Standards Comparison

    IFS Food

    Voluntary
    2023

    GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety and quality

    VS

    LEED

    Voluntary
    1998

    Global framework for green building certification

    Quick Verdict

    IFS Food ensures food safety and quality for manufacturers via GFSI audits, while LEED drives sustainable building performance through credits and verification. Food companies adopt IFS for retailer access; real estate uses LEED for efficiency, value, and ESG goals.

    Food Safety

    IFS Food

    IFS Food Version 8 Standard

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Product and Process Approach with traceability tests
    • Minimum 50% on-site production area evaluation
    • Risk-based HACCP and operational prerequisite programs
    • Annual audits with mandatory unannounced frequency
    • Knock-out requirements for critical governance controls
    Green Building

    LEED

    Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

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

    Key Features

    • Third-party GBCI verification and certification tiers
    • Weighted 110-point system across sustainability categories
    • Mandatory prerequisites with elective performance credits
    • Tailored rating systems for buildings, operations, neighborhoods
    • Recertification pathways for continuous improvement

    Detailed Analysis

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

    IFS Food Details

    What It Is

    IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for auditing product and process compliance in food manufacturing. It focuses on food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer requirements using a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) with on-site verification.

    Key Components

    • Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (e.g., allergens, fraud, defense), and performance monitoring.
    • Over 200 checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
    • Built on HACCP principles, prerequisite programs, and annual management reviews.
    • Site-specific certification via accredited bodies under ISO/IEC 17065.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets European retailer demands for private-label supply.
    • Reduces duplicate audits, enhances market access.
    • Mitigates recalls, fraud risks; builds stakeholder trust.
    • Provides scoring levels (Higher/Foundation) for benchmarking.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased gap analysis, FSMS development, training, internal audits.
    • Initial/recertification audits annually; unannounced every third.
    • Applies to food processors globally, especially complex sites.

    LEED Details

    What It Is

    LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most recognized green building certification framework by USGBC. It provides a performance-based system for sustainable design, construction, operations across building types and phases. Scope includes new builds, interiors, existing operations, neighborhoods.

    Key Components

    • Categories: Sustainable Sites (26 pts), Water Efficiency (10), Energy & Atmosphere (35), Materials (14), IEQ (15), Innovation (6), Regional Priority (4)
    • Prerequisites (mandatory baselines, no points); credits earn up to 110 points
    • Tiers: Certified (40-49), Silver (50-59), Gold (60-79), Platinum (80+)
    • GBCI third-party verification

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Cuts energy/water costs (20-40% savings)
    • Boosts asset value, tenant demand, ESG reporting
    • Mitigates risks (climate, health)
    • Enhances reputation, productivity
    • Policy incentives, market differentiation

    Implementation Overview

    • Select system (BD+C, O+M), register (Arc/Online), scorecard, document, review
    • Integrated design, commissioning, M&V
    • All sizes/industries; project-tied timelines
    • Certification via phased GBCI audits

    Key Differences

    Scope

    IFS Food
    Food manufacturing processes and safety
    LEED
    Building design, construction, operations

    Industry

    IFS Food
    Food processing, global retailers
    LEED
    Construction, real estate worldwide

    Nature

    IFS Food
    Voluntary GFSI certification standard
    LEED
    Voluntary green building rating system

    Testing

    IFS Food
    Annual on-site product audits
    LEED
    Third-party plan review, performance verification

    Penalties

    IFS Food
    Certification withdrawal, market access loss
    LEED
    No certification, lost incentives

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about IFS Food and LEED

    IFS Food FAQ

    LEED FAQ

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