U.S. Green Building Council Launches LEED v4

This past week, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v4, the newest version of the LEED green building program.  This enhanced program offers flexibility for all green projects, with new market sectors and global best practices built-in.

Since its release in 1998, LEED has revolutionized the marketplace as the world's premier benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high -performance green buildings. Staying true to its original goals,  LEED v4 builds on the fundamentals of previous versions while offering a new system that prepares all LEED projects in a portfolio to perform at a higher level.

New Features of LEED v4

• New market sectors including data centers, mi-rise residential projects, hospitality, existing schools, warehouses and distribution centers. 
• A more user friendly LEED credit submittal process, with step-by-step reference guide materials with videos and tutorials and a more intuitive technology platform.  
• Focus on outcomes--building owners can understand how to manage their buildings to meet full performance potential. 
• New impact categories such as climate change, human health, water resources, biodiversity, green economy, community and natural resources. 

Several facilities have already achieved LEED v4 qualifications. The Haworth Beijing Organic Showroom in Beijing, China achieved LEED v4 Gold, while a building in Washington, DC achieved LEED v4 Silver.