Feature image: The LEED Gold Watkins Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Photo credit: Joseph Romeo Photography.

The process of developing any new version of LEED is founded on the principle that LEED is developed with and for users—it starts with the green building market. Through engagement with LEED volunteers, USGBC members, USGBC communities, LEED users, stakeholders and past and future projects, we learn what’s needed, as well as what will have the largest impact in the LEED green building program.

For LEED v5, the next step in the process is the public comment, which will open on April 3, 2024. During this time, full drafts of the rating system will be available for feedback.

About LEED v5

LEED v5, the next version of the LEED green building rating system, will help buildings contribute toward deep decarbonization goals, while also addressing ecosystems, equity, health and resilience.

This version is a representation of what we have heard from volunteers, USGBC members, LEED project teams, stakeholders in the industry and many others about the needs driving business decisions across the built environment.

During the public comment feedback periods, we are seeking the input of all stakeholders. This input will be incorporated as we refine the drafts.

Who can participate in public comment

Everyone can participate. Public comment is one of the most accessible times to engage in the LEED development process. While other steps are only open to USGBC members, anyone can participate in public comment, and USGBC membership is not required.

What will be included in the first LEED v5 public comment

This first public comment period will include rating system drafts for Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) and Operations and Maintenance (O+M) and includes all adaptations (adaptations are guidance for specific space types and uses).

How to comment

First, read the rating system drafts. You can either view them as documents (PDFs) or in the LEED credit library.

Next, submit your comments. There are two pathways to sharing feedback:

1. LEED credit library:

In the LEED credit library, select "v5 - Public Comment 1" in the list of versions, then select the rating system.
Select a credit to review.
Each credit has a Comment button that opens a box for feedback. You will need to sign in to your usgbc.org account to submit your comment.

2. LEEDuser discussion forums:

Join any of the LEEDuser forums to record a comment.

Again, public comment is open to everyone—there are no restrictions on who may view the changes and provide feedback.

LEEDuser forums:

What we’re looking for in the comments

During public comment, we are looking for feedback on the credits that includes what you think works well and what needs refinement. The most impactful comments will include not just feedback, but also the thoughts behind it. Why do you agree (or disagree) with a specific direction? It’s also an opportunity to ask questions.

What happens to the comments

As part of our governance, each and every comment received through the credit library and LEEDuser will be reviewed and responded to. The comments (without the name of the commenter or any identifying text) and our responses will be released in a report following the close of the public comment period.

A thank you to our community of volunteers and members

LEED has always been consensus-based, and we thank our volunteers, past and present, for their contributions to our shared mission of creating a more sustainable world. With LEED v5, our staff and volunteers engaged in a yearlong, expansive community engagement process to determine what the future of LEED would hold. We then collaborated further with our deeply knowledgeable and expansive community of USGBC committee volunteers.

LEED Steering Committee

Consensus Committees

New Construction
Existing Buildings
Cities and Communities

Technical Advisory Groups

Location and Planning
Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy and Atmosphere
Materials and Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality

Working Groups

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Resilience

We invite everyone to join us in this journey. Learn more about LEED v5 and sign up for updates to keep up with every new milestone.

Learn more about public comment

The next milestone for LEED v5: Public comment