- What is Arc?
- Why are there two versions of Arc?
- How do I gain access to a property or project in Arc?
- How do I manage my team and the permissions available to them?
- What types of scoring are used in Arc?
- How much does Arc cost?
- Where can I find more information about Arc data security and privacy?
What is Arc?
Arc is a software platform that lets you collect, score and manage data for many purposes, including seeking LEED certification or recertification. Once you enter all necessary information in Arc, you can submit it to GBCI for verification or certification. You can continue entering your performance data in Arc to meet all recertification requirements.
The redesigned Arc is the evolution of Arc, LEED Online, and other GBCI tools. Through the updated website we aim to address feedback about the usability and performance of the existing certification platform, LEED Online. Additionally, we want to create a holistic and seamless user experience across our offerings by merging the functionalities of LEED Online and Arc. Our vision is that this website will provide a centralized area to manage, optimize, report, and certify real estate properties, with an emphasis on ease, efficiency, performance, and reliability. This will be a multi-year process, starting with Arc, and then LEED v5 capability by early 2025.
Why are there two versions of Arc?
GBCI is currently migrating Arc to a new platform and will invite users to migrate as the functionality they use becomes available.
Until GBCI has fully migrated into the redesigned Arc, users can switch between Arc and legacy Arc. To make the switch, after you’re signed in, click the "Switch to legacy Arc" link on the right sidebar of the dashboard.
Both Arc and legacy Arc can be accessed using your USGBC/GBCI account username and password.
How do I gain access to a property or project in Arc?
You can access all of the projects tied to your USGBC/GBCI account in Arc. These are available as "Properties" in the redesigned Arc.
If you believe you should have access to a property and you don’t, any administrator or team member associated with the property can add you to the team. If the property has changed ownership, and the owner information listed in Arc is not up-to-date, please work with the old and new owners to complete a Change of Owner Agreement and submit it to us as an attachment via the contact us form.
If you need help with your account, or to create a new one, see the "Resolving account issues" article.
How do I manage my team and the permissions available to them?
There are three authorization levels available in Arc: administrator, team member, and read-only, and the levels are assigned separately in each Arc entity (properties, projects, and portfolios):
-
Administrator: Can add, delete, and change roles of their team, and has complete access to the entity including data entry, and submitting for review. The administrator will also be the point of contact for automatic notifications and billing information. The creator of an entity is by default given the administrator authorization level. Additional administrators can also be added.
-
Team member: Can access the entity to perform data entry and submit for review, but cannot make any changes to the team.
Note: Any team member added to a project will also be added to its corresponding property as a team member.
-
Read-only: Can access the entity to view data, but cannot perform data entry or make any changes to the team.
Administrators can manage their team by selecting the Settings (gear icon) in the upper right-hand corner of their property's or project's overview page, and selecting the "Team members" option.
What types of scoring are used in Arc?
We have moved to a model that utilizes both properties and projects. With the redesign of Arc we have separated program-specific elements (like points and scores) into their own workspaces, that we call projects.
Arc allows you to score your property in different ways. There are currently three types of scoring in Arc:
- Performance monitoring scoring (called Arc Performance Score in legacy Arc)
- Advanced scoring
- LEED scoring (e.g., estimated points towards LEED v4.1 O+M certification)
Scoring is based upon five performance categories (energy, water, waste, transportation, and human experience).
In 2025, Arc will expand to include scoring derived from the LEED v5 O+M rating system.
How much does Arc cost?
Access to Arc is free and includes everything a project team needs to measure and manage performance. This is not a demo or a trial.
LEED certification, PERFORM verification, Arc Essentials, and other offerings, when available, may require payment.
Where can I find more information about Arc data security and privacy?
GBCI respects the integrity and security of user data and takes extensive measures to secure that data, consistent with applicable law. GBCI’s general data use terms and protections are provided in our Privacy Policy and End User License Agreement. For users who choose to use GBCI’s Arc Platform, additional data privacy and use terms are provided in the Arc Platform Use Agreement. Users who enroll in Arc PERFORM are governed by the Arc PERFORM Enrollment Agreement. Users who seek verification services are governed by the Arc PERFORM Verification Agreement.