Beta users test streamlined LEED v4 certification process

Sources: U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C.; CP staff

USGBC cites nearly 100 building projects across the globe where project principals are using guidelines of LEED v4, the next version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building program.

Beta project teams are helping USGBC validate LEED v4 implementation and testing new reference guide content and LEED Online forms. The Council’s goal is to fine-tune the user experience before a scheduled LEED v4 launch this fall. The new version prepares all LEED projects in a portfolio to perform at a higher level, USGBC contends, while providing a suite of support tools aimed at streamlining the certification process.

“LEED v4 beta participants are some of the most forward thinking leaders of our time,” says USGBC Senior Vice President of LEED Scot Horst. “These projects are incorporating cutting-edge green building strategies and techniques, and will serve as a model for future green building projects across the world.”

Over a development cycle, a revised LEED version undergoes a series of public comment periods culminating in a final ballot, during which USGBC members vote to pass the changes within the final system. LEED v4 was opened for a 30-day ballot period beginning June 1; its formal launch is planned to coincide with USGBC’s 2013 Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, November 20-23 in Philadelphia.

In addition to making continuous updates to its signature rating system, the Council notes steps to improve the LEED customer experience in advance of the LEED v4 release:

  • Reducing the number of submittal forms;
  • Creating credit documentation and calculators, available via USGBC’s Credit Library;
  • Developing reference guides in a variety of formats, including a forthcoming web-based reference guide with online tutorials, videos and other resources to help project teams implement LEED; and,
  • Growing the certification review team to include licensed engineers, architects and other specialty building professionals.

The LEED v4 beta test remains open to candidate projects; additional information and registration can be obtained from Chrissy Macken at [email protected].