Decarbonization and climate resilience are major elements of LEED version 5, the newest update to what has become the world’s most prevalent building rating and certification system. As of April 28, 2025, proponents can register for three certification streams: building design and construction (BD+C); interior design and construction (ID+C); and operations and maintenance (O+M). Further tools are promised in the coming months in the run up to certification reviews beginning this fall.
The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) manages LEED in Canada and contributed to the latest version through various channels of input to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), which steered the development process. Two Canadian LEED accredited professionals participated in specially struck advisory committees, while CAGBC coordinated wider industry responses to two rounds of consultation on draft documents.
“Every new version of LEED raises the bar, balancing the limits of what is possible with industry readiness,” observes Thomas Mueller, CAGBC’s president and chief executive officer. “LEED v5 is ambitious with a stronger focus on decarbonization, resilience and health.”
Half of LEED v5’s credits are tied to decarbonization. The update also comes with new prerequisites to:
- quantify projected operational carbon and develop a decarbonization strategy that includes pathways for reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
- meet more rigorous energy performance standards; and
- conduct climate resilience assessments to uncover risks and vulnerabilities, and to inform steps for reducing them.
As well, LEED v5 introduces new credits related to health and well-being of building occupants.
“Investors, owners, occupants and policymakers are asking for high-performing buildings that reduce emissions; mitigate climate risk; provide healthy, productive spaces; positively impact communities; and protect natural systems,” says Sarah Zaleski, the USGBC’s chief products officer. “LEED v5 provides the best practices and accountability to drive performance across all these dimensions, delivering tangible benefits to building owners and their stakeholders.”
Canada currently boasts more than 6,280 LEED-certified projects and is one of the top adopters of the program outside the U.S.. More than 500 CAGBC members submitted comments to the LEED v5 development process.
“Canadian feedback, amassed and summarized by the CAGBC, reflects our regional diversity, climate realities and innovative approaches to green building,” advises Marsha Gentile, director of sustainability with Ledcor Construction, who served on the 17-member LEED design and construction consensus committee.
LEED v5 will overlap with predecessor versions 4 and 4.1. Prospective proponents can still register for the latter until March 31, 2026 and will have until March 31, 2032 to submit for certification.
