Standards Comparison

    IEC 62443

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for IACS cybersecurity frameworks

    VS

    LEED

    Voluntary
    1998

    Global green building rating system for sustainable performance.

    Quick Verdict

    IEC 62443 secures industrial control systems against cyber threats via risk-based segmentation and certifications, while LEED drives sustainable buildings through energy efficiency and IEQ credits. Companies adopt IEC 62443 for OT resilience; LEED for cost savings, health, and market value.

    Industrial Cybersecurity

    IEC 62443

    IEC 62443: Industrial automation and control systems security

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Zones and conduits model for risk-based segmentation
    • Security Levels SL-T, SL-C, SL-A triad for assurance
    • Shared responsibility across asset owners, integrators, suppliers
    • Seven Foundational Requirements FR1-7 for systems/components
    • ISASecure modular certifications SDLA, CSA, SSA
    Green Building

    LEED

    Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Point-based scoring with certification tiers Certified to Platinum
    • Third-party verification by GBCI for credibility
    • Mandatory prerequisites plus elective credits structure
    • Tailored rating systems for BD+C, ID+C, O+M
    • Recertification pathways for continuous performance

    Detailed Analysis

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

    IEC 62443 Details

    What It Is

    IEC 62443 is the ISA/IEC series of standards for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). This consensus-based framework addresses OT cybersecurity across governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and product development. It employs a risk-based approach with zones/conduits segmentation and security levels (SL 0-4).

    Key Components

    • Four groupings: General (-1), Policies (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
    • Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7) like authentication, integrity, data flow.
    • ~140 component requirements in 62443-4-2; CSMS with maturity levels (ML1-4).
    • ISASecure certifications: SDLA (4-1), CSA (4-2), SSA (3-3).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates OT-specific risks (safety, availability, legacy systems).
    • Meets regulatory references (e.g., NIS-2, NERC CIP); lowers insurance costs.
    • Enables secure procurement, supply chain assurance, IIoT integration.
    • Builds stakeholder trust via certified components/systems.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: CSMS governance (2-1), risk assessment/zoning (3-2), controls (3-3/4-2). Applies to critical infrastructure globally; requires OT expertise, audits. Multi-year for maturity.

    LEED Details

    What It Is

    Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 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 life cycles. The approach combines mandatory prerequisites with elective credits earned via points, emphasizing holistic sustainability.

    Key Components

    • Seven core categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, and Regional Priority.
    • Up to 110 points total, with certification tiers: Certified (40-49), Silver (50-59), Gold (60-79), Platinum (80+).
    • Built on third-party verification by GBCI, prerequisites ensure baselines, credits drive excellence.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Delivers cost savings, risk mitigation, and ESG alignment.
    • Enhances asset value, tenant attraction, and regulatory incentives.
    • Builds reputation through credible sustainability signaling.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: registration, scorecard development, design/construction/operations, GBCI review.
    • Applies to all sizes/industries globally; requires documentation, modeling, commissioning.
    • Certification via Arc/LEED Online platforms, with O+M recertification options.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    IEC 62443
    IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle and requirements
    LEED
    Green building design, construction, operations sustainability

    Industry

    IEC 62443
    Industrial sectors (energy, manufacturing, utilities) globally
    LEED
    All building types (commercial, residential) globally

    Nature

    IEC 62443
    Voluntary consensus standards and certifications
    LEED
    Voluntary green building rating and certification

    Testing

    IEC 62443
    ISASecure modular certifications, risk assessments
    LEED
    GBCI third-party review, performance verification

    Penalties

    IEC 62443
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    LEED
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about IEC 62443 and LEED

    IEC 62443 FAQ

    LEED FAQ

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