LEED v5 Fundamentals

Get ready for LEED v5 with this seven-part training series focused on the most important changes coming to the new rating system. Each one-hour training dives into a specific knowledge domain, from energy updates and electrification strategies to circular materials and equity in site selection, so you can stay ahead of the curve and feel confident moving into version 5.

You will learn directly from USGBC Faculty at GBES, a USGBC Education Partner. Our instructors bring deep expertise and real-world experience from working on LEED projects, ensuring every session is practical, relevant, and aligned with the latest industry standards. This course will cover LEED BD+C, LEED O+M & LEED ID+C changes.

Each training can be self-reported for 1 hour of general CE for LEED, WELL, and AIA LU.

LEED v5 Fundamentals: Location & Transportation
Explore how LEED v5 shifts focus to decarbonization, equity in transportation access, and electrification readiness. This session covers new performance-based metrics and site selection priorities shaping sustainable development.

LEED v5 Fundamentals: Sustainable Sites
Learn what’s changing in site stewardship, including ecosystem preservation, biodiversity, and climate resilience. This session breaks down LEED v5’s increased emphasis on positive nature and long-term land use planning.

LEED v5 Fundamentals: Water Efficiency
Understand stricter water performance thresholds and advanced metering requirements. We’ll explore LEED v5’s wholistic water management approach and decarbonization strategies in water systems.

LEED v5 Fundamentals: Energy & Atmosphere
Examine the low-carbon building overhaul in the energy and atmosphere category including electrification pathways, energy efficiency strategies, and LEED v5 alignment with industry decarbonization goals.

LEED v5 Fundamentals: Materials & Resources
Unpack the deeper integration of circular economy principles in LEED v5. This session highlights updates on material transparency, lifecycle assessments, and strategies for embodied carbon reduction.

LEED v5 Fundamentals: Indoor Environmental Quality
Find out how LEED v5 raises the bar for indoor health. We’ll cover updates on air quality monitoring, acoustics, and new occupant focused strategies that go beyond ventilation to help people thrive.

LEED v5 Fundamentals: Integrative Process & Project Priorities
Discover how LEED v5 encourages early analysis and planning, creativity, and regional responsiveness. This session explains how projects can earn points through incorporating the integrative process, pilot credits, and emerging practices, and how regional priority points address local environmental challenges.

What is happening with LEED v5 and when does it take effect?

LEED v5 is the next major update to the LEED rating system, focused on driving climate action, equity, and measurable performance. While the LEED v5 reference guides have been released, the rollout is happening in stages. Project teams can begin exploring the new system now, but LEED v4 and v4.1 remain fully in effect and are still widely used. LEED v5 is expected to become the required standard in 2026, starting with new construction, followed by other rating types.

Will the LEED exams change soon?

Yes. The LEED professional exams will transition to align with LEED v5 in 2026. Here is the current exam schedule:

• LEED Green Associate (v5 beta exam) launches April 28, 2026. The last day to take the current LEED v4 Green Associate exam is April 26, 2026.
• LEED AP with Specialty (BD+C, O+M, ID+C) v5 beta exams launch June 30, 2026. The last day to take the current LEED v4 AP exams is June 28, 2026.

The LEED v5 beta exams will be available only in English and as standalone exams. If you need a translated version or prefer the combined exam format, you must schedule and take the current LEED v4 exams before the new exams launch.

Once you earn your LEED Green Associate or LEED AP credential, it remains valid as long as you maintain it through continuing education. You will not need to retest when the exam version changes.

Why take this course now?

This course series is designed for credentialed professionals who want to stay current with the latest updates to LEED. Each session focuses on a key area of change in version 5 so you can deepen your understanding, better support project teams, and stay competitive as the market shifts.

• Understand how LEED v5 differs from LEED v4 and v4.1.
• Learn what to expect from the updated rating systems and exam changes.
• Earn continuing education hours toward your credential maintenance requirements.
• Be ready to lead projects and teams through the transition to LEED v5.

Whether you are preparing for your first LEED exam, managing certifications, or maintaining your credential through continuing education, this is a timely and practical way to stay ahead of the LEED v5 transition.

*This Training is Not Included in GBES Unlimited