LEED v4
The next version of LEED
LEED v4 is the newest update to the LEED rating systems. Changes from LEED 2009 are seen in three main categories: new market sectors, increased technical rigor and streamlined services. LEED v4 raises the bar on leadership.
Be involved
Beta Testing
Nov 2012 - Nov 2013
During LEED v4 beta testing, project teams review support tools and resources that help us make refinements. Using a pre-ballot version of LEED along with guided support from USGBC, the project teams identify challenges with proposed documentation and areas where additional education and support exist.
To learn more, contact [email protected].
Public Comment
Mar 1 - Mar 31, 2013
Public comment is now closed. During the public comment periods, everyone is encouraged to view the most recent draft of the rating systems and provide comments on changes made since the last draft.
Consensus Body Opt-In
Apr 1 - Apr 30, 2013
The consensus body is a sampling of USGBC members that vote on the passage of LEED v4. It is structured to be both balanced and diverse.
Any USGBC member who wants to vote on LEED v4 must first join the consensus body.
Ballot
Summer 2013
The ballot period gives our members the opportunity to vote on technical changes to LEED. Ballot expresses the sentiment of our members and is necessary before improvements can be made to the rating systems.
In order to participate in ballot, you must:
Be sure that your company membership will be in good standing (by March 1, 2013) and maintains good standing throughout the ballot period.
Join the consensus body during the opt-in period (April 1-30, 2013).
Vote during the ballot period (Summer 2013).
Credit changes
To see the latest version and comment on the specific credit, select the credit name that is of interest to you. You can then choose a rating system. While there, please be sure to submit your comment about the proposed change to that credit.
Changes
There are 23 credits in which substantive changes are proposed.
| Credit name | Select a rating system family |
|---|---|
| Green Vehicles | BD&C |
| Sensitive Land Protection | BD&C |
| Mixed-Use Neighborhoods | ND |
| Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat | BD&C EB:O&M |
| Site Management | EB:O&M |
| Heat Island Reduction | EB:O&M |
| Cooling Tower Water Use | EB:O&M |
| Indoor Water Use (prerequisite) | EB:O&M |
| Optimize Energy Performance | EB:O&M |
| Minimum Energy Performance (prerequisite) | ID&C |
| Optimize Energy Performance | ID&C |
| Environmental Product Declarations | BD&C ID&C |
| Sourcing of Raw Materials | BD&C ID&C |
| Ongoing Purchasing and Waste Policy (prerequisite) | EB:O&M |
| Material Ingredients | BD&C ID&C |
| Material Efficient Framing | HOMES |
| Environmentally Preferable Products | HOMES |
| Green Cleaning - Equipment | EB:O&M |
| Interior Lighting | BD&C ID&C EB:O&M |
| IAQ Assessment | BD&C ID&C |
| Purchasing - Ongoing | EB:O&M |
| Purchasing - Facility Maintenance and Renovation | EB:O&M |
| Solid Waste Management - Ongoing | EB:O&M |
| Furniture and Medical Furnishings | BD&C |
How to comment
Your professional perspective is an important part of the LEED v4 development process. To share your general comments on LEED v4, please sign in and submit your comment. Or, to comment on specific credits, see Credit changes on this page and select the credit that is of interest to you. Remember, your input is valuable. We want to hear from you.
LEED v4 Improvements
New market sectors
We are adding new market sectors: data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, hospitality facilities (such as hotels), existing schools and existing retail, and mid-rise residential.
Focus on performance
To increase the technical rigor of LEED, we are revising credit weightings, adding new credits focused on integrative design, adding a life cycle approach to materials and placing an increased emphasis on measurement and performance.
Streamlined services for LEED users
We are working to improve your experience with the LEED Online platform by making it more intuitive and by providing tools to make the LEED documentation process more efficient.