LEED v2009 Ends October 31, 2016

The deadline is approaching.  October 31st is the last day to register your project under the LEED v2009 rating system.  If your project is registered for v2009 before the deadline, you will have until June 30, 2021 to complete and submit the project for certification.

Beginning November 1st, all buildings will be registered under the new LEED v4 rating system, the latest version of LEED.  LEED v4 launched November 2013 and is available for those who wish to pursue it.

According to USGBC National, LEED v4 is different from LEED v2009 because it focuses on increased technical stringency from past versions.  The new rating system is making LEED available to new market sectors, including data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, hospitality, existing schools, existing retail and mid-rise residential projects.

LEED v4 offers a new credit for Integrated Design. This brings together the full construction team at an early stage in the design process, allowing for all areas of expertise to collaboratively design and build to LEED standards from start to finish.

LEED’s green building rating system continues to raise the bar as technology develops and the green building industry stays at the forefront.  

For those new to LEED, the USGBC West MI Chapter has created a guide to help you learn the basics of the LEED rating system and LEED accreditation for green building experts.  This simple four page document breaks down LEED into an easy to understand process – think LEED for Dummies.

Written by: Rebecca Holman, USGBC WM Communications Director