What to know about LEED v5?

What you need to know about LEED v5

LEED v5 certification is now available. Registration is now available for LEED v5 projects pursuing 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?

LEED v4 and v4.1 (including O+M recertification) are open for project registration until June 30, 2027.

Concurrently, registration for LEED v5 is now open, and teams are able to register for certification today. This overlap window gives project teams additional flexibility to align their certification strategies and project timelines.

How long will v4 and v4.1 be available?

Projects registered by the close date may submit for certification until the June 30, 2033 sunset date. 

The good news

LEED certification fees are expected to remain the same and project teams should confirm current fees with The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)/GBCI: 

• 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

LEED v5 builds on earlier versions of the rating system, raising the bar for decarbonization, resilience, and long-term building performance. The path to certification will look a little different than teams are used to. LEED v5 organizes credits and prerequisites around impact areas: Decarbonization (50% of credits), Ecological Conservation and Restoration (25% of credits), and Quality of Life (25% of credits).

• New prerequisites and credits
  • LEED v5 BD+C includes additional prerequisites; some requirements that were previously optional or handled differently now appear as 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

USGBC has indicated an ongoing development cycle for future LEED updates. A new rating system 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.

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