Standards Comparison

    ISO 20000

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for service management systems

    VS

    LEED

    Voluntary
    1998

    Global green building certification framework

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 20000 certifies service management for IT reliability, while LEED rates green buildings for sustainability. Companies adopt ISO 20000 for operational trust and market access; LEED for energy savings, health benefits, and premium asset values.

    IT Service Management

    ISO 20000

    ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Service management system requirements

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

    Key Features

    • Annex SL alignment enables integrated management systems
    • Comprehensive Clause 8 service lifecycle processes
    • Certifiable requirements for SMS with PDCA cycle
    • Risk-based planning and leadership accountability
    • Flexible implementation with supplier lifecycle controls
    Green Building

    LEED

    Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

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

    Key Features

    • Third-party verification by GBCI
    • Point-based scoring with certification tiers
    • Multiple rating systems for project types
    • Mandatory prerequisites and elective credits
    • Recertification for continuous performance

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 20000 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 is the international certification standard for service management systems (SMS). It specifies auditable requirements to establish, implement, maintain, and improve SMS covering the full service lifecycle. Adopting Annex SL high-level structure, it uses a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology for risk-based, outcome-focused service delivery.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Clause 8 operational domains: portfolio, relationships, supply/demand, design/transition, resolution, assurance.
    • Core processes: incident/problem management, change/release, configuration/asset, availability/continuity/security.
    • Certifiable via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives trust, reduces risks, improves efficiency (e.g., 50% certificate growth).
    • Enables market differentiation, customer retention, supplier governance.
    • Integrates with ISO 9001, ISO 27001 for unified compliance.
    • Voluntary but supports regulatory/contractual demands.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, design, deploy, audit, improve (12-18 months typical).
    • Applies to all sizes/industries delivering services.
    • Requires leadership, training, tools, evidence for certification.

    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). Its primary purpose is to promote sustainable design, construction, and operations across building types and life cycles. It uses a performance-based approach with prerequisites, credits, and third-party verification.

    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; prerequisites mandatory (no points), credits elective.
    • Built on holistic sustainability principles; certification tiers: Certified (40-49), Silver (50-59), Gold (60-79), Platinum (80+).
    • Multiple rating systems (e.g., BD+C, ID+C, O+M).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives energy/water savings, health benefits, and asset value.
    • Enhances ESG reporting, tenant attraction, and regulatory incentives.
    • Mitigates climate risks; builds stakeholder trust via verified performance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, design integration, documentation, GBCI review.
    • Applies to all sizes/industries globally; requires registration, performance periods, recertification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 20000
    Service management systems (SMS) lifecycle
    LEED
    Green building design, construction, operations

    Industry

    ISO 20000
    IT, cloud, business services globally
    LEED
    Construction, real estate, all building types

    Nature

    ISO 20000
    Voluntary certifiable management standard
    LEED
    Voluntary green building rating system

    Testing

    ISO 20000
    Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, internal reviews
    LEED
    GBCI review of documentation, performance data

    Penalties

    ISO 20000
    Loss of certification, no legal fines
    LEED
    Certification denial/revocation, no fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 20000 and LEED

    ISO 20000 FAQ

    LEED FAQ

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