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Recently, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the release of LEED v4.1, an expansion and reorganization of LEED v4. With LEED v4.1, developers now have further opportunities to optimize the sustainable designs of their buildings through updated standards and more flexible methods of building design and construction practices. The goals of LEED v4.1 include the following:
- Create future leaders of environmental efforts
- Provide more accessible routes into the field of sustainability
- Expand the market of sustainable buildings
- Improve the energy performance and health standards of new and existing buildings
Much like LEED v4, LEED v4.1 carries the goal of improving environmental benefits and human health standards by doing the following:
- Enhancing individual human health
- Protecting and restoring water resources
- Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Promoting sustainable and regenerative material cycles
- Building a green economy
- Enhancing community quality of life
New and existing buildings can benefit from the use of LEED v4.1 as an alternative to LEED v4. USGBC is periodically rolling out the 4.1 versions of each rating system for LEED BD+C as well as LEED ID+C. Jurisdictions across the nation are beginning to recognize these standards and are adopting them into their building codes over time. Regarding green building requirements, California leads the nation with the California Green Building Code (CALGreen), and as a result, USGBC has created a streamlined path for California projects.
VCA Green offers consultation for LEED, CALGreen, and other related sustainability services. For more information on how you can enhance your building for better ROI and environmental impacts for your new or existing building through services such as these, contact us here:
Moe Fakih, Principal
mfakih@vca-green.com
714-363-4700
Contributing Writer: Burke Boydell, LEED AP Homes