LEED v4.1 Changes for New Construction

Why was LEED v4.1 created?

The green building industry continues its rise, doubling every three years. Of course, this trend signals the need for more experts, professionals who are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified with the knowledge of sustainable practices in the building industry. As LEED continues to evolve with the latest iteration LEED version 4.1, the green movement continues to grow delivering powerful positive impacts to the world. From the original version to the most recent restatement, LEED continues to incorporate technological advancement with government policies to advance carbon reduction as well as enrich the health of humanity.

The newest version of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED green building program, entitled LEED v4.1, brings changes for new construction projects and interior spaces. The versions, LEED v4.1 BD+C and LEED v4.1 ID+C, promise to deliver continued improvement focusing on energy performance, integrative design, and human health and well-being. The changes address project challenges encountered whenever sustainability goals are present.

LEED v4.1 incorporates knowledge gleaned from LEED v4 project teams to deliver a rating system which will be within reach for more projects. With renewed performance levels and standards, LEED continues as the global standard for green building. The latest LEED updates call for enhanced performance over the life cycle of LEED certified buildings. With nearly 100,000 LEED commercial projects in more than 150 countries, LEED standards encourage greater leadership among professionals from engineers to architects, interior design professionals to SITES AP accredited landscape professionals.

While previous LEED versions have focused on construction, materials, and energy efficiency, LEED v4.1 focuses on the human race and enhancing the quality of life for the world’s growing population. LEED v4.1 continues to raise the bar, expanding its efforts in promoting green building, performance, and sustainability for the betterment of humanity. With the latest incremental update to its rating systems, LEED v4.1 promises a genuine response to the realities of the market while continuing to promote the best in industry performance in existing buildings and new construction.

Green building professionals need to understand the LEED v4.1 changes in order to deliver guidance to the clients. Performance is the focus of LEED v4.1, particularly sustainability which utilizes the current technology to ensure energy and water savings on a daily basis. To gauge the success of this goal, USGBS developed at data platform, known as Arc, which allows building professionals to measure building performance and make comparisons with other buildings. The performance based prerequisites of LEED v4.1 will link with Arc to aid in data management.

Currently, the USGBC is not planning to make updates to LEED AP exam content or change the Credential Maintenance Program until the Summer of 2020 or later. Should changes come, USGBC will make multiple announcements and provide a timeline for implementation of the changes.

A USGBC partner, GBES created the original LEED practice tests. Today at GBES.com, we continue to be a global green building movement leader with courses, study tools, test prep, and practice tests, and continuing education to aid industry leaders obtain and maintain the latest LEED credentials. GBES can help professionals earn their LEED credentials to complement every LEED project. Join the 110,000 plus professionals who have earned sustainability credentials, and advanced their careers at GBES.com.