USGBC Launches LEED v5 Certification to Drive Decarbonization

The US Green Building Council (USGBC), developer of the globally recognized LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, has officially opened certification for the new LEED v5 rating system, marking a major milestone in sustainable construction and environmental design.

“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. Recognizing 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.” says Peter Templeton, President and CEO, USGBC.

LEED v5 introduces a clear pathway for buildings to achieve near-zero carbon status while prioritizing physical resilience and human health. It focuses on three main impact areas, decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration. According to Cushman & Wakefield, LEED-certified buildings often benefit from higher asset values, improved occupancy rates, and greater rental income, further underlining the financial and environmental case for certification.

To support implementation, USGBC has launched a suite of tools designed to guide project teams through certification under the new framework. These include project scorecards, a decarbonization workbook, calculators, a scorecard builder, and updated reference guides. The newest editions of the LEED v5 Reference Guide provide expanded detail and examples, incorporating user feedback and community input to help practitioners meet the program’s evolving standards.

Updated crosswalks also streamline multiple certification processes, such as the LEED v5 and WELL crosswalk (in collaboration with the International WELL Building Institute) and the LEED v5 and SITES crosswalk, enabling projects to integrate health, sustainability, and landscape performance metrics seamlessly.

For the first time, Platinum-level LEED v5 projects must meet minimum carbon reduction requirements, setting them apart as benchmarks for net-zero performance. Early adopters of the LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) framework, over 20 projects to date, have demonstrated measurable decarbonization, cost savings, and high occupant satisfaction. These projects target significant cuts in onsite energy use, direct emissions, and water consumption, proving that sustainable transformation can deliver tangible operational benefits.

"LEED certification represents not only a technical standard, but also a true symbol of prestige within the community. We have seen how this recognition generates trust and admiration among visitors, users, and industry leaders. Furthermore, tenants feel proud to be part of the project and develop a much stronger sense of belonging, which translates into more stable and lasting relationships. Torre Diana has become an exemplary case of what can be achieved when a structured and strategic commitment to decarbonization is made, demonstrating that sustainability, performance, and a vision for the future can go hand in hand,” shares Felipe Flores, Director of Operations, Reichmann International and Administrator, Torre Diana, a LEED v5 Platinum certified project in Mexico City.