Standards Comparison

    ISO 20000

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for service management systems

    VS

    BREEAM

    Voluntary
    1990

    Global sustainability certification framework for built environment

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 20000 certifies service management systems for reliable IT/business services, while BREEAM assesses building sustainability for environmental performance. Organizations adopt ISO 20000 for operational excellence and trust; BREEAM for asset value uplift, ESG compliance, and market differentiation.

    IT Service Management

    ISO 20000

    ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Service management system requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Adopts Annex SL for integrated management systems
    • Structures Clause 8 service lifecycle processes
    • Mandates PDCA continual improvement cycle
    • Provides certifiable service reliability benchmark
    • Enables flexible ITIL DevOps Agile methods
    Building Sustainability

    BREEAM

    Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

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

    Key Features

    • Credit-based weighted scoring across 10 categories
    • Third-party certification by BRE Global
    • Lifecycle schemes for new, existing, infrastructure
    • Evidence-driven with KBCNs and assessor audits
    • Global adaptability with national scheme operators

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 20000 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 is the certifiable international standard for establishing, implementing, and improving a service management system (SMS). It applies to any organization providing services, focusing on full lifecycle management from planning to continual improvement using a risk-based, PDCA approach aligned with Annex SL.

    Key Components

    • **Clauses 4-10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Operational domains in Clause 8: service portfolio, relationships, supply/demand, design/transition, resolution, assurance.
    • Core processes: incident/problem management, change/release, configuration/asset, availability/continuity/security.
    • Certifiable via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Builds trust, reduces risks, improves efficiency (e.g., 50% certificate growth).
    • Enables market differentiation, customer retention, supplier governance.
    • Integrates with ISO 9001, ISO 27001 for unified systems.
    • Voluntary but demanded in RFPs, regulations like DORA.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, design, deploy, audit, improve (12-18 months typical).
    • Applies to all sizes/industries; requires leadership, training, tools like ITSM platforms.
    • Evidence-based audits ensure operational effectiveness.

    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 categoriesManagement, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
    • Hundreds of credits with prerequisites, weighted by impact (e.g., high for Energy).
    • Built on evidence-driven compliance, KBCNs, and third-party assurance.
    • **Certification modelLicensed assessors submit for BRE audits under ISO/IEC 17065.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives ESG alignment, net zero, and value uplift (e.g., 8-12% premiums).
    • Mitigates regulatory, financial, and reputational risks.
    • Enhances market differentiation and tenant appeal.
    • Builds stakeholder trust via independent verification.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: pre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, certification.
    • Involves assessor/AP appointment, evidence management.
    • Applies globally to all sizes/industries; adaptable schemes (New Construction, In-Use).
    • Requires BRE certification with periodic recertification (e.g., In-Use every 3 years).

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 20000
    Service management systems across lifecycle
    BREEAM
    Building sustainability and environmental performance

    Industry

    ISO 20000
    All service providers, global, any size
    BREEAM
    Construction, real estate, infrastructure worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 20000
    Voluntary certifiable management standard
    BREEAM
    Voluntary third-party sustainability certification

    Testing

    ISO 20000
    Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance by certification bodies
    BREEAM
    Licensed assessor review, BRE quality audits

    Penalties

    ISO 20000
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    BREEAM
    No certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 20000 and BREEAM

    ISO 20000 FAQ

    BREEAM FAQ

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