LEED v5 includes revamped scoring system to be more transparent
LEED v5, the latest version of the U.S. Green Building Council’s standard, includes a retooled scoring system that is intended to be more transparent to allow project teams to get a handle on project performance sooner than with the previous version, LEED v4.1.
With LEED v4.1, project teams had to enter all their data into Arc before they could understand how the project would perform. The new version is more transparent and is intended for project teams to understand performance without first having to enter all the data.
Instead of using an Arc-specific calculation or algorithm, LEED v5 uses tools devised by Energy Star or ASHRAE 100 to determine performance. The new version also offers 20 points for selecting certain strategy-based credits allowing more flexibility to earn points based on the wishes of the facility manager.
The “Innovation” category was changed to “Project Priorities in Innovation,” offering up to 10 points that can be earned through:
- Regional priorities
- Pilot credits for testing new ideas
- Innovation
- Having a LEED Accredited Professional on the team
- Doing something exceptionally well
There are also new and expanded credits for indoor environmental quality. A new resilient spaces credit rewards projects that create flexible and safe indoor environments including strategies such as ventilation to reduce exposure to airborne illnesses and protection from outdoor smoke.