Trending globally along with the green building industry is the LEED certification. But which LEED version is the exam? Preparing with the latest LEED study material is crucial and common concerns for professionals hoping to become either LEED Green Associates or LEED APs. Thankfully this article will go over the features of LEED v5, compare it to the LEED v4.1, LEED v4, LEED v3 and discuss the anticipated LEED v5 release date and improvements.
What is LEED v5?
Currently the most recent LEED version, LEED v5. Represents a substantial overhaul designed to address contemporary environmental concerns. At the Greenbuild 2023 conference, LEED v5’s beta release marked a significant shift in the certification process.
IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) monitoring, is one of the new LEED v5 features. Promotes real-time, continuous indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring with a focus on energy-saving solutions, employee comfort and productivity.
Also a new scoring structure will be developed for LEED v5. Assigning points to numerous categories in keeping with the goals of the new system. You can learn about LEED v5 through these short videos.
Key Features of LEED v5
Major changes and focuses on 3 primary system objectives:
- Decarbonization (50 percent of points): Highlights the need of lowering carbon emissions by using energy-efficient building methods.
- Quality of life (25 percent of points).
- Ecological conservation and restoration (25 percent of points) encourages biodiversity and the restoration of natural ecosystems.
What is LEED v4.1?
LEED v4.1, which was released in 2019, is an update to LEED v4 rather than a whole new version. It made improvements and changes based on user feedback, particularly in the area of indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
Key Features of LEED v4.1
- Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Performance Prerequisite: Annual CO2 and VOC levels measurements and occupant satisfaction surveys are required to be eligible for this credit.
- Highlights LEED v4.1 aimed to increase the accessibility and flexibility of the certification process to various project types.
Limitations of LEED v4.1
Despite being an improvement, LEED v4.1 has a number of shortcomings. It did not even take effect for the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP exams, which are currently in LEED v4.
Restricted Range of IAQ Parameters: Only CO2 and VOC were found, whereas other harmful pollutants like PM (particulate matter) were not. Also there was an overemphasis on Occupant Surveys. The heavy weighting of human perception makes it difficult to accurately detect potentially harmful pollutants. Though it fell short of the significant advancements, the LEED v5 is currently being developed. In the meantime LEED v4 is the version for the exams.
What is LEED v3?
LEED v3, or sometimes called LEED 2009 is part of the LEED evolution generated by USGBC before developing LEED v4.
Mainly there was only 5 LEED categories in that version. Water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable sites. For example, there was no LEED category called “Location and Transportation” back then, it was later developed in LEED v4.
When was LEED v4 released?
In November 2013, LEED v4, a significant improvement from LEED v3, was publicly revealed and December 2013. It included new classifications, more stringent requirements, and a greater focus on performance enhancement.
Key Features of LEED v4
- New credit categories have been included, including Integrative Process, Location, and Transportation.
- Increased stringency: Raised standards for energy, water, and material performance.
- Enhanced Performance Concentration: prioritized data transparency and ongoing monitoring of building performance.
When is LEED v5 coming out?
The full release of LEED v5 is expected to happen in early 2025. The beta version was announced during the Greenbuild 2023 conference. Before finishing the final version in 2024, the USGBC plans to include feedback from the public comment period.
LEED v5 Release Date
By 2025, full implementation of LEED v5 is expected. This timeline facilitates a thorough assessment and enhancement procedure, ensuring that LEED v5 meets industry standards and addresses contemporary sustainability concerns.
Conclusion
As the green building industry grows, the LEED certification system remains at the forefront of encouraging sustainable building methods. The urgency of the climate issue, tenant well-being, and ecological protection are all addressed by LEED v5. With its focus on indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring in real time, tougher performance standards, and comprehensive approach to sustainability, LEED v5 is set to completely transform the green building certification industry.
Professionals getting ready for the LEED exam need to stay up to date on these developments. It will provide both new opportunities and challenges to go from LEED v4 to LEED v5, hence it’s important to understand the key differences and extra requirements.
While we wait impatiently for LEED v5 to be officially released in 2025, the beta version provides an early look at what’s ahead for green building certification and emphasizes the need of innovation and continuous improvement in creating healthier, more sustainable built environments. Become a LEED Green Associate and even a LEED AP through this simplified training.
