USGBC Introduces LEED v4.1

LEED v4.1

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced LEED v4.1 for existing buildings and spaces. According to USGBC, the rating system is simplified. The scorecard and requirements have been streamlined and new methodologies for tracking and rating performance are integrated directly into the rating system. This provides a clear framework for achieving LEED certification, not just for entire buildings, but for spaces within buildings as well.

LEED v4.1 is not a full version change, but rather an incremental update to the LEED rating systems. LEED v4.1 will be the most inclusive and transparent platform to date. It allows projects to earn LEED points through building performance monitoring via the Arc platform.

USGBC believes that LEED v4.1 will deliver new methodologies for measuring building performance by working with and supporting projects to track energy, water, waste, transportation and indoor environmental quality. It will also provide a simple, data-driven path to LEED certification for existing buildings, making it accessible to more projects than any other version of the rating system.

LEED v4.1 for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) will support this goal by tracking performance in energy, water, waste, transportation, indoor air quality, toxin-free environment and occupant satisfaction.

With LEED v4.1 O+M, an initial certification will be awarded to projects based on the implementation of sustainable operational strategies and performance score achievement in LEED Online. The resulting points for performance will translate into a LEED certification level.

The following are now available on the LEED v4.1 webpage:

Register to participate in the LEED v4.1 O+M beta.
Review the summary of changes, scorecards and other documents.
Read the beta guide.
View the credits in the LEED credit library.

USGBC has also opened a call for proposals to give industry professionals the chance to share ideas of what LEED can and should be. Proposals will be accepted through May 31, 2018.

You may also be interested in this article about the LEED for Cities Grant Program.

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