Introducing LEED Version 5: A new era in sustainable building

The next evolution in sustainable building is here: LEED Version 5 (V5). After nearly two years of development and a second public comment period that closed on October 28, 2024, LEED V5 officially opened for project registrations on April 28, 2025.

This new version marks a bold shift in how green buildings are designed, constructed and operated, with a renewed focus on climate, health and nature. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s new in LEED V5?

LEED V5 brings sweeping updates across all rating systems including Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) and Operations and Maintenance (O+M), anchored in three critical areas:

1. Decarbonization

LEED V5 takes a decisive step toward eliminating carbon emissions, addressing operational energy use, embodied carbon, refrigerants and transportation. Over 50 percent of credits in V5 now focus on decarbonization.

2. Quality of life

Health, well-being, resilience and equity take center stage. LEED V5 recognizes that sustainable buildings should also be people-centered, supporting communities both inside and beyond the building envelope.

3. Ecological conservation and restoration

This version emphasizes environmental protection and restoration. It encourages designs that support ecosystems and reduce ecological damage.

Other changes in LEED V5 include new prerequisites that entail projects completing carbon, climate resilience and human impact assessments. Additionally, projects aiming for LEED Platinum certification will need to meet a unique set of elevated prerequisites. Planning for zero-waste operations is also mandatory. There is a stronger focus on resilience and equity as design for climate adaptability, human health and social equity are now essential. The previous “Innovation” and “Regional Priority” credits are now combined into a streamlined “Project Priorities” category. LEED will now follow a five-year update cycle to better align with evolving market demands and regulations.

Tips for succeeding with LEED V5

To achieve successful project delivery, incorporate LEED V5 strategies from day one. The earlier they’re integrated, the more cost-effective and impactful they become. Additionally, begin early with climate resilience, human impact and carbon assessments. These fall under the Integrative Process credit category, and the results can inform key decisions in design, construction and operation.

Another vital tip is to move beyond siloed strategies and think holistically. LEED V5 rewards approaches that create synergies such as improving energy, water and equity outcomes together. Prioritize decarbonizing your project (systems, buildings, campuses) as electrification is one of the most effective strategies to meet decarbonization goals and will be required for LEED Platinum new construction projects.

Designing for resilience and leveraging integrative design are also important for this update. Consider resiliency from the beginning of the project to fully understand potential hazards and incorporate mitigation strategies. This also offers a business case, as investors and insurance companies are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of resilient and sustainable design, encouraging businesses to adopt these approaches.

What about LEED V4 projects?

LEED V4 isn’t disappearing overnight. Registrations for LEED V4 remain open through Q1 2026 and all LEED V4 projects can be certified until 2032. If you’re already working on a project under LEED V4, complete a gap analysis with LEED V5. You may find it beneficial or even necessary to transition to the newer version.

LEED V5 isn’t just an update but a strategic pivot. It reflects the urgent need for climate action, equitable development and ecological stewardship. Whether you’re planning a new build or upgrading an existing facility, integrating LEED V5 from the outset will position your project and your team for long-term sustainability and success.

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Pooja Sannamani is a sustainability expert with extensive experience in the buildings and infrastructure sector. With over 10 years of experience at ArchTam, Pooja has demonstrated expertise in a wide range of skills including project and client management, sustainability strategies, and certification and code compliance, and is involved in several high-profile projects in the United Kingdom and U.S. such as New Covent Garden Market, Thames Tideway Tunnel, San Francisco International Airport and Intuit Dome. Pooja’s commitment to excellence and leadership in managing complex projects has significantly contributed to ArchTam’s success and the sustainable development of communities.

Tell us a bit about yourself — your role and career journey.

I have always sought meaning in everything I do. After learning about the concept of sustainability in my second year of architectural school, I was immediately drawn to it as a career. I saw this as a real opportunity to design buildings that are not only esthetically pleasing but also conserve resources and make our world a better place.

My journey with ArchTam started 10 years ago as a graduate sustainability consultant in London. Five years later, I transitioned to our Orange County office in California and have recently relocated to San Francisco. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with talented colleagues across various business lines and geographies and broaden my technical and interpersonal skills.

In my current role, I collaborate with clients and project teams all over the world, developing sustainability goals and strategies, and then implementing them throughout the design, construction, and operational phases. I enjoy bringing positive impacts to the communities we serve and dream of a future where sustainability is not just seen as an add-on or a luxury but an essential and integral part of buildings and infrastructure.

Talk to us about a sustainable design or high-performance building project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How did it solve the challenges and issues our client was facing?

A standout career highlight was leading efforts to support Intuit Dome, the new home of the LA Clippers, in achieving its LEED Platinum Certification, earning 92 points for the project.

The project’s complexity was multi-layered, including our client’s bold sustainability vision going beyond business as usual, the building’s substantial size of approximately one million square feet, navigating the dynamics of a large and diverse project team with numerous subcontractors, and adhering to a rapid project schedule with phased construction across the site, arena, and plaza buildings. 

To ensure that the client was able to meet their goals through such a layered and complex project, we provided support through the LEED submissions process. This included regular engagement with the client, design, and construction teams to identify deliverables, support their sustainability goals, and ensure compliance with regional building codes. Additionally, we managed submission efforts by ensuring that all documentation was complete and met the requirements for each LEED credit.

How do you approach sustainability integration in building design and construction processes, and what factors do you consider when evaluating the environmental impact of building projects?

Early involvement is critical when incorporating sustainability into design. Key decisions are made early in the design phase, offering a cost-effective opportunity to integrate sustainable practices. Increasingly, we work with our clients to establish a sustainability vision, embedding it as a core component in all projects. Once this vision is set, we collaborate with design teams from the programming stage and throughout the early design phases, ensuring that sustainability strategies are included in every technical aspect — architecture, MEP, civil, landscape, and more. We engage in brainstorming sessions to balance technical and sustainability goals, addressing challenges as they arise. Regular participation in design meetings and drawing reviews keeps sustainability at the forefront. During construction, we continue this collaborative approach, working directly with contractors to implement sustainability strategies.

