ISO 37301
Certifiable international standard for compliance management systems
BREEAM
Global sustainability certification for built environment
Quick Verdict
ISO 37301 establishes certifiable compliance management systems for all organizations, embedding risk-based integrity and culture. BREEAM assesses sustainable building performance across lifecycle stages. Companies adopt them for governance assurance, risk reduction, ESG credibility, and market differentiation.
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems — Requirements with guidance
Key Features
- Certifiable requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- High-Level Structure for seamless IMS integration
- Risk-based compliance obligations and planning approach
- Leadership commitment fostering integrity culture
- Mandatory whistleblowing channels with anti-retaliation protections
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Credit-based weighted scoring across 10 categories
- Third-party BRE certification and quality audits
- Tailored schemes for buildings, infrastructure, in-use
- Whole-life carbon and biodiversity emphasis in V7
- Knowledge Base for continuous compliance updates
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 37301 Details
What It Is
ISO 37301:2021 is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving Compliance Management Systems (CMS). It applies universally across organization sizes and sectors, using a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with ISO High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Emphasizes leadership commitment, risk assessment, whistleblowing protections, internal audits, and continual improvement.
- Built on HLS for integration with ISO 9001/14001/27001; supports companion standards like ISO 37302/37303.
- Certification via accredited bodies (e.g., ANAB) with three-year cycles.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives risk reduction, regulatory compliance, stakeholder trust, and ESG alignment (e.g., 2024 climate amendment). Provides third-party validation, enhances reputation, and mitigates fines/reputational damage amid rising regulatory complexity.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, compliance register, training, audits, certification. Scalable for SMEs/enterprises; involves cultural change, resource allocation, and tech platforms. Applicable globally; audits ensure ongoing conformity.
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 buildings, infrastructure, and communities across lifecycles, using a credit-based, weighted scoring methodology to deliver ratings from Pass to Outstanding.
Key Components
- 10 core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation.
- Credits earned via evidenced compliance; categories weighted by impact.
- Schemes like New Construction, In-Use, Infrastructure; supported by technical manuals and KBCNs.
- Third-party certification via licensed assessors and BRE audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives ESG compliance, net zero alignment, value uplift (up to 25% rents).
- Mitigates regulatory, financial risks; enhances resilience, health.
- Builds stakeholder trust through verified performance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: pre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, certification.
- Early assessor appointment key; applies globally to all sizes.
- BRE QA ensures credibility; In-Use for ongoing validity.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37301 | BREEAM |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Compliance obligations, risks, culture across operations | Building sustainability, energy, health, ecology |
| Industry | All sectors, organizations globally, all sizes | Built environment, construction, real estate worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable management system standard | Voluntary sustainability assessment certification |
| Testing | Accredited audits, internal audits, management reviews | Licensed assessors, BRE quality audits, evidence review |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37301 and BREEAM
ISO 37301 FAQ
BREEAM FAQ
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