The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system has become the gold standard in sustainable construction practices worldwide. With LEED v5 scheduled to launch in 2025, general contractors, architects, and developers alike are eager to learn how this new version will impact their work.
This next iteration of LEED aims to push the envelope further regarding sustainability, decarbonization, and ecological conservation. Most importantly, LEED v5 construction credits will play a critical role in achieving higher standards of environmental responsibility. This post will explore what general contractors need to know about LEED v5, what sets it apart from previous versions, and the changes to expect in the LEED v5 construction practices.
What Is LEED v5?
LEED v5 represents the fifth version of the widely recognized LEED certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). As with previous versions, the goal of LEED v5 is to promote environmentally sustainable practices in building design, construction, and operations. However, LEED v5 takes sustainability to a new level by including stricter measures for decarbonization, ecological conservation, and improving the overall quality of life for building occupants and construction workers.
LEED v5 construction credits will place an even greater emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact of construction activities. In particular, the new system focuses on limiting the embodied carbon of building materials—a critical factor in achieving long-term sustainability.
How LEED v5 Construction Credits Connect to Decarbonization, Quality of Life, and Ecological Conservation
Every credit in LEED v5 ties directly into broader goals of decarbonization, improving the quality of life, and promoting ecological conservation. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is not only about the end building but also the processes and materials used during construction.
– Decarbonization: Credits like Assess and Quantify Embodied Carbon and Reduce Embodied Carbon are at the heart of LEED v5 construction. By tracking and reducing carbon emissions in construction materials, contractors contribute to lowering global greenhouse gas emissions. The focus on carbon reduction reflects a growing industry trend toward achieving net-zero construction projects.
– Quality of Life: The emphasis on Low-Emitting Materials directly impacts the health and well-being of both building occupants and construction workers. These credits aim to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and ensure that construction environments are safe, clean, and conducive to long-term health.
– Ecological Conservation: Credits like Minimized Site Disturbance and Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion ensure that construction projects have a minimal impact on local ecosystems. By preserving natural habitats, reducing landfill waste, and encouraging the use of recycled materials, contractors can help protect biodiversity and promote environmental stewardship.
The LEED v5 Construction Phase Credits
The rest of this blog post reviews the construction phase credits at the time of Public Comment Period #2 in October 2024. Credits may change by the time the finalized and approved LEED v5 is released. We will update this post accordingly. For more information and updates on LEED v5, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn.
Minimized Site Disturbance
One of the prerequisites in LEED v5 construction is Minimized Site Disturbance. This credit aims to limit the environmental impact of construction projects by preventing erosion, sedimentation, and water pollution. In LEED v5, general contractors must create a comprehensive erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) plan that meets the 2022 EPA Construction General Permit (CGP) or a local equivalent.
In LEED v5, ESC inspections are required, which includes written narratives and photographs demonstrating compliance with regulations. These inspections requirements are more frequent than in previous versions, making it essential for general contractors to adopt proactive environmental management practices to comply with LEED v5 construction credits.
Assess and Quantify Embodied Carbon
A major addition to LEED v5 is the Assess and Quantify Embodied Carbon prerequisite, which introduces the concept of embodied carbon into the certification process. General contractors are required to calculate the baseline embodied carbon of essential building materials like concrete, structural steel, asphalt, and glass. This credit emphasizes reducing the carbon footprint associated with material production.
In this new version, project teams must identify the top three contributors to embodied carbon and document strategies to reduce these emissions. This aligns directly with decarbonization efforts in LEED v5 construction. By lowering the embodied carbon in materials, general contractors can help mitigate climate change and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
Reduce Embodied Carbon
Building on the Assess and Quantify Embodied Carbon prerequisite, LEED v5 introduces a new credit: Reduce Embodied Carbon. This credit allows general contractors to earn up to 6 points by reducing the embodied carbon of the building’s structure, enclosure, and hardscape materials compared to the baseline developed in the prerequisite. The greater the reduction in carbon emissions, the more points a project can earn.
There are multiple ways to approach this credit, including Whole Building Life-Cycle Assessment and Procurement EPD Analysis. Contractors can also track fuel and utility usage for both on-site operations and subcontractors to gain additional points. By focusing on decarbonization, contractors can contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while earning valuable certification points in LEED v5 construction.
Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion
The Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion credit in LEED v5 construction continues to emphasize waste management but with updated requirements. General contractors must create a Construction & Demolition Materials Management Plan to promote the recycling and diversion of materials away from landfills. Points are awarded based on the percentage of waste diverted, with higher points for achieving 50% or 75% diversion rates.
What sets LEED v5 apart is that salvaged materials now count for more than they did in previous versions, being valued at 200% toward the total diversion calculation. However, comingled waste will only get a maximum of a 35% diversion rate unless it is taken to a recycling facility with a 3rd party verified facility average.
Low-Emitting Materials
The Low-Emitting Materials credit in LEED v5 construction has been expanded and moved into the Materials & Resources category. General contractors can earn points by ensuring that at least 90% of paints, coatings, flooring, and ceilings comply with strict emissions standards. This credit is crucial for improving indoor air quality and protecting the quality of life for building occupants.
For additional points, contractors can ensure that at least 80% of adhesives, sealants, insulation, and composite wood products also meet emission standards. By using Low-Emitting Materials, general contractors not only contribute to ecological conservation but also create healthier living and working environments.
Building Product Disclosure and Optimization
One of the most exciting updates in LEED v5 construction credits is the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization credit. This credit consolidates several previous credits into one, for contractors to earn up to 5 points by using sustainable building products.
Contractors must select products that meet criteria for climate health, human health, ecosystem health, and social equity. The more manufacturers and materials that meet these multi-attribute requirements, the higher the points awarded. This credit promotes the use of sustainable, low-carbon products, furthering decarbonization efforts and helping to reduce the overall environmental impact of construction projects.
Building And Materials Reuse
The Building and Materials Reuse credit has an option that gets general contractors involved in tracking the materials used in the building that have been reused or salvaged from somewhere offsite. This includes calculating the amount reused or salvaged material on a project. Points are determined by the total number of material types that have at least 15% salvaged materials in the building. Some of the aplicable categories include carpet, ceiling, furniture, lumber, casework, hardware, etc.
Construction Management Plan
A Construction Management Plan is a prerequisite in LEED v5 construction that ensures projects are carried out safely and sustainably via IAQ practices. While this plan is similar to previous versions, it now includes more detailed requirements to protect workers from extreme heat. This aligns with LEED v5’s focus on improving the quality of life for both workers and building occupants.
By implementing a Construction Management Plan, contractors can ensure that their projects meet LEED v5 standards while safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone involved.
LEED v5 Outlook for General Contractors
The LEED v5 outlook presents both challenges and opportunities for general contractors. On one hand, the increased emphasis on decarbonization, Minimized Site Disturbance, and Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion will require contractors to rethink traditional practices. On the other hand, LEED v5 construction credits offer more possible points to reward projects that meet the new standards.
As we look toward the 2025 release of LEED v5, general contractors must begin preparing for the new standards and expectations. The LEED v5 outlook is one of stricter requirements, but these changes are necessary to push the industry towards more sustainable, low-carbon construction practices. From Assessing and Quantifying Embodied Carbon to implementing Minimized Site Disturbance strategies, LEED v5 construction will set the bar even higher for green building.
By adopting the principles of LEED v5, contractors can help reduce the environmental impact of construction, improve the quality of life for all stakeholders, and contribute to long-term ecological conservation. The future of sustainable construction is here—are you ready?
