Achieve near-zero carbon, prioritize people, and build for resilience.
LEED v5 is the latest version of the world's leading green building standard designed for the next generation of high-performance buildings that deliver measurable climate, health, and equity outcomes.
LEED v5 certification is here
LEED v5 isn't just about today's buildings; it's about creating a near-zero carbon future that's resilient, healthy, and encourages the responsible, safe use of all resources.
Decarbonization
Target reductions in operational, embodied, refrigerant and transportation emissions across the full life of the building.
Quality of life
Improve health, well-being, resilience, and equity for building occupants and their communities.
Ecological conservation & restoration
Limit environmental degradation and contribute to restoring ecosystems, so the built environment exists in harmony with nature.
WHY LEED
Give your assets measurable market advantage
LEED turns sustainability commitments into performance you can report on — to tenants, lenders and boards.
Improve operational performance
- Reduce operating expenses by more than 20% through improved energy and water performance
- Unlock 10-40% energy savings, averaging US$0.49 to $1.94 saving per square foot
Build future-ready, low-carbon spaces
- Demonstrate leadership in a rapidly evolving technical landscape
- Access preferential financing, incentives, and tax advantages
- Increase asset value for stronger exit positioning
- Reduce stranded asset risk
Retain tenants
- Reduce absenteeism
- Increase employee productivity
- Improve tenant satisfaction
- Increase lease renewal probability
Embed resilience in your asset strategy
- Reduce asset damage and repair cycles
- Align with insurer and lender expectations
- Reduce long-term volatility
Unlock sustainable financing options
- Verify ESG performance for mandates reshaping institutional capital flows
- Demonstrate performance with a standard that capital markets trust
HOW LEED WORKS
The path to certification
Seven steps from choosing a rating system to sharing your achievement. Every step happens in one place - the Arc platform.
Choose your rating system
Match your project type and life-cycle phase to the right LEED v5 rating system.
Build your scorecard
Target your certification level and select the credits you will pursue.
Document your credits
Upload documentation and complete credit forms.
Submit for review
Send in your application for technical review.
Get certified
Receive your certification level: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Share your achievement
Tell a story using your marketing assets, plaque and performance data.
GET STARTED
Choose the LEED that's right for you
LEED v5 is designed for all building types and project phases, including new construction, core and shell, interior fit-outs, operations and maintenance, and cities.
Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
Best for: New construction, major renovations, and core and shell
For projects that are newly constructed or going through a major renovation, including core and shell developments where the future tenant fit-out is not yet defined.
Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)
Best for: Interior fit-outs and tenant improvement projects
For complete interior fit-out projects, ideal for tenants and designers shaping the spaces within a larger building.
Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
Best for: Existing buildings in operation
For existing buildings undergoing improvement or little to no construction, focused on ongoing operations, maintenance, and performance.
LEED for Cities
Best for: Cities
For cities and communities measuring and managing performance across sustainability, quality of life, and resilience outcomes.
Review and vote on the LEED v5 for Cities draft rating system from Oct. 19 through Nov. 18.
LEED v5 EXCLUSIVE RESOURCE
Coming soon: LEED v5 Project Impact Reports
Your certification tells the story. Your data proves it.
Project Impact Reports turn your project's performance into a clear, compelling narrative on outcomes across emissions, energy, water, waste, and more.
Available for:
- LEED v5 O+M: Coming soon
- LEED v5 BD+C: Coming soon
- LEED v5 ID+C: Coming soon
MEMBERSHIP
Join the USGBC membership community
Take advantage of discounts for USGBC programs, including LEED registration and certification, plus access to technical guidance and local chapters.
SUPPORT
LEED resources at your fingertips
Everything you need to keep your project and your team moving — deadlines, education, and the latest LEED news.
Live LEED office hours
Join conversations with the technical teams behind LEED.
Explore LEED articles
UPDATES
Subscribe to LEED Technical Insider Updates
Be the first to hear about new LEED v5 resources.
EARLY LEED v5 ADOPTERS
The best buildings use LEED to create healthier, stronger communities
From bold ideas to built reality, the first LEED v5 certified spaces are redefining performance excellence in existing buildings. Explore how these projects are meeting the moment - and reshaping the future of the built environment.
LEED Platinum
LEED Gold
LEED Silver
LEED SilverCREDENTIALS
Become a LEED v5 expert
Validate your green building confidence with LEED credentials. Exams are now available for LEED v5 to enhance your skills and understanding.
NOT QUITE READY FOR LEED?
Start demonstrating success with Verified Performance Certificates
Verified Performance Certificates are a scalable, cost-effective way to benchmark and recognize sustainability performance and receive GRESB points for assets unable to achieve LEED certification.