle stages: New Construction, In-Use, Refurbishment.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives asset value uplift (up to 30%), energy savings (~22-33%), and ESG alignment.
- Meets planning incentives, EU Taxonomy, and investor demands.
- Mitigates risks in regulation, operations, and reputation.
- Enhances market differentiation and tenant appeal.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: pre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, certification.
- Involves early Assessor/AP appointment, evidence management, training.
- Applies globally to all sizes/industries; BRE certification required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IEC 62443 | BREEAM |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle | Built environment sustainability performance |
| Industry | Industrial sectors globally (utilities, manufacturing) | Construction/real estate worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary consensus standards/certification | Voluntary science-led assessment/certification |
| Testing | ISASecure modular certifications (CSA/SSA/SDLA) | Licensed assessor audits, BRE quality assurance |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, supply chain exclusion | No legal penalties, lost market/valuation benefits |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC 62443 and BREEAM
IEC 62443 FAQ
BREEAM FAQ
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