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- 50% of LEED v5 certification points are tied to decarbonization, with actionable pathways to reduce emissions across operations, materials, and infrastructure.
- Climate resilience and occupant health take center stage, positioning buildings as hubs for community well-being and risk mitigation.
- LEED-certified buildings command premium market value, with up to 21.4% higher sale prices and better financing options.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced LEED v5, a major overhaul of its globally recognized green building certification system, aimed at delivering higher-performance, lower-carbon buildings while increasing investor confidence in sustainable assets.
“LEED v5 raises the bar, further defining and evolving best practices and giving stakeholders across the building industry clear pathways to address today’s challenges to our health, climate and communities,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC.
Strategic for Stakeholders
LEED v5 was developed with broad input from sustainability professionals to address the evolving demands of the real estate, construction, and investment sectors. The updated standard focuses on decarbonization, human and ecological health, and resilience—providing owners and developers with tools to future-proof assets.
Decarbonization now represents 50% of all certification points, with measurable frameworks across building operations, embodied carbon, refrigerants, and transport emissions. Projects must now complete an operational carbon projection and formulate long-term decarbonization strategies, enhancing long-term value creation.
“Investors, owners, occupants and policymakers are asking for high-performing buildings that reduce emissions; mitigate climate risk; provide healthy, productive spaces; positively impact communities; and protect natural systems,” said Sarah Zaleski, chief products officer of USGBC.
Health, Resilience, and Accountability
LEED v5 elevates occupant health and community impact through quality of life credits, which promote transparency in wellness, environmental stewardship, and building performance.
Resilience planning is now required for all certified projects through climate risk assessments. These assessments help mitigate business disruptions, improve safety, and enhance asset protection—factors that materially influence underwriting, insurance, and long-term ROI.
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“For more than two decades, LEED has played a critical role in transforming the real estate sector at a global scale by bridging the gap between sustainability and commercial value,” said Anica Landreneau, senior principal and director of sustainability at HOK.
Verified ROI, Tangible Outcomes
LEED buildings have consistently outperformed their conventional counterparts:
- 21.4% higher market sale prices per square foot
- 11% higher rental rates
- Over 20% reductions in water, energy, and waste consumption
- Stronger appeal to talent, tenants, and capital markets
Every LEED v5 project receives a custom impact report, aligning environmental strategy with stakeholder communication and corporate ESG disclosures. The new project priorities category also enables regional and sectoral customization for global adaptability.
With enhanced accountability, LEED v5 gives building owners not just a certification—but a verified, data-backed narrative for performance, climate leadership, and investor-grade sustainability.
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