LEED v4 Update
Starting March 1, 2024, all new LEED certification projects will meet higher energy performance thresholds. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), these updated LEED v4 requirements aim to swiftly decarbonize building operations and reflect the urgency of the climate crisis. This update aims to improve energy performance beyond the prerequisite standard to reduce the environmental and economic harms of excessive energy use.
This update – recently balloted and approved by the USGBC membership – raises the thresholds for energy performance and emissions reductions, along with the addition of a new greenhouse gas emissions metric. You can still earn up to 20 LEED points in the energy & atmosphere category, but the updated reduction thresholds have increased for each LEED point, reaching the highest exemplary performance at 100% improvement. See the updated thresholds on USGBC’s website.
The updated thresholds were determined based on 2030 climate goals. Minimum improvement thresholds for the prerequisite were linked to ASHRAE 90.1-2016 average improvements beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2010. Award Optimize Energy Performance points based on incremental improvements to energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To achieve the maximum number of points, projects must reach near-zero GHG emissions.
Achieving 92-98% Energy Efficiency
GreenGirt CMHᵀᴹ continuous insulation and SMARTci® building enclosure systems from Advanced Architectural Products achieve 92-99% energy efficiency. These systems significantly contribute to meeting new LEED energy efficiency thresholds and earning LEED certification. Advanced Architectural Products has also developed an easy-to-use calculator to quantify energy savings by using GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems – use the energy savings calculator on greengirt.com.
Download A2P’s LEED Certification Resources
A2P’s LEED worksheets are available for download to help you determine how GreenGirt and SMARTci systems can help your project earn LEED points towards high-performance energy efficiency.
Download A2P’s LEED Worksheets
Connect with your A2P territory representative for more resources on how GreenGirt and SMARTci systems deliver the high-quality thermal performance to help your project earn LEED certification.
Talk with Your A2P Territory Representative
Related Resources:
View A2P’s Sustainability & Environmental Resources
Read “Building a Sustainable Future: A Comprehensive Guide to LEED Certification”
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did the LEED v4 energy update take effect?
The LEED v4 energy update took effect on March 1, 2024
What changed in the LEED v4 energy update for Energy & Atmosphere points?
LEED v4 raised the thresholds for both energy performance and emissions reductions and adds a new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions metric. Projects can still earn up to 20 points in Energy & Atmosphere, but each point now requires a higher level of reduction, reaching exemplary performance at 100% improvement.
How can GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci help teams meet LEED v4 energy thresholds?
GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems achieve 92–99% energy efficiency, which helps projects meet LEED v4 energy performance thresholds.