Feature image: Ali Zaidi, White House climate adviser, speaks at Greenbuild. Photo credit: Moshe Zusman.

USGBC wrapped up the annual Greenbuild conference this week, spotlighting the work to help existing buildings reduce their carbon emissions. USGBC launched new programs that center on building performance and efficiency, including a draft of the LEED v5 for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system.

Existing buildings account for 28% of global energy-related carbon. During Greenbuild, numerous sessions emphasized the adoption of sustainable practices as a means to reduce the carbon footprint of these existing structures, promoting resource conservation and creating healthier indoor environments.

USGBC introduced a draft of the requirements for LEED v5 O+M, the first rating system to be released under the LEED v5 umbrella. This framework, which will be finalized over the coming year, takes a revolutionary step forward in aligning building decarbonization action with the urgency of the 2030 and 2050 Paris Accord targets while also addressing critical imperatives related to human health, resilience and equity. LEED v5 is designed to empower building owners and managers by providing a clear road map for progressive actions that facilitate LEED certification and maintain a data-driven approach to certification.

Additionally, the White House announced its intent to create a national definition for zero-emissions buildings, partnering and engaging with organizations like USGBC to help push the market toward a common framework. LEED v5 is poised to align with the new national definition of a net zero building.

USGBC and GBCI have been developing and testing a suite of new tools to help organizations measure, improve and verify building performance across their entire real estate portfolios. Informed by interviews with more than 75 market leaders, these tools are designed to facilitate continuous performance improvement and accountability at the portfolio scale, which is necessary for so many organizations to achieve their internal and external ESG goals, including net zero commitments. The goal of the new program is to provide universal, scalable solutions for buildings, including those that are not yet equipped to engage effectively with a leadership standard like LEED.

Held annually, Greenbuild brings together green building professionals from around the world. This year’s conference was held in Washington, D.C., and featured a wide array of industry leaders and experts. Next year’s Greenbuild will be held Nov. 12–15 in Philadelphia.

Learn more about the new LEED v5 O+M requirements.

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USGBC wraps up Greenbuild 2023