SQF
GFSI-benchmarked HACCP-based food safety certification standard
LEED
Global green building certification for sustainable performance.
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety certification for global supply chains via HACCP and audits, while LEED drives sustainable buildings through energy, water, and IEQ credits. Companies adopt SQF for retailer access and recall reduction; LEED for cost savings, asset value, and ESG leadership.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture: Module 2 plus sector GMPs
- GFSI-benchmarked global certification program
- HACCP-based food safety plan required
- Mandates full-time onsite SQF Practitioner
- Graded audits with unannounced verification
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Key Features
- Point-based scoring with certification tiers (Certified-Platinum)
- Tailored rating systems (BD+C, ID+C, O+M)
- Third-party GBCI verification and recertification
- Mandatory prerequisites plus elective credits
- Holistic focus on energy, water, IEQ, sites
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SQF Details
What It Is
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program administered by SQFI. It provides a HACCP-based management system for food safety across supply chains, from farm to fork, using modular structure with universal Module 2 system elements paired with sector-specific Good Practices.
Key Components
- **Module 2Management commitment, HACCP plan, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 for manufacturing GMPs).
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; over 20 mandatory elements.
- Annual third-party audits with grading (E/G/C/F) and unannounced checks.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates for market access.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication, supply risks.
- Enhances due diligence, GFSI recognition for global trade.
- Builds food safety culture via leadership accountability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to manufacturers, storage, distributors; scalable by size.
- Requires SQF Practitioner; 6-12 months typical timeline.
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 phases. The approach is performance-based, using prerequisites, credits, and points for holistic environmental and health benefits.
Key Components
- Core categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, Regional Priority.
- Up to 110 points total, with prerequisites mandatory and credits elective.
- Built on third-party verification by GBCI; certification tiers: Certified (40-49), Silver (50-59), Gold (60-79), Platinum (80+).
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives cost savings (energy/water reductions), asset value uplift, and ESG compliance.
- Mitigates risks from regulations, climate, and operations.
- Enhances reputation, tenant attraction, and productivity via IEQ.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: initiation, design, construction, verification, operations.
- Applies to all sizes/industries; rating systems like BD+C, O+M.
- Requires registration, scorecard, documentation, GBCI audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | LEED |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management across supply chain | Sustainable building design and operations |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | Building construction, operations worldwide |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification | USGBC voluntary green building rating |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced audits | Third-party GBCI review, performance verification |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | No certification, lost incentives/reputation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and LEED
SQF FAQ
LEED FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
Top 5 Unseen Complexities Modern Compliance Software Effortlessly Manages
Uncover top 5 unseen complexities modern compliance software manages effortlessly—from sensitive data mapping to real-time regulatory shifts. Automate audits, i
One Step at a Time - a 6 Month Plan to Live and Breath DORA
Achieve DORA compliance in 6 months with our detailed plan. Learn implementation sequence, starting steps, pitfalls to avoid, and accelerators for success. Toug
Scaling Compliance: How Modern Tools Transform Lean Teams into Regulatory Powerhouses
Discover how compliance monitoring tools empower lean teams to automate real-time checks, ensure GDPR/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and scale oversight efficiently. T
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO 20000 vs GDPR UK
ISO 20000 vs GDPR UK: Compare ITSM excellence with data protection rules. Align standards for secure services, risk reduction & compliance wins. Dive in now!
PIPEDA vs ISO 22000
Discover PIPEDA vs ISO 22000 differences: Canada's privacy law (10 principles) vs global FSMS (HLS, PDCA). Master compliance strategies for food/privacy risks. Act now!
ITIL vs PRINCE2
ITIL vs PRINCE2: ITIL 4's 34 practices & SVS align IT services with business; PRINCE2's 7 principles/stages govern projects. Compare for max efficiency—choose yours now!