Industry is increasingly considering the environmental impact of buildings beyond capital costs, focusing on whole life-cycle costs and impacts. The triple bottom line analysis, which evaluates environmental, social and financial impacts is gaining traction. This holistic approach is essential for the future of our planet, supported by codes, regulations, and federal grants. Additionally, there’s a growing focus on the impact of buildings on occupants and operators, prioritizing their needs, well-being, and experiences. This leads to environments that are not only functional and efficient but also enhance the quality of living for communities.

What are some of the emerging trends and technologies in sustainable building design and construction that you find particularly exciting or promising?

The sustainability landscape is evolving rapidly. Collectively we are moving towards:

• Resiliency: Climate change and extreme weather have caused a five-fold rise in natural disasters over the past 50 years, making resiliency crucial for buildings, infrastructure and communities. Investors and insurers now see the long-term value in sustainable design, motivating businesses to implement these measures.
• Circularity: This involves proactively eliminating waste from the pre-design stage, exploring reuse opportunities before opting for demolition and reconstruction, recognizing that one person’s waste can be another’s resource, and ultimately creating a zero-waste loop.
• Holistic thinking: Holistic thinking in building sustainability involves considering all aspects of a building’s lifecycle and its broader impact on the environment, society and economy. This approach goes beyond addressing individual elements in isolation and instead integrates them into a comprehensive strategy that ensures long-term sustainability.
• Focus on human health: Ultimately, the built environment is designed to meet human needs. There is growing awareness of the importance of designing spaces that enhance human health physically, mentally and socially, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

Overall, I have seen a shift in how sustainability is perceived over the past decade and that gives me hope for a brighter future.

The post Delivering on Decarbonization: Meet Pooja Sannamani appeared first on Blog.

It’s all about resiliency
Climate change and extreme weather have caused a five-fold increase in natural disasters over the past 50 years, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). As a result, asset resiliency is critical across all scales — from individual buildings to infrastructure and entire communities. Of all natural disasters, extreme heat is one of the most widespread, affecting nearly all regions.

A fascinating paradox lies in balancing resilient design with decarbonization. While future impacts can be anticipated, the exact risks and frequency remain uncertain. Striking the right balance between preparing for future challenges and avoiding over-design is essential, as excessive material use increases embodied carbon and hinders progress toward decarbonization goals.

The financial case for sustainability
Investors and insurance companies are beginning to recognize the long-term benefits of resilient and sustainable design, incentivizing businesses to adopt these measures. Increasingly, funding is linked to emission reduction targets, such as those set by SBTi and GRESB. Third-party certification programs like LEED offer governance and assurance for sustainable and resilient design.

LEED V5
The final version of LEED V5 is anticipated to launch in early 2025, with LEED V4 registrations expected to close by the end of that year. Over 50 percent of LEED V5 credits will emphasize decarbonization, while the other key focus areas include Quality of Life and Ecological Conservation and Restoration. Resiliency will play a prominent role, requiring projects to conduct climate resilience assessments. To support this, the LEED reference manual will offer user-friendly tools for a more streamlined approach to meeting these requirements.

Role of AI in energy use
The use of AI is growing exponentially, yet its significant energy demands often go overlooked. AI is a major driver of increased electricity demand in the U.S., with new data centers emerging to meet this need. Looking ahead, it will be essential to address and account for their energy consumption.

Are aggressive carbon neutrality goals hindering progress?
While Greenbuild unfolded, governments met at COP29 in Azerbaijan to discuss advancing the Paris Agreement goals to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Achieving this requires greenhouse gas emissions to peak by 2025 and decline by 43 percent by 2030. This urgency has led some entities to set aggressive targets like carbon neutrality by 2030. Unrealistic timelines often lead to reliance on carbon offsets, which act as self-imposed fines. Alternative strategies like redirecting funds from offsets into green investment funds or decarbonization projects may yield better results. By selling RECs and reinvesting in decarbonization, organizations could achieve more impactful progress. However, the question remains if buildings should aim for carbon neutrality or instead strive for carbon-free operations.

Transparency in building performance accelerates change
Cities are adopting energy efficiency policies to support decarbonization, beginning with benchmarking and progressing to emission targets. Key examples include carbon limits and fines set by Local Law 97 in New York City, 2025 emission standards set by BERDO in Boston and phased reduction of building size threshold that need to meet Building Energy Performance Standards in Washington, DC. Cities like Seattle, Denver and Chicago have similar performance standards in place or planned, with targets due as early as 2025. Transparency through policies like these motivates building owners to improve energy efficiency, driving broader sustainability efforts.

Focus on zero waste
We are generating more waste than ever, especially food waste, and the lack of commercial composting services further aggravates the situation. Working closely with users, operators and vendors to educate them on recycling protocols will reduce contamination and increase recycling rates. The adoption of technology and AI to bolster these initiatives is increasingly prevalent. Communities, agencies and projects worldwide are beginning to work toward zero waste as seen through projects shared at Greenbuild including Intuit Dome where teams work 24/7 to separate waste streams during major events, and Boston’s Carbon Leadership Forum’s Reuse Working Group that aims to reduce environmental impacts, create jobs, lower costs, and promote equity. Such initiatives underscore how waste reduction fosters economic, environmental and social benefits.

As we look to the future, Greenbuild serves as a powerful reminder that ideals like achieving sustainability and zero waste are imperative and require bold innovation, collective action and unwavering commitment to create resilient communities for generations to come.

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