ITIL
Best-practices framework for IT service management
LEED
Global green building rating system for sustainable performance.
Quick Verdict
ITIL provides ITSM best practices for IT service alignment worldwide, while LEED offers green building certification for sustainable construction. Companies adopt ITIL for efficiency and ITIL 4 agility; LEED for cost savings, health benefits, and market differentiation.
ITIL
ITIL 4 Framework for IT Service Management
Key Features
- Service Value System (SVS) for value co-creation
- 34 adaptable practices across management categories
- Seven guiding principles directing decisions
- Four dimensions balancing organizations and processes
- Continual improvement embedded throughout framework
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Key Features
- Third-party GBCI verification and certification tiers
- Weighted points prioritizing Energy and Atmosphere
- Tailored rating systems for project types
- Mandatory prerequisites plus elective credits
- Recertification for continuous operational performance
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ITIL Details
What It Is
ITIL 4, the IT Service Management (ITSM) framework, provides flexible best practices to align IT with business needs. Originally from UK CCTA (1980s), it evolved to a value-driven Service Value System (SVS) methodology.
Key Components
- **SVSGuiding principles, governance, Service Value Chain (6 activities), 34 practices (14 general, 17 service, 3 technical), continual improvement.
- **Four dimensionsOrganizations/people, information/technology, partners/suppliers, value streams/processes.
- Seven principles (e.g., Focus on Value, Progress Iteratively).
- PeopleCert certifications (Foundation to Strategic Leader).
Why Organizations Use It
- Cost savings, 87% adoption, ROI up to 38:1.
- Enhances service quality, risk mitigation ($3M breaches), customer satisfaction.
- Integrates DevOps/Agile/Lean; voluntary compliance (ISO 20000 alignment).
- Builds trust via common language, career boosts.
Implementation Overview
- Phased 10-step roadmap: Assess, design, integrate, train.
- Tailored for all sizes/industries; tools like CMDB.
- Focus high-ROI practices first; certifications optional.
LEED Details
What It Is
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary green building certification framework by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides a performance-based system for sustainable design, construction, operations, and maintenance across all building types and phases. The methodology combines mandatory prerequisites with elective credits earning points toward certification tiers.
Key Components
- Seven categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere (up to 35 points), Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation (6 points), Regional Priority (4 points)
- Total up to 110 points; tiers: Certified (40–49), Silver (50–59), Gold (60–79), Platinum (80+)
- Prerequisites as non-negotiable baselines
- Third-party verification by GBCI
Why Organizations Use It
- Achieves energy/water savings and cost reductions
- Enhances asset value, tenant appeal, ESG reporting
- Builds reputation for sustainability leadership
- Mitigates climate/regulatory risks
- Improves occupant health/productivity
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, design, construction, submission
- Applies globally to new/existing buildings
- Requires registration (Arc/LEED Online), documentation, review
- Supports recertification for O+M projects
Key Differences
| Aspect | ITIL | LEED |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | ITSM best practices, service lifecycle | Green building design, operations |
| Industry | All IT organizations worldwide | Construction, real estate globally |
| Nature | Voluntary ITSM framework | Voluntary green certification |
| Testing | Certifications, audits optional | Third-party GBCI reviews mandatory |
| Penalties | No legal penalties | Certification denial/revocation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ITIL and LEED
ITIL FAQ
LEED FAQ
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