CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity for defense contractors
LEED
Global certification for sustainable building design and operations
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI, while LEED voluntarily rates green buildings for sustainability. Defense firms adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; real estate owners pursue LEED for cost savings, market premium, and ESG leadership.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels tailored to FCI, CUI, APT risks
- Flexible paths: self-assessments or C3PAO/DIBCAC verification
- 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls at Level 2
- DFARS-mandated flow-down to supply chain subcontractors
- Limited POA&Ms with strict 180-day closure timelines
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Key Features
- Third-party verified certification by GBCI
- Weighted 110-point system across core categories
- Tailored rating systems for project types and phases
- Mandatory prerequisites with elective performance credits
- Recertification pathways for continuous improvement
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CMMC Details
What It Is
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) program certifying cybersecurity maturity for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It verifies protections for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) via three cumulative levels: Level 1 (basic FCI safeguards), Level 2 (advanced CUI protection), and Level 3 (expert APT defenses). Employs risk-based scoping to system enclaves using NIST-mapped controls.
Key Components
- Level 1: 17 FAR 52.204-21 practices; Level 2: 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 across 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response); Level 3: +24 NIST SP 800-172 enhancements.
- Assessment via interview, examine, test methods per NIST SP 800-171A/172A.
- Certification: annual self-affirmations (SPRS), triennial C3PAO (Level 2)/DIBCAC (Level 3) with limited POA&Ms.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contract eligibility, flow-down to subcontractors.
- Mitigates supply chain risks, reduces breach costs, enhances resilience.
- Boosts procurement competitiveness, builds prime trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased: governance, scoping/gaps, remediation, pre-assessment, certification, sustainment. Targets DIB primes/SMEs; requires SSPs, evidence artifacts. Complex multi-tier chains need enclave segmentation.
LEED Details
What It Is
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary green building certification framework developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides a performance-based rating system for sustainable design, construction, operations, and maintenance across building types and phases. The primary purpose is to promote healthier, efficient buildings reducing environmental impacts via verifiable outcomes.
Key Components
- Core categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, Regional Priority.
- Up to 110 points from prerequisites (mandatory baselines) and elective credits.
- Built on holistic principles like energy modeling, commissioning, and life-cycle assessment.
- Certification levels: Certified (40-49), Silver (50-59), Gold (60-79), Platinum (80+), verified by GBCI.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives cost savings, risk mitigation, and ESG reporting.
- Enhances asset value, tenant attraction, and regulatory incentives.
- Builds stakeholder trust through third-party verification.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: initiation, design, construction, performance measurement.
- Applies to all sizes/industries globally; tailored rating systems (BD+C, O+M).
- Requires registration, scorecard, documentation, GBCI review.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | LEED |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in 14 domains | Sustainable building design/operations categories |
| Industry | DoD contractors/subcontractors, US-focused | All building types/owners, global applicability |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contracts | Voluntary green building rating system |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | GBCI third-party review of documentation |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment risks | No certification, lost market incentives |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and LEED
CMMC FAQ
LEED FAQ
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