Earlier this year, USGBC announced that the certification deadline for LEED v3 projects (which includes all LEED 2009 rating systems) had been extended to June 30, 2022. This means that all projects using LEED v3 now have until the new deadline to submit their projects for a phase