The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched LEED v5, the latest iteration of its globally recognised Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system.
Building upon a 25-year legacy, LEED v5 introduces enhanced criteria to address contemporary challenges in decarbonisation, occupant health, and climate resilience. Central to LEED v5 is an intensified focus on decarbonisation, reflecting the urgent need to mitigate climate change. The new rating system allocates half of its certification points to carbon-related metrics, encompassing operational emissions, embodied carbon, refrigerants, and transportation. This comprehensive approach mandates that all projects conduct operational carbon projections and develop long-term decarbonisation strategies, ensuring a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions throughout the building lifecycle.
LEED v5 also places a premium on human-centric design, recognising the growing demand for healthier indoor environments. The updated system introduces ‘Quality of Life’ credits, which incentivise strategies that enhance occupant well-being and community health. These include improved air quality, access to natural light, and materials that reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, aligning with the increasing public expectation for transparency and accountability in building sustainability. In response to escalating climate risks, LEED v5 incorporates mandatory climate resilience assessments for all projects. These evaluations identify potential hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and recommend strategies to mitigate risks, thereby safeguarding both human and natural systems. By integrating resilience into the certification process, LEED v5 empowers building owners and developers to proactively address environmental uncertainties and ensure long-term sustainability.
Beyond environmental and health considerations, LEED v5 underscores the economic advantages of sustainable building practices. LEED-certified properties have demonstrated superior market performance, with studies indicating a 21.4% higher average market sales price per square foot compared to non-certified buildings. Additionally, these properties often command higher rental rates, attract more favourable financing options, and achieve significant reductions in water, energy, and waste consumption, thereby enhancing their investment appeal. Reflecting its commitment to global applicability, LEED v5 introduces a ‘Project Priorities’ category, allowing for regional and sector-specific customisation. This flexibility ensures that the certification system remains relevant across diverse geographical and market contexts. Notably, the International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong has become the first project in Asia to achieve LEED v5 certification, setting a benchmark for innovation and excellence in green building practices.
The launch of LEED v5 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable building standards. By integrating decarbonisation, occupant health, and climate resilience into a cohesive framework, USGBC has elevated the LEED certification system to meet the pressing demands of the modern built environment. As cities worldwide strive to achieve net-zero carbon goals and enhance urban livability, LEED v5 provides a robust and adaptable tool for guiding the development of sustainable, equitable, and resilient communities.
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USGBC Unveils LEED v5 to Drive Climate Resilience in Cities
