RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in EEE
LEED
Global green building certification for sustainable performance
Quick Verdict
RoHS mandates hazardous substance limits in electronics for EU market access, while LEED certifies sustainable buildings voluntarily. Companies adopt RoHS for legal compliance and supply chain control; LEED for cost savings, health benefits, and market differentiation.
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2 recast)
Key Features
- Restricts 10 hazardous substances at homogeneous material level
- Open-scope applies to all EEE unless excluded
- Time-limited exemptions in Annexes III and IV
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
- Tiered verification with XRF screening and lab confirmation
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Key Features
- Third-party GBCI verification for credible certification
- Point-based scoring across seven sustainability categories
- Tailored rating systems for projects and operations
- Mandatory prerequisites with elective performance credits
- Recertification pathways for continuous improvement
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
RoHS Details
What It Is
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) is an EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to protect health and environment during waste management. It uses an open-scope approach, covering all EEE unless excluded, with restrictions at homogeneous material level (0.1% threshold, 0.01% for cadmium).
Key Components
- 10 restricted substances (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP).
- Annexes III/IV for time-limited exemptions.
- Technical documentation per EN IEC 63000 and EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
- Compliance via supplier declarations, risk-based testing (IEC 62321), CE marking.
Why Organizations Use It
Ensures EU market access, reduces e-waste risks, aligns with WEEE for recyclability. Manages supply chain liabilities, avoids fines/recalls, builds ESG credibility and level playing field.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scope analysis, BoM review, supplier verification, testing, technical files. Applies to manufacturers/importers of EEE; high complexity for global supply chains. No certification, but 10-year documentation retention for audits.
LEED Details
What It Is
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized green building certification framework by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It promotes healthy, efficient buildings through sustainable design, construction, and operations across all phases and types. LEED employs a performance-based methodology with prerequisites, credits, and third-party verification by GBCI.
Key Components
- Categories: Sustainable Sites (SS), Water Efficiency (WE), Energy and Atmosphere (EA), Materials and Resources (MR), Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), Innovation (IN), Regional Priority (RP)
- Up to 110 points; tiers: Certified (40-49), Silver (50-59), Gold (60-79), Platinum (80+)
- Mandatory prerequisites plus elective credits
- Rating systems: BD+C, ID+C, O+M, ND
Why Organizations Use It
- Achieves cost savings, resilience, and ESG alignment
- Boosts asset value, tenant appeal, incentives
- Manages risks in energy, water, health
- Builds reputation via credible verification
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, design, commissioning, submission
- Involves modeling, documentation, audits
- Suits all sizes/industries globally
- Requires GBCI review for certification
Key Differences
| Aspect | RoHS | LEED |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Hazardous substances in EEE materials | Building design, construction, operations |
| Industry | Electronics manufacturing, global | Construction, real estate, worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory EU product regulation | Voluntary green building certification |
| Testing | XRF screening, lab analysis (IEC 62321) | Energy modeling, commissioning, verification |
| Penalties | Fines, recalls, market bans | No certification, lost incentives |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RoHS and LEED
RoHS FAQ
LEED FAQ
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