LEED version 5 (LEED v5) represents the biggest update to the rating system in more than a decade. LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to improve how we design, build and operate buildings. Each of the three previous updates (v2, v3 and v4) responded to demands in the real estate market. This update is no different and responds to growing market expectations that buildings should: Improve quality of life; support community health, wellbeing, and resilience; protect and restore ecosystems, moving toward regenerative outcomes; and deliver long-term decarbonization, addressing both operational and embodied carbon.

Below, our experts share three aspects about v5 that building owners should know:

1. Future Ready planning starts now.

LEED v5 changes how project teams plan and collaborate. It requires project teams to assess future climate risk, human health impacts and long-term decarbonization pathways early in design — extending planning across the life of the building.

As a result, engineers and facility managers play a more central role, with ongoing monitoring of energy, water and indoor environmental quality. LEED v5 recognizes that future-ready buildings must perform over time, respond to the grid and provide owners with actionable performance data.

2. Platinum needs more than points.

The USGBC recognizes that top-tier LEED buildings need to do more than achieve 80 points. In LEED v5, Platinum-certified buildings must also achieve the following four performance goals:

• Be fully electric
• Use 100% renewable energy
• Maximize energy efficiency
• Reduce embodied carbon by at least 20%

These new LEED Platinum requirements align with many of the stretch codes and Building Performance Standards that have been enacted around the country, providing a certification goal that can add real value for new and existing buildings.

3. It’s a smarter path to long term building value.

LEED v5 will reward project teams that are already delivering high-performing, all-electric, low-carbon buildings. For many owners, the new requirements will formalize practices they are already pursuing in response to codes, building performance standards, climate risk, operational efficiency, and investor expectations.

For others, new ways of planning, designing and operating may be required. And while the rating system may not be perfect, this new standard provides a practical, better tool for driving long-term performance and increasing value in buildings.

Want to learn more? As a leading global professional services firm successfully navigating certification on complex projects and large building portfolios, WSP has been working with the LEED Rating System since its inception. Please visit our Built Ecology page to learn more about LEED v5, receive a LEED v5 overview presentation or host a LEED v5 GA exam prep training.