U.S. Green Building Council Unveils LEED v5 Rating System

by David Flaherty | 10 November 2025 11:07 am

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The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the global developer of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, opened certification to the LEED v5 rating system and announced new tools and resources for users of the world’s most widely used green building[2] certification program.
Last week at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Los Angeles, USGBC showcased practical use of LEED v5 and featured exclusive presentations, workshops, and hands-on training for the new system. the practical use of LEED v5, featuring
“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,” says Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “Recognizing that LEED v5 is a significant step forward, we are committed to helping our community understand and apply the new elements by providing USGBC members and LEED users with detailed resources and enhanced support.”
LEED v5 offers steps for buildings to achieve near-zero carbon status while prioritizing physical resilience and the health and well-being of people and communities. Additionally, projects that invest in LEED certification see a return on investment through higher asset values, increased occupancy rates, and higher rents, according to a Cushman and Wakefield[3] report.

Latest LEED v5 tools and 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 are now available, including calculators, a scorecard builder, recertification guidance, and a decarbonization workbook.
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 throughout 2026 to help practitioners navigate the new rating system.
Additionally, 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.

A clear path for decarbonization
For the first time, Platinum projects require minimum carbon reductions that set them apart as models for net zero trajectories. At the same time, the new rating system is intentionally designed to expand access, enabling more project teams to pursue ultra-low carbon, healthy, and restorative buildings that enhance quality of life and dramatically improve efficiency.
Through beta testing of the LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) system, more than 20 early adopters have already achieved certification. As part of the rating system’s Decarbonization and Capital Planning requirements, projects target significant reductions in onsite energy use, direct emissions, and water usage.

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/news/u-s-green-building-council-leed-v5/

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