What is a LEED v4.1 certification webinar? A LEED v4.1 webinar answers questions about the new version of LEED. USGBC and GBCI experts discuss the LEED v4.1 rating system, LEED credits, and educational resources. How can you become involved? Let’s find out...

LEED v4.1

USGBC released the LEED v4.1 BD+C draft in December 2018. The USGBC has declared that LEED v4.1 will be inclusive and transparent. The USGBC has emphasized that LEED v4.1 will be bigger, bolder, and stronger. The revised referenced standards allow projects to earn LEED points through building performance monitoring. Performance outcomes will be supported by methodologies and a data-driven path so that users can measure performance on an ongoing basis.

LEED v4.1 should benefit both LEED project teams and building product manufacturers. Several LEED MR credits have been made easier to achieve. In addition, building product manufacturers have several opportunities to contribute additional points for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization related credits.

LEED v4.1 Webinars

The USGBC has launched a series of LEED v4.1 webinars to educate design professionals and building product manufacturers. The ‘Ask The Expert’ webinars will include USGBC and GBCI experts who will answer questions about the ratings systems, LEED v4.1 credits, energy performance, LEED v4.1 exam, commissioning requirements, and many more topics.

Recorded webinars are available via the USGBC website which include specific information about the LEED v4.1 BD+C, O+M, and ID+C ratings systems. Furthermore, there are several recorded webinars that focus on specific LEED v4.1 categories, such as Materials and Resources, IEQ, and Energy & Atmosphere. Previous webinars have been very informative. Here are some tidbits we learned.

• LEED v4.1 development included feedback from reviewers and project teams. In March 2018, USGBC put out a call for ideas on how to improve the technical language of LEED v4.1. Over 250 proposals were submitted, providing valuable feedback that will continue to shape the future of the rating system. The information was sent to LEED committees and Technical Advisory Groups for consideration. USGBC has published official responses to proposals submitted between March and May 2018.

• The integrative process been updated in LEED v4.1. The Integrative Process credit has a more balanced approach for project teams to understand, improve and document both the process and outcomes. The credit includes a new documentation approach of a project team letter. LEED project teams have flexibility to tell the story of their integrative process and earn more points for exemplary performance for new areas including social equity and public health.

• LEED Recertification is now available to all occupied and in-use projects that have previously achieved LEED certification including Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)—regardless of their initial rating system or version.

• LEED v4.1 credits have been streamlined to provide increased flexibility, while also pushing the market forward.

How is your company preparing for LEED v4.1? Have you participated in a LEED v4.1 webinar?