USGBC® LEED® v5 Update: Key Changes and Implications

The latest version of the green building certification system, LEED v5, is in the final stages of completion by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). This detailed course offers a thorough examination of the recent updates to the LEED rating system, with a focus on LEED v5. This course will cover the significant changes introduced in this version, which include modified credit categories that focus on a strategic balance among the core LEED v5 priorities: climate action, quality of life, and ecology. In this course, you will learn how these updates affect project certification and shape the future of green building design. This course is crucial for architects, engineers, project managers, and sustainability professionals.

LEED v5 is currently in beta, and the rating system may change. The information for this course was taken from the version published in March 2025. Participants should check USGBC | U.S. Green Building Council for the most recent version.

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Course Details

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Discuss key changes and explain the significant updates and changes introduced in LEED v5 compared to previous versions
  • Describe the enhanced performance metrics and how they affect project evaluation and certification processes
  • List the revised credit categories and their implications for design and construction practices on users’ health, safety, and well-being
  • Identify strategies that align with the updated LEED criteria to improve project outcomes regarding equity, social responsibility, and sustainability performance
  • Explain the updated certification processes and understand the role of documentation and verification in achieving LEED v5 certification
  • Discuss the broader implications of LEED v5 on the green building industry and its potential to influence policy, market trends, public well-being, and stakeholder engagement

Specs

Course Level Fundamental
Languages English
Compatibility Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Rumanda Young, Ph.D.

Author

Dr. Young is a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) in the state of Texas and a Certified Planner (AICP). She holds a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture (BLA) from the University of Arkansas, a master's degree in city and regional planning (MCRP) with environmental planning emphasis from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Ph.D. in urban planning and public policy. Dr. Young also spent time abroad in Cheltenham, England at the University of Gloucestershire focusing on sustainable development practices, environmental planning, and resource management. Dr. Young has eight years of private practice experience, six of which working with the firm Carter & Burgess, Inc. She was involved in a variety of work including a wide range of park and recreational planning and design projects. Landscape Architectural experience ranges from preparation of detail site design plans, inventory and analysis documents, park, recreation and open space master plans, city-wide comprehensive plans, interpretive prospectus documents, construction document preparation, and preparation of grant applications and rezoning applications for cities throughout Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina and Oklahoma.

Dr. Young currently works as a Military Master Planner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in the Planning, Environmental, and Regulatory Branch. Dr. Young is involved in a variety of work including a wide range of military planning, programming, and design projects. Project Management experience ranges from installation design guides to campus master plans. Projects also focus on the impacts of development on human health and the environment, and improvements through better siting, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of military projects.

Dr. Young is also an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, School of Architecture. She teaches master's level landscape architecture design studio course(s).

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