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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 and group approaches available for LEED v5 projects?

The LEED campus and group approaches are not currently available for LEED v5. Please continue to register your campus and group projects using LEED v4 and LEED v4.1. Stay tuned to the LEED v5 page 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?

LEED v5 recertification is planned to be available in Arc in the first week of November 2025.

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

When will LEED v5 certification functionality, credit forms, and calculators be available?

LEED v5 certification functionality, including credit forms and calculators, is planned to be released in the first week in November.

Where can I find LEED v5 credit forms and calculators?

When available in November, credit forms will be available in Arc.

USGBC-provided calculators will be available in the LEED credit library to assist project teams in demonstrating credit achievement, reducing the burden on teams to create custom methodologies.

How can I submit a LEED v5 application for review?

LEED v5 certification functionality is planned to be released the first week in November. Project teams will be able to apply for certification by completing credit forms and submitting their application for review in Arc at that time.

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.

What was the timeline for the LEED v5 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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