LEED V5 COURSE PROGRAM

This course introduces the structure and technical foundations of LEED v5 for BD+C, while also providing a focused transition overview for LEED v4 professionals. It explains key structural changes including carbon-centered prerequisites, embodied carbon quantification, resilience integration, and updated performance verification requirements. Suitable for both first-time LEED users and experienced practitioners, the course builds foundational knowledge and clarifies how LEED v5 redefines compliance and certification strategy.

Course date: May 14, 2026
Location: Belgrade, venue TBD

Created by: ENERGO
Published: Feb 13, 2026
GBCI: 0920033717
Continuing education: 4 CE
LEED credential maintenance: LEED Green Associate, LEED AP BD+C
Duration: 330 minutes

Participants will examine how LEED v5 shifts from an efficiency-driven framework toward an impact-based, performance-centered system that integrates carbon accountability, climate resilience, lifecycle thinking, and social equity. The course explores the revised category architecture, updated prerequisites, and the strengthened relationship between documentation and measurable outcomes.

Key topics include:

• The evolution of LEED and the development logic behind version 5
• Structural changes across all major BD+C categories
• The introduction of new prerequisites related to climate resilience, carbon assessment, and embodied carbon quantification
• Expanded emphasis on performance verification and operational accountability
• Integration of equity and community considerations within the rating structure
• Rebalanced category weighting and implications for certification strategy
• Changes in project team coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration

Learning objectives

•  Describe the structural evolution of the LEED rating system and explain the key differences between LEED v4.1 and LEED v5.
• Identify the major changes in LEED v5 BD+C category architecture, including revised prerequisites, credit structure, and category weighting.
• Explain the purpose and implications of new LEED v5 prerequisites related to climate resilience, operational carbon planning, and embodied carbon quantification.
• Analyze how LEED v5 integrates performance verification, lifecycle thinking, and equity considerations across rating system categories.
• Interpret the certification workflow and documentation logic required under LEED v5, including the role of interdisciplinary coordination.
• Evaluate how LEED v5 requirements influence early project planning, design strategy, and long-term asset positioning.

Module 1 – Evolution and Development of LEED v5

Duration: 45 minutes

• Purpose of certification systems
  • Evolution from LEED v1 to LEED v5
  • Development process and stakeholder engagement
  • Transition from efficiency-based to impact-driven framework
  • Overview of LEED v5 impact areas
  • Introduction to structural shift in version 5

Learning focus:
Understand the systemic evolution of LEED and the rationale behind LEED v5.

Module 2 – LEED v5 System Architecture

Duration: 45 minutes

• LEED v5 BD+C category structure
  • Category weighting and point distribution (110 points total)
  • Overview of prerequisites and credits
  • Integrative Process, Planning and Assessments
  • Project Priorities category
  • Interdisciplinary coordination requirements

Learning focus:
Identify how the LEED v5 structure differs from previous versions and how categories are organized.

Module 3 – Certification Workflow and Documentation Logic

Duration: 45 minutes

• Project registration process
  • Role of LEED Online and ARC platform
  • Documentation requirements and verification logic
  • Preliminary and final review process
  • Common compliance challenges
  • Team roles and responsibilities under LEED v5

Learning focus:
Understand certification process flow and documentation discipline under LEED v5.

Module 4 – Structural and Technical Differences: LEED v4.1 vs LEED v5

Duration: 75 minutes

• Conceptual shift: performance optimization to impact-based logic
  • Carbon strategy integration (Operational Carbon Projection requirement)
  • Climate resilience assessment requirement
  • Embodied carbon quantification requirement
  • Water metering and performance monitoring
  • Equity and community integration across categories
  • Electrification and energy performance evolution
  • Governance and strategic flexibility (Project Priorities)

Learning focus:
Analyze key structural changes and understand their practical implications for project planning.

Module 5 – Performance, Market and ESG Alignment

Duration: 30 minutes

• From documentation to measurable performance
  • Relationship between certification and asset value
  • Carbon exposure and transition risk
  • Alignment with investor and regulatory expectations
  • Long-term strategic positioning through LEED v5

Learning focus:
Evaluate how LEED v5 supports performance credibility and market positioning.

Q&A and Discussion

Integrated throughout modules
(Discussion periods embedded within each module; total instructional time remains 240 minutes.)