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
Movers+Shapers | Jun 15, 2016
GREEN GIANT: Jerry Yudelson is revamping the green building movement
The author and former president of the Green Building Initiative is critical of current green building rating systems, including the LEED rating program.
Green | Jun 9, 2016
SmithGroupJJR’s Brock Environmental Center converts rain into drinkable water
The education building generated 83% more energy than it consumed over the last year en route to earning Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification.
Sustainability | Jun 8, 2016
New program certifies the performance of existing buildings in the U.S.
BREEAM USA, an offshoot of a program already in place in Europe, aims to ease the point of entry.
Green | Jun 8, 2016
TD Bank Group's renovated Toronto office is first WELL-Certified project under WELL v1
The newly renovated 25,000-sf space achieved gold-level status.
Shopping Centers | Jun 3, 2016
Developer Robinsons Land adds powerful PV arrays to 10 malls in the Philippines
The Robinsons Starmills mall in San Fernando recently turned on a 2.9 megawatt rooftop PV plant.
Green | Jun 2, 2016
USGBC offers new LEED pilot credit: Building Material Human Hazard and Exposure Assessment
For assessing human health-related exposure scenarios for construction products.
Green | May 31, 2016
Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee
Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2016
LEED Dynamic is worth the effort, says commercial real estate executive
San Diego office tower is California’s first office building to receive LEED Dynamic plaque in recertification.
Green | May 23, 2016
Perkins+Will achieves first Living Building Challenge Certification with Vancouver visitors center
The VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre was recognized for its use of healthy building materials, on-site renewable resources, and filtered rainwater to meet greywater requirements.
BIM and Information Technology | May 20, 2016
AIA and Autodesk introduce new feature to automate 2030 Commitment reporting data
The new automated connection will allow the more than 350 AIA 2030 committed firms to report their project and portfolio performance to the DDx directly from Autodesk Insight 360.
