When LEED v5 is released in early 2025, it will be the first full new version of the signature rating system in more than a decade. LEED v4 was released in 2014, and while there have been some interim versions of the rating system, LEED v5 will move the needle further.
LEEDv5 will “champion solutions to aligning the built environment with critical imperatives including decarbonization, ecosystem conservation and restoration, equity, health, and resilience,” according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Every credit and prerequisite in LEED v5 has a connection to decarbonization, quality of life and/or ecological conservation.
The public comment period for the new version of LEED is open until May 20. The drafts open for comment include LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C), LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), and LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M).
During the public comment period, USGBC members are invited to read the drafts and offer suggestions, criticism, or opinions. USGBC has created a companion guide to lead readers through the drafts.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
