LEED v4 Is Sunsetting—Here’s What You Need to Know About the Transition to LEED v5
Over 15 years of business, we’ve been through this before… and we are here to help your team through the transition!
At GreeNexus, we have been through the LEED Certification transition from version 2, to v2.2, into version 3, then version 4 and 4.1, now we are here to support you into the next evolution of the rating system… LEED v5!
The LEED rating system is entering a major transition period. With LEED v4 and v4.1 approaching their registration close dates and LEED v5 now live, project teams have important decisions to make in the coming months. Whether you’re actively pursuing certification or planning future projects, understanding the timeline—and what’s changing—is key.
Key LEED v4 / v4.1 Dates to Know
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has officially announced the sunset timeline for LEED v4 and v4.1:
- June 30, 2026 – Final date to register new projects under LEED v4 or v4.1 (BD+C, ID+C
- June 30, 2026 – Final date to register new projects under LEED v4 (O+M)
- June 30, 2027 – Final day to certify/ submit 1 Recertification projects (O+M Recertification + O+M Interiors)
- June 30, 2032 – Final certification submission deadline (sunset date) for projects already registered under v4 or v4.1
This means teams with projects currently in design—or those starting soon—still have time to pursue LEED v4 or v4.1, provided registration occurs before June 30, 2026.
LEED v5 Has Arrived
LEED v5 officially launched for project registration in 2025 and is now fully available across major rating systems, including BD+C, ID+C, and O+M. This newest version represents a significant evolution of LEED, with a sharper focus on measurable outcomes and climate impact.
LEED v5 is organized around three core impact areas:
- Decarbonization – Addressing operational carbon, embodied carbon, refrigerants, and transportation emissions
- Quality of Life – Advancing human health, resilience, and equity
- Ecological Conservation & Restoration – Reducing environmental degradation and supporting ecosystem recovery
Compared to earlier versions, LEED v5 places greater emphasis on early planning, performance-based decision-making, and data transparency, particularly around carbon.
What This Means for Your Project
With two active LEED pathways available during this transition, choosing the right version depends on several factors:
- Project schedule – Can you register under v4/v4.1 before June 30, 2026?
- Project goals – Are you aiming for alignment with near-zero carbon targets and future-forward sustainability metrics?
- Team readiness – Does your team have the tools and processes in place to meet LEED v5’s expanded documentation and analysis requirements?
For many projects already well into design, LEED v4 or v4.1 may remain the most practical path forward. For projects in early planning—or those responding to decarbonization reporting requirements or seeking to demonstrate (next level) sustainability stewardship—LEED v5 offers a framework that more closely aligns with evolving ESG, climate, and resilience expectations.
For teams that prefer to lead this way (yes, we see it too), early adoption of LEED v5 can be a strategic opportunity to stay ahead of both market and regulatory shifts.
How GreeNexus Can Help
At GreeNexus, we’re actively supporting clients across both LEED v4/v4.1 and LEED v5, helping teams:
- Evaluate which LEED version best fits their schedule and goals
- Register projects strategically ahead of upcoming deadlines
- Prepare for LEED v5 with a gap analysis
- Prepare for LEED v5 requirements, including carbon assessments and resilience planning
- Navigate the transition with minimal disruption to design and construction timelines
If you have projects in the pipeline or questions about how these changes may impact your certification strategy, we’re here to help.
From commissioning to campuses, from modeling to market, and from options to operations….We’re proud to continue as Your Green Building Connection!