A look at LEED v5 and what it means for our industry

As  LEED v5 takes effect, it's important to review how it relates to our industry and products. LEED v5 delivers a more straightforward approach with less calculation, while remaining laser-focused on core concepts like carbon reduction. 

Goals of v5 

According to the USGBC: “Every credit and prerequisite in LEED v5 has a connection to decarbonization, quality of life and/or ecological conservation.” The three core goals every credit builds upon are: 

• Decarbonization 

• Quality of life 

• Ecological conservation and restoration 

The new LEED v5 credit scorecard will show how these goals are met by each credit or prerequisite. 

What’s new in the latest version 

Major Takeaways 

Carbon, climate resilience and social equity assessments are now prerequisites for every project. These requirements trickle down into the credit categories. 

There is no longer one massive energy efficiency/carbon emissions credit. These now have taken their respective places separately in Energy and Atmosphere (EA) and Materials and Resources (MR) prerequisites. This means that it is easier to earn energy efficiency credit without complex whole building simulations. Separate credits may be gained by reducing the operational carbon and embodied carbon. 

Materials and Resources 

Materials and Resources credits have been completely revamped starting with the category’s “Assess and Quantify Embodied Carbon” newly added prerequisite. It requires tracking of the embodied carbon impacts and quantities of the covered structural, enclosure and hardscape materials for the project and comparison of the results to benchmark values. Reduction of carbon is now a separate MR credit. 

Recycled content, material certifications and declarations now count toward the total for “Building Product Disclosure and Optimization.” This credit now provides for one multi-attribute compliance path, simplifying the required calculations required. Products are assigned a score based on mindful MATERIALS’ Common Materials Framework (CMF) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture & Design Materials Pledge. 

“Low-Emitting Materials” has moved from the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) credits to MR. Please be aware that under the “Low-Emitting Criteria” credit, “inherently non-emitting” is now listed as a compliance option. 

Indoor Environmental Quality 

Commercial fenestration and framing systems continue to bring value pertaining to views, thermal, sound, light and other aspects of the EQ “Occupant Experience” credit. “Biophilic Environment” presents up to four points for spaces that help people connect with nature. This includes creating indoor spaces with biophilic design elements and those with quality views of nature such as through glass with a visible light transmittance above 40%. Biophilic design also is referenced in the Sustainable Sites category’s “Accessible Outdoor Space” credit. 

Sustainable Sites 

LEED v5 also offers new credit opportunities for fenestration as part of the Sustainable Sites (SS) category. High-performance fenestration, framing and building envelope solutions may support resilient design credits, such as in hurricane and high-wind areas. Additionally, the “Resilient Spaces” credit, option 4, rewards designing spaces with operable windows and vents. One point is awarded if 50% of the regularly occupied spaces have operable units, and two if it has 75% or more. Bird-friendly glass also may add one point as part of the “Biodiverse Habitat” credit.