ISO 20000
International standard for service management systems
BREEAM
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.
ISO 20000
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Service management system requirements
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
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
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
| Aspect | ISO 20000 | BREEAM |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Service management systems across lifecycle | Building sustainability and environmental performance |
| Industry | All service providers, global, any size | Construction, real estate, infrastructure worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable management standard | Voluntary third-party sustainability certification |
| Testing | Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance by certification bodies | Licensed assessor review, BRE quality audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | No certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 20000 and BREEAM
ISO 20000 FAQ
BREEAM FAQ
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