LEED v5 is Here: What Building Owners Need to Know

The U.S. Green Building Council has officially launched LEED v5. Building on the rating system’s 25-year legacy, LEED v5 is the most comprehensive update to the certification system in over a decade. Registration is now open for the new rating systems in:

• Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
• Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)
• Operations and Maintenance (O+M)

For building owners already pursuing LEED v4 or v4.1 certification, USGBC will sunset registration for those systems at the end of Q1 2026. Those projects will still have six years to complete certification. But for new projects — especially those in early design phases — it’s time to start thinking v5, and we’re here to tell you a little bit about it.

SO WHAT’S NEW?

1. A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

   LEED v5 incorporates four new prerequisite-level assessments:

   1. Climate Resilience Assessment
   2. Human Impact Assessment
   3. Carbon Assessment
   4. Integrative Design Process

    

   These newly introduced assessments guide the selection of credits that support project goals. In LEED v5, USGBC updated its credits database by revamping credit thresholds, revising documentation requirements to be more streamlined, and adding several new credits that support the system’s goals.

   Here’s a snapshot of some new credits that have been introduced:

   • Enhanced Resilient Site Design – integrates climate-resilient assessments to guide design strategies.
   • Electrification – allows for full or partial electrification, aligned with carbon reduction goals.
   • Occupant Experience – combines several IEQ elements into one credit with flexible approaches.
   • Resilient Spaces – helps teams design buildings to withstand extreme outdoor conditions.

    

2. Project Priorities Credit Category

   LEED v5 merges the Innovation and Regional Priority categories into the new Project Priorities category. This increases the available points and allows more flexibility to meet unique project contexts, including typology, culture, location, and performance objectives.

3. Transition to Arc

   LEED v5 systems will now register and certify through a redesigned Arc platform, streamlining performance, certification, and reporting. Existing v4 and v4.1 projects on LEED Online do not need to transition.

4. New Prerequisites

   LEED v5 introduces the following new prerequisite assessments:

   • Climate Resilience Assessment: Evaluates hazard risks, service life, emissions, and exposure levels.
   • Human Impact Assessment: Uses demographic, infrastructure, and health data to inform design.
   • Carbon Assessment: Establishes baseline carbon footprints with a focus on life-cycle assessments (LCAs).

    

5. Platinum Requirements

   While LEED scoring remains similar, Platinum certification now requires minimum points in electrification, energy efficiency, embodied carbon, and renewable energy.

WHEN DO THESE CHANGES TAKE EFFECT?

LEED v4 and v4.1 registration will sunset at the end of Q1 2026, but projects can still certify for up to six more years. For new projects in early design, it’s time to transition to LEED v5.

Ready to talk about LEED v5 and your project goals?

Let’s connect! Our sustainability consultants are here to guide you through the new requirements and help identify cost-effective strategies. Interested in learning more? We offer AIA-approved Lunch & Learn courses on the transition from LEED v4 to v5. Contact Sheena Moses at .