LEED v5: The Next Generation of Sustainable Building Certification is Coming

‍LEEDv5: The Next Generation of Sustainable Building Certification is Coming

As many of you know, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has been hard at work developing the next iteration of its LEED rating system, LEED v5, which is on the horizon. During the recent Greenbuild conference, I had the opportunity to attend the LEED committee meeting and get an insider's perspective on this highly anticipated update.

Here'sa rundown of what you need to know about LEED v5:

• Timeline: While the exact launch date is still to be determined, the current estimate is that LEED v5 will be officially released in the first quarter of 2025. This follows a period of public comment and review, ensuring that the updated rating system reflects the latest advancements and priorities in sustainable design.
• What Happens to LEED v4?: LEED v4 registration will remain open for one year after the launch of v5, giving projects a short window where they can choose between the old and new versions of LEED. It is important to note that some jurisdictions, including here in Massachusetts, have regulations that mandate using the latest LEED version. This means that the adoption of v5 may be more rapid in certain areas.
• Why Update LEED?: The USGBC is committed to a regular development cycle for LEED, aiming for updates every five years. This ensures that the rating system remains relevant and responsive to the building industry's evolving needs and the urgency of addressing climate change.
• Key Changes in LEED v5: While the overall structure of LEED remains familiar, v5 incorporates several significant changes:
  • Emphasis on Decarbonization: Reflecting the growing urgency of the climate crisis, LEED v5 strongly emphasizes decarbonization strategies. Approximately half of the points available for certification are tied to reducing carbon emissions.
   
  • Focus on Equity and Health: LEED v5 also strengthens its focus on social equity and human health, recognizing the critical connection between the built  environment and the well-being of individuals and communities.
   
  • Streamlined Credit Categories: Some credit categories have been reorganized and streamlined to improve clarity and ease of use.
   
  • Alignment with Other Initiatives: LEED v5 is designed to align with other industry initiatives related to climate change, such as the AIA 2030 Commitment and the Paris Agreement.‍

Why Consider LEED v5 for Your Projects:‍

Even if not required by local regulations, there are several compelling reasons to consider pursuing LEED v5 certification for your projects

• Leadership: LEED v5 represents the leading edge of sustainable building practices, demonstrating your commitment to environmental stewardship and social     responsibility.
• Performance: The updated rating system is better aligned with current energy codes and performance standards, helping you achieve higher efficiency and reduce operating costs.

The Green Engineer and LEED v5:

At The Green Engineer, we're excited about LEED v5's potential to drive further advancements in sustainable design and construction. Our team is actively engaged in learning the intricacies of the updated rating system and developing strategies to help our clients achieve their LEED v5 goals.Whether you're planning a new construction project or seeking to improve the performance of an existing building, we can provide the expertise and guidance you need to navigate the LEED v5 certification process and createhigh-performing, sustainable spaces.

We believe that LEED v5 represents a significant stepforward in the evolution of green building, and we're committed to helping ourclients leverage its power to create a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

In the new year, we will be offering 1-hour “lunch and learn” style presentations and developing other educational content on LEED v5.

Contact us to learn more.