The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will update the LEED v4 green building certification program to “more directly address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change” according to the USGBC.
The update raises thresholds in LEED v4 to encourage greater energy performance and emissions reductions. It will be more closely aligned with the rigor of LEED v4.1, which increased energy performance requirements when it was released in 2018, USGBC says.
“The new updates to LEED v4 reaffirm that reducing climate change-related emissions is core to LEED,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “These updates ensure LEED continues to drive market leadership in addressing energy use and climate change across the built environment.”
LEED v4 initially focused on reducing energy demand through usage and efficiency. Meanwhile, LEED v4.1 introduced energy metrics on cost and greenhouse gas emissions—a first for LEED.
USGBC will post the updated LEED v4 requirements for public comment this month. Final updates would be presented to the USGBC membership for ballot approval and would go into effect for projects registered after the published effective date of the changes.
The next version of the LEED rating system will enter the development phase in January 2023.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Oct 4, 2016
One World Trade Center officially awarded LEED Gold certification
The skyscraper received the certification despite a setback caused by Hurricane Sandy.
Industry Research | Oct 3, 2016
Structure Tone survey shows cost is still a major barrier to building green
Climate change, resilience and wellness are also growing concerns.
Sustainability | Oct 3, 2016
Gensler-designed auto dealership to become world’s first to reach net zero
Toyota of Corvallis has also joined a few other Toyota dealerships around the country to achieve LEED Platinum certification.
Sponsored | University Buildings | Oct 3, 2016
Enhancing university life: The smart shower bead
Residential spaces that need to meet high traffic demands while accommodating an ever-changing populace creates a unique set of obstacles for any educational institution’s housing.
Green | Sep 29, 2016
Building Design+Construction brings GreenZone Community Education Center to Greenbuild 2016
The structure will be donated to Compton YouthBuild for construction-training program.
Sustainability | Sep 29, 2016
Gloucester Cathedral to install commercial sized solar PV system on its roof
Mypower will install 150 solar panels on the roof, making it the oldest cathedral in the UK, and possible the world, with this type of solar power system.
Green | Sep 28, 2016
Green Business Certification Inc. announces 2016 LEED Fellows
LEED Fellows are best-in-class for green building design, engineering and development.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 26, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will be the NFL’s first LEED Platinum stadium
The Atlanta Falcons new home is expected to save 40% in energy usage than a typical NFL stadium.
Sustainability | Sep 22, 2016
Is ‘Growroom’ a glimpse into the future of urban agriculture?
Growroom’s spherical shape means it can also double as a covered outdoor public space.
Sustainability | Sep 19, 2016
Brussels’ Botanic Center apartment block looks to live up to its name with the addition of 10,000 plants and a rooftop “Chrysalis”
The project, which has been commissioned and is in the design phase, would eliminate CO2 and produce its own energy.
