The 6 principles of LEED v5

By Lauren Farkas, USGBC

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has been hard at work developing the latest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, LEED v5. Industry colleagues and volunteers serving on LEED Steering Committees, Technical Advisory Groups, Consensus Committees and Working Groups have been instrumental in shaping updates that align with the goals set out in the Paris Climate Agreement.

LEED v5 for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) was the first concept released during Greenbuild in 2023. Approximately 50 existing construction project teams are participating in a beta test. Their valuable feedback will help refine the rating system, with plans for a full market launch in 2025, including building design and construction (BD+C), interior design and construction (ID+C) and operations and maintenance (O+M).

The long-awaited new LEED rating system arrives more than a decade after the launch of LEED v4. Much has changed since 2013, and the rating system has evolved to meet the critical needs of the market in light of the increasing environmental impacts caused by the climate crisis.

There are six principles that guide a holistic approach to sustainability and the future of LEED. These include the ability to scale transformative change, decarbonization, resilience, human health and well-being, equity and ecosystems. These principles work together with three overarching system goals that are reflected in the scorecard and account for 100% of the points. Climate Action accounts for 50% of the points, Quality of Life for 25% and Ecological Conservation and Restoration make up the remaining 25%. Lending within each credit category will simultaneously address both the system objectives and guiding principles.

Decarbonization is a core objective for LEED v5. One of the key objectives of the new rating system is to increase carbon literacy in the marketplace and encourage strategies to reduce emissions. Attention is paid to both embodied and operational carbon, in addition to emissions related to transport.

Health and well-being of the residents and attention to indoor air quality, advanced filtration and outdoor air monitoring remains a central point of the design. Other components of indoor environmental quality include mental, physical and behavioral well-being, in addition to equity and accessibility.

Ecosystem conservation and biodiversity support a healthy, sustainable environment for all forms of life. Regenerative development practices, resource conservation and an increased concentration on circularity are included in the new rating system.

Resilient and adaptive buildings are becoming increasingly important as natural hazards and climate disruptions impact communities. Implementing climate-related risk assessments and preparedness measures enables project teams and building owners to proactively limit damage from severe weather and climate change.

Equity is addressed by focusing on education and awareness, understanding individual needs and supporting and protecting employees. Additionally, promoting community engagement through service provision and advocacy helps create more equitable environments in the surrounding areas where buildings are located.

Public comment opens

Since 1998, the LEED rating system has served as a dynamic catalyst for driving sustainable market transformation within the built environment. It is a rating system designed by and for those who design and/or use buildings. Public commentary is critical to the LEED rating system because it allows diverse stakeholders to provide valuable feedback and insight. This ensures that the rating system reflects a wide range of perspectives and continues to respond to the changing needs and challenges in the industry.

Public comment opened April 3And everyone can provide input. Complete designs of Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) and Operations and Maintenance (O+M) will be available for review. Feedback can be provided through the LEED credit library or through LEED user discussion forums. During public comment, we’re looking for feedback on the credits, including what you think works well and what needs refinement. The most impactful comments include not only feedback, but also the thoughts behind it.

For more information about submitting feedback, read The Next Milestone for LEEDv5: Public comment on the USGBC website.

Going forward, USGBC is committed to updating the LEED rating system every five years to continue supporting the progress and evolution needed to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and achieve net energy neutrality by 2050.

Lauren Farkas is associate director of Market Transformation & Development at the US Green Building Council. Contact Lauren here: [email protected]