Standards Comparison

    LEED

    Voluntary
    1998

    World's leading green building certification framework

    VS

    ISO 27017

    Voluntary
    2015

    International code of practice for cloud security controls

    Quick Verdict

    LEED certifies sustainable buildings for energy efficiency and health, while ISO 27017 extends security controls for cloud environments. Companies adopt LEED for green credentials and market value; ISO 27017 for cloud risk management and procurement trust.

    Green Building

    LEED

    Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

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

    Key Features

    • Third-party GBCI verification for credible certification
    • Weighted 110-point system prioritizing energy performance
    • Tiered levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum
    • Tailored rating systems for all building types
    • Recertification pathways ensure continuous improvement
    Cloud Security

    ISO 27017

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security

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

    Key Features

    • Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
    • Introduces seven cloud-specific CLD security controls
    • Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls in cloud
    • Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
    • Integrates seamlessly into ISO 27001 ISMS audits

    Detailed Analysis

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

    LEED Details

    What It Is

    Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized 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 reduce environmental impacts while enhancing occupant health and efficiency through verifiable outcomes.

    Key Components

    • Core categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere (highest weighted), Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, Regional Priority.
    • Up to 110 points from prerequisites (mandatory baselines) and elective credits.
    • Rating systems like BD+C, ID+C, O+M tailored to project scope.
    • Third-party verification by GBCI with tiered certification levels.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives cost savings (energy/water reductions), ESG compliance, asset value premiums, and tenant attraction. Mitigates risks from regulations and climate change while building reputation through credible signaling.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: register, scorecard development, integrated design, documentation, GBCI review. Applies to all sizes/industries globally; requires commissioning, M&V for ongoing recertification.

    ISO 27017 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific guidance for information security controls. It targets cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS in public, private, or hybrid models. Its risk-based approach integrates into ISO 27001 ISMS, providing implementation advice for CSPs and CSCs.

    Key Components

    • Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud contexts
    • 7 additional CLD cloud-specific controls (e.g., shared responsibilities, VM segregation)
    • Domains mirroring ISO 27002: access control, operations, supplier relationships
    • No standalone certification; assessed within ISO 27001 audits

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Addresses shared responsibility and multi-tenancy risks
    • Meets procurement demands and regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR)
    • Enhances risk management and stakeholder trust
    • Provides competitive edge via cloud security assurance

    Implementation Overview

    • Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment
    • Key activities: control mapping, shared responsibility matrices, VM hardening
    • Applies to CSPs/CSCs of all sizes; global applicability
    • Joint audits with ISO 27001 (9-12 months typical)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    LEED
    Green building design, energy, water, IEQ
    ISO 27017
    Cloud-specific info sec controls, multi-tenancy

    Industry

    LEED
    Construction, real estate, all sectors globally
    ISO 27017
    Cloud providers, customers, IT worldwide

    Nature

    LEED
    Voluntary green building certification
    ISO 27017
    Guidance extending ISO 27001 ISMS

    Testing

    LEED
    GBCI third-party review, documentation
    ISO 27017
    ISO 27001 audits include cloud controls

    Penalties

    LEED
    No certification, reputational loss
    ISO 27017
    No standalone penalties, audit failure

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about LEED and ISO 27017

    LEED FAQ

    ISO 27017 FAQ

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