An update to LEED v4
was proposed on November 22, 2022 to reflect a focus on increased energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions. This update raises the threshold for energy performance and provides a mechanism for specifically evaluating and incentivizing GHG emissions reductions. It is critically important that the current version in use by projects reflect the future of LEED goals and that we can move the market forward while equipping you with the tools needed to make these changes.
As with all substantive changes to the LEED rating system, market feedback is an integral component, so the process began with a public comment period.
After reviewing the comments received in the first public comment period (November 15, 2022 – January 13, 2023) and generating responses, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has made the following revisions, prompting a second public comment. Comments will be due by May 19, 2023.
Highlights of the Second Public Comment Period
LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction (BD+C): New Construction, Warehouse and Distribution Centers, Hospitality, Retail, and Schools)
- EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance: Improvement beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2010 increased to 10 percent.
LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily Midrise
EA Credit Annual Energy Use:
- Home Size Adjustment revised to one point per 7 percent decrease in home size.
- Thresholds for GHG emissions revised to award more points to projects that achieve 20 percent to 40 percent savings for both metrics.
LEED v4 BD+C: Homes
- EA Credit Annual Energy Use: Home Size Adjustment was revised to one point per 7 percent decrease in home size (aligned with Multifamily Midrise).
No further changes are proposed in the second public comment for:
- EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance for all LEED for Interior Design and Construction ID+C and for BD+C: Homes, Multifamily Midrise, Core and Shell, Data Centers, and Healthcare
- EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance for all ID+C and all BD+C
LEED v4 Energy Resources
- LEED v4 energy update FAQ
- Options for meeting requirements by project type BD+C (commercial) | ID+C
- Responses to the first public comment feedback
How to Comment
Comments can be submitted in two ways:
The second public comment is open to everyone—there are no restrictions on who may view the changes and provide feedback.
Source: U.S. Green Building Council
