The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has officially opened certification for LEED v5, the latest version of the world’s most widely used green building rating system, while unveiling new tools and resources to support users in advancing sustainable, low-carbon design.
The announcement was made ahead of the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Los Angeles, where USGBC will host workshops, training sessions, and demonstrations to guide users through the practical implementation of LEED v5.
“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,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC. “Recognising 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 introduces a stronger focus on decarbonisation, quality of life, and ecological conservation, providing clear pathways for buildings to achieve near-zero carbon status while enhancing resilience and community well-being. According to a Cushman & Wakefield report, LEED-certified buildings also deliver measurable financial returns through higher asset values, occupancy rates, and rental yields.
Under the new system, Platinum-certified projects must demonstrate minimum carbon reductions, positioning them as benchmarks for net-zero trajectories. The rating system is designed to expand access, enabling more project teams to pursue ultra-low carbon and restorative buildings.
The suite of new resources includes updated LEED v5 scorecards, calculators, a scorecard builder, and a decarbonisation workbook to guide project teams in planning and achieving their sustainability goals. The updated LEED v5 Reference Guides, expanded from April’s preview edition, now offer more detailed examples and context, while new crosswalks—including those between LEED and WELL and between LEED and SITES—simplify the pursuit of multiple certifications.
Through the beta testing of LEED v5 for Operations and Maintenance (O+M), over 20 early adopters have already achieved certification, reporting significant cost savings, reduced energy and water use, and higher occupant satisfaction.
Highlighting the impact of the system, Felipe Flores, Director of Operations at Reichmann International, said that Torre Diana in Mexico City, a LEED v5 Platinum project, has become a symbol of sustainability and pride.
“LEED certification represents not only a technical standard, but also a true symbol of prestige,” Flores said. “Torre Diana has become an exemplary case of what can be achieved when a structured and strategic commitment to decarbonisation is made.”
Through LEED v5, the USGBC aims to accelerate the global transition to carbon-free, high-performance buildings.
