Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive framework for secure information exchange and assessments

    VS

    BREEAM

    Voluntary
    1990

    Global framework for sustainable building assessment and certification

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX ensures information security for automotive supply chains via standardized assessments, while BREEAM certifies sustainable building performance through credit-based ratings. Companies adopt TISAX for OEM contracts and BREEAM for asset value uplift and ESG compliance.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Shares security assessments via ENX portal across partners
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • Risk-based three-tier assessment levels AL1-AL3
    • VDA ISA catalog with maturity grading 0-5
    • Reduces duplicate audits valid 3 years
    Building Sustainability

    BREEAM

    Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

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

    Key Features

    • Credit-based scoring with category weightings
    • Third-party certification by licensed assessors and BRE
    • 10 core sustainability categories including Health & Wellbeing
    • Lifecycle schemes from New Construction to In-Use
    • Continuous updates via Knowledge Base Compliance Notes

    Detailed Analysis

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

    TISAX Details

    What It Is

    TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an automotive industry certification framework developed by the ENX Association using the VDA ISA catalog v5.0.4. It standardizes information security assessments for the global supply chain, focusing on protecting sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information. Employs a risk-based approach with three levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).

    Key Components

    • 70+ controls in 7 groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access Control, Cryptography, Operations.
    • Extends ISO 27001 with prototype protection modules.
    • Maturity grading (0-5); labels valid 3 years.
    • ENX portal for secure result exchange.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Contractual mandate by OEMs (e.g., BMW, VW) for supplier access.
    • Cuts duplicate audits 70-90%, saves costs €millions.
    • Mitigates breaches, boosts resilience, enables market access.
    • Builds trust, competitive edge in €2.5T chain.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: Preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9), audit (2-4), sustainment. Costs €15k-€150k+; 6-18 months. For suppliers/OEMs/services; accredited auditors required for AL2/AL3.

    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. 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.
    • Credits awarded for compliance with evidence-based criteria; categories weighted by impact (e.g., high for Energy).
    • Built on technical manuals, KBCNs for updates, and third-party assurance via licensed assessors and BRE audits.
    • Schemes for lifecycle stages: New Construction, In-Use, Refurbishment, Infrastructure.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives operational savings (e.g., 22-33% energy reduction), asset value uplift (up to 30%), and ESG alignment.
    • Supports regulatory compliance (e.g., EU Taxonomy), risk mitigation, and market differentiation.
    • Builds stakeholder trust through independent certification.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: early assessor appointment, pre-assessment, design integration, evidence collection, BRE QA.
    • Applies to all sizes/industries globally; requires training, APs, and ongoing In-Use monitoring.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Information security in automotive supply chain
    BREEAM
    Sustainability performance of built environment

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive suppliers, OEMs, global
    BREEAM
    Construction, real estate, infrastructure worldwide

    Nature

    TISAX
    Voluntary industry-specific assessment exchange
    BREEAM
    Voluntary science-based certification framework

    Testing

    TISAX
    Self-assess to on-site audits, 3-year validity
    BREEAM
    Licensed assessor audits, credits-based scoring

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no TISAX label
    BREEAM
    No certification, market/reputational disadvantage

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and BREEAM

    TISAX FAQ

    BREEAM FAQ

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