USGBC Introduces LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance Draft

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced a draft of its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings.

In conjunction with the release of the LEED v5 O+M draft, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi announced a plan to create a new national definition of a zero-emissions building. LEED v5 will align with this definition, including requirements for LEED Zero Carbon, and Platinum level projects that specify low to no operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help the industry coalesce impactful strategies. While the launch of LEED v5 begins with existing buildings, USGBC will roll out LEED v5 for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) in 2024.

“Achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement and fulfilling the corresponding pledges made by organizations and governments demands bold, large-scale initiatives,” said Peter Templeton, USGBC president and CEO. “The launch of LEED v5 underscores our unwavering commitment to our mission of fostering sustainable building practices that embrace principles of equity, health, biodiversity, and resilience.