Discover how LEED v5 certification is leading the way towards sustainability in construction. This updated version of the system LEED sets new standards in energy efficiency, water management and indoor environmental quality, whilst prioritising the health and wellbeing of occupants. In this article, we will explore the key features of LEED v5 and its impact on the creation of more environmentally friendly and healthy buildings for those who inhabit them.
Main characteristics of LEED v5
Source: U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL.
LEED, stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is a globally recognised certification system that assesses and classifies the sustainability of buildings. LEED version 5, also known as LEED v5, is the latest update to this system; currently, only the beta version for Existing Buildings has been launched. LEED EBOM. The three main objectives of this version are:
- Climate Action (50% points).
- Quality of Life (25% points).
- Ecological Conservation and Restoration (25% points).
LEED v5 O+M prerequisites and credits broken down by primary objectives. Source: U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL.
Within the framework of these main objectives, version v5 sets out five principles:
Five principles of LEED v5. Source: U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, edited by Evalore.
In many cases, this new approach to the system's objectives (climate action, quality of life, conservation and ecological restoration) intersects or is interrelated with the five principles, meaning that this new version v5 represents a more holistic vision of LEED certification. Decarbonisation of the construction sector is paramount, reducing emissions from existing buildings—namely in operational and embodied carbon—as well as preparation for climate disasters and adaptation to climate change (climate resilience).
LEED v5 certified buildings are not only more environmentally friendly, but also offer tangible benefits in terms of energy efficiency, reduced operating costs and a better quality of life for their occupants.
Differences between LEED v5 and previous versions
- New 3 prerequisites and 2 cross-curricular credits
The objectives are set through 3 new mandatory prerequisites. In addition, two cross-cutting credits are incorporated—meaning they do not belong to a specific category, yet they are displayed on the LEED dashboard or scorecard under the Integrative Process category, renamed as Integrative Process, Planning & Assessments.
LEED v5 O+M prerequisites and credits broken down by traditional credit categories. Source: U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL.
- Merging of the Innovation and Regional Priority categories
Another difference with respect to LEED v4 and earlier versions is the merging of the Innovation and Regional Priority categories into a single renamed category, Project Priorities & Innovation, worth 10 points. In this way, projects can select priorities focused on the project and not exclusively on regional priorities, as has been done for previous versions (v4). In the Beta draft, the innovation subcategories are:
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- Regional and local priorities
- Project type priorities
- Exemplary approach
- Pilot credits
- Innovative strategies
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- Focus on Health and WellbeingLEED v5 has broadened its focus on the health and well-being of building occupants, incorporating new credits and requirements that prioritise indoor air quality, natural lighting and other aspects related to human well-being.
- Greater Rigour in Energy EfficiencyLEED v5 has set stricter standards regarding energy efficiency, incentivising practices and technologies that significantly reduce energy consumption and encourage the use of renewable sources.
- Focus on ResilienceLEED v5 has incorporated a greater focus on resilience against natural disasters and extreme events, promoting design and construction practices that enhance the ability of buildings to withstand and recover from such events.
- Greater Technology IntegrationLEED v5 has integrated a greater number of smart technologies and systems into the certification, encouraging the implementation of automation and monitoring solutions that improve building performance and management.
- Emphasis on Continuous AssessmentLEED v5 promotes continuous evaluation of building performance over time, not just at the time of initial certification. This ensures that buildings maintain high standards of sustainability throughout their lifespan.
- Energy Performance ThresholdIt is worth noting that the Energy Star energy performance threshold changes with respect to previous versions, being 60 for v5. LEED v4 requires an Energy Star score of 75 (i.e. the 25th percentile among buildings of the same type). However, projects cannot earn energy points until they reach the threshold of 69 (the sole threshold in the 2009 version).
- Grading SystemsAs of the date of publication of this blog, LEED O+M for Operations and Maintenance is the only system to be launched with version 5, Beta programme. Below are the differences between the prerequisites and credits for LEED O+M across the different versions: v5, v4.1 and v4.
Differences in credits and scoring between LEED v5 – LEED v4 – LEED v4.1 Source: EVALORE
LEED v5 proposes continuous improvement as a certification element
What benefits does LEED v5 O+M offer compared to other available certifications?
The LEED v5 O+M standard offers different interconnected pathways to achieve certification, placing emphasis on strategies and performance through a planning, implementation and evaluation approach. This approach highlights the importance of establishing the most effective management practices, communicated through policies and assessments that support the process and guide the direction. Below, we review comparisons with other sustainable certifications, such as BREEAM y Alright.
Source: EVALORE
How to obtain LEED v5 certification?
To obtain LEED v5 Certification, several steps must be followed:
- Register on the LEED online website and select the LEED v5 Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (EBOM) certification category.
- Prepare the documentation necessary for certification. All must be collected relevant data about the building, like the energy and water consumption, the materials used, waste management, etc.
- Initial assessment of the building to determine its current condition and its potential for improvement. Credit assessment, which consists of selecting and documenting the credits you wish to obtain. Each credit has a set value, and enough credits must be obtained to reach the minimum required score.
- Action plan detailed to address the areas for improvement identified in the initial assessment.
- Submit the certification request via the LEED website.
- The application will be reviewed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which will verify that all the necessary requirements and credits to achieve certification are met.
- If the request meets all the requirements, it will be approved and issued the LEED EBOM Certification with the certification level achieved.
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We are committed to guiding our clients in improving their projects and to encourage their contribution to looking after the planet. Interested in discovering how we can support you? Do not hesitate to Contact us right now.
LEED v5 It represents a milestone in the evolution of sustainable construction. With its renewed focus on health, energy efficiency, water management and innovative design, this version is setting a higher standard of sustainability for the construction industry.
If you want us to help you certify your building, contact us.
Carolina Andrea Conte, LEED Green Associate
Architect and Sustainability Consultant, Espacios Evalore SLP
Laura Barrios Mogollón
Architect and Sustainability Consultant, Espacios Evalore SLP
