What to know about LEED v5?

What you need to know about LEED v5

LEED v5 is HERE. Registration is now available for LEEDv5 projects to begin certification under building design and construction (BD+C), interior design and construction (ID+C) and operations and maintenance (O+M).

So, what does this mean for owners and project teams?

Over the next year, projects are allowed to register under v4, v4.1 or v5, based on whichever version best suits owner and project needs to achieve LEED certification goals. On March 31, 2026 registration for LEEDv4 and v4.1 will close and all projects after that date will be required to register under LEEDv5. This timing allows UL Solutions to help you decide when the right time will be for a project to jump into v5.

How long will v4 and v4.1 be available?

Registered projects will have six full years to submit for certification before the sunset date of March 31, 2032.

The Good News

LEED certification fees are expected to remain the same.

• Reference Guides and LEED v5 Scorecards are now available with further details.
  • LEED v5 Reference Guides | U.S. Green Building Council
  • LEED v5 Project Scorecards | U.S. Green Building Council
• UL Solutions is ready to assist. We’ve been preparing for this change and are excited to make this transition a smooth process for your project team. UL Solutions participated in the O+M beta and we can share our experiences and how it may impact your decision on which version to pursue for your next project.

Key changes in LEED v5

The path to certification will look a little different than teams are used to. Projects are required to focus on three key impact areas, Decarbonization (50% of credits), Ecological Conservation and Restoration (25% of credits), and Quality of Life (25% of credits).

• New prerequisites and credits
  • With 16+ Prerequisites in LEEDv5 BD+C, several previous credits have been transformed into required prerequisites, raising the bar for projects to even be eligible for certification.
• LEED Platinum certification has new minimum requirements.
  • In addition to 80+ points, projects must achieve minimum requirements under specific credits that focus on decarbonization to be eligible for Platinum.
    • BD+C/ID+C - Achieve Electrification, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy (100% renewable energy) and Reduce Embodied Carbon (20% reduction).
    • O+M - Achieve the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Performance, Optimized Energy Performance, and Decarbonization and Efficiency Plans credits.

Looking ahead to LEED v6

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has committed to a new five-year development cycle. LEED v6 is expected to be released in 2030. Until then, UL Solutions is ready to help you with the transition to LEED v5.

Building performance testing for WELL, LEED and Fitwel certifications

UL Solutions provides expert on-site testing to demonstrate building performance for WELL, Fitwel and LEED certifications. Not only do certified buildings make good economic sense to owners and investors, but they also show a positive commitment to a healthy, vibrant community. Our third-party green building testing and inspection service helps companies by verifying their achievement of rigorous health and well-being criteria and demonstrating adherence to optimal building performance standards.

Download sell sheet