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LEED v5

  • Updated

General

Where can I learn more about LEED v5 certification?

Visit LEED v5 webpage on usgbc.org.

Where can I learn more about LEED v5 credentialing exams?

View the LEED v5 exam information article.

I am with the press—who can I speak with about the release of USGBC's latest version of LEED?

We welcome your interest in LEED v5. Please use the Contact us form, and the submission will be directed to the appropriate person.

LEED v5 transition timeline and deadlines

Is the use of LEED v5 mandatory?

Not yet. Project teams will continue to be able to register LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 BD+C, ID+C, and O+M projects until the registration close dates listed on the LEED certification deadlines page.

When will LEED v4 and v4.1 be closed to new registrations and sunset?

LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 registration close and certification sunset dates* are available on the LEED certification deadlines page.

Project teams can continue to register projects until a rating system's registration close date.

GBCI will continue to accept initial applications (for Design or Standard preliminary review) for certification until a rating system's sunset date.

* Last updated on October 20, 2025.

What deadlines apply for projects pursuing recertification under LEED v4 O+M and LEED v4.1 O+M?

  • Projects pursuing recertification under LEED v4 O+M must register in LEED Online by June 30, 2026, and submit for review by June 30, 2032.
  • Projects pursuing recertification under LEED v4.1 O+M have an additional year to register. They must register for recertification in Arc by June 30, 2027. However, they must still submit for review by June 30, 2032. Please note that a project must have completed at least one D+C or O+M certification before it can register for recertification under LEED v4.1 O+M in Arc.

Will projects registered under LEED v4 and LEED 4.1 have the opportunity to move to LEED v5?

Yes. Contact us if LEED v5 would be a better fit for your project. Please note that requirements will differ, and work done on project documentation and forms may have to be updated should you choose to change versions.

LEED v5 eligibility and certification approaches

Is there guidance that provides additional details about LEED v5 Minimum Program Requirements?

The LEED v5 Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) are the same as those for LEED v4. Teams can continue to use the additional guidance provided for the MPRs in the LEED credit library and our Help Center.

Are the campus, group, and volume approaches available for LEED v5 projects?

LEED campus, group, and volume approaches are not yet available for LEED v5. You may continue registering these projects under LEED v4 and LEED v4.1, which we intend to keep open until similar options available in LEED v5. Go to the LEED v5 page and sign up for Technical Insider Updates for announcements as new guidance is published.

Can residential projects use LEED v5 BD+C?

Yes, although not required, a multi-family residential building with at least 4 above-grade floors can choose to pursue certification using LEED v5 BD+C. Other residential projects with 3 floors or less should use LEED v4 or LEED v4.1 as applicable. Learn more about rating systems available to residential projects.

Is LEED v5 recertification currently available?

Yes, LEED v5 recertification is available in Arc. Learn more about registering a LEED v5 recertification project.

Are there LEED v5 requirements for LEED Zero?

Not yet. The current LEED Zero program requirements are the most up-to-date.

Applying LEED v5 to projects

What are the fees for LEED v5?

Fees for LEED v5 projects are the same as earlier versions. All LEED registration and certification fees may be found on the LEED certification fees page.

How can I register a LEED v5 project?

LEED v5 project registration is now available in Arc for the following rating systems:

  • LEED v5 BD+C: New Construction
  • LEED v5 BD+C: Core and Shell
  • LEED v5 ID+C: Commercial Interiors
  • LEED v5 O+M: Existing Buildings

Learn more.

Where can I find LEED v5 credit forms and calculators?

Credit forms are available in Arc. Need to review credit forms before your project is ready for registration? Learn more about credit forms in Arc.

USGBC-provided calculators are available in the LEED credit library within the "Resources and tips" tab of the applicable credit. Calculators assist project teams in demonstrating credit achievement, reducing the burden on teams to create custom methodologies.

Can I submit a LEED v5 BD+C, ID+C, or O+M application for review?

Project teams can apply for certification using the standard review process in Arc.

Notes:

  • Some LEED v5 O+M credit forms are still in development. If you're almost ready to submit your project with these credits, please contact us.
  • For LEED v5 BD+C or ID+C projects, the split review process will be available soon. 

Where can I learn more about project priority credits?

See Project priorities.

Can LEED v5 credit substitutions be used for LEED v4 or LEED v4.1 projects?

No. At this time, LEED v5 credit substitutions are not available for previous versions of LEED.

Public comment and rating system development for LEED v5

What is the ballot approval process?

Ballot approval is part of the rating system development process, and has two steps:

  • voting/approval by consensus bodies
  • member ratification

Learn more about the process in the Foundations of LEED.

What is member ratification for a new version of the LEED rating system?

Member ratification is the last step in the approval process for a new version of the rating system. The rating system opens for member ratification following the public comment periods; associated updates; and approvals from the LEED Steering Committee (LSC), USGBC Board of Directors and relevant consensus committee(s). Member ratification requires a minimum of 50% of voting members supportive of adoption for the new version to continue towards market launch. Learn more about the LEED development process in the Foundations of LEED.

When does the LEED v5 for Cities first public comment period begin and end?

The first public comment period opens November 3, 2025 and closes January 9, 2026.

Who can participate in the LEED v5 for Cities first comment period?

Public comment is open to the public. Anyone may review the draft rating system and submit comments. A USGBC account is required to access the LEED credit library and submit comments. Individuals without a USGBC account may create one.

How do I participate in the LEED v5 for Cities first comment period?

Visit the LEED for Cities homepage to access instructions and links to the draft rating system and credit library to provide comments.

What was the timeline for the LEED v5 BD+C, ID+C, and O+M ballot approval process?

First public comment period: April 3 to May 24, 2024

Second public comment period: September 27 to October 28, 2024

LEED v5 ratified by members on March 28, 2025.

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