The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), global developer of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, has officially opened certification to its new LEED v5 rating system and announced additional tools and resources for program users.
“Since releasing the rating system and launching LEED v5 registration earlier this year, we have seen interest in using the new rating system spread across the industry,” said Peter Templeton, the USGBC’s president and CEO.
Launched in April, LEED v5 offers clear steps for buildings to achieve near-zero carbon status while prioritizing physical resilience and the health and well-being of people and communities. Through beta testing of the LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) system, more than 20 early adopters have already achieved certification.
“We have seen how this recognition generates trust and admiration among visitors, users, and industry leaders,” said Felipe Flores, director of operations at Reichmann International and administrator of Torre Diana, a LEED v5 Platinum-certified project in Mexico City. “Furthermore, tenants feel proud to be part of the project and develop a much stronger sense of belonging, which translates into more stable and lasting relationships.”
Latest LEED v5 Tools & Resources
LEED users can now certify projects under the new rating system. Scorecards focused on LEED v5’s core impact areas—decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration—are available to help guide project teams in planning goals and intent. A wide range of tools, including calculators, a scorecard builder, recertification guidance, and a decarbonization workbook, support the success of project teams in achieving certification.
The newest editions of the LEED v5 Reference Guide build on the April launch previews, adding greater detail, examples, and context to support project teams. Informed by user feedback and community input, the guides will be paired with additional educational resources through 2026 to help practitioners master the new rating system.
Additionally, the USGBC has released updated LEED v5 crosswalks to help streamline the process for projects pursuing multiple certifications. These include the LEED v5 and WELL crosswalk developed in collaboration with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and the LEED v5 and SITES crosswalk.
Learn more about LEED v5 here.