LEED v5 is nearing final form, with the updated rating system for existing buildings operations and maintenance (O+M) undergoing final refinements ahead of a projected 2024 rollout. The draft version was released in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council’s annual conference last week along with a call for projects to help with the final testing.

This will replace LEED v4.1, which was introduced in 2017. LEED v5 will place greater emphasis on all significant sources of carbon emissions in buildings, resilience and the social and health impacts of buildings. That includes new credits for: decarbonization and net-zero planning; operational preparedness for extreme events; continual assessment and verification of measurable indoor air quality; and protections for cleaning staff.

“The launch of LEED v5 underscores our unwavering commitment to our mission of fostering sustainable building practices that embrace principles of equity, health, biodiversity and resilience,” says Peter Templeton, president and chief executive officer of USGBC.

A draft of LEED v5 for building design and construction (BD+C) is expected for next year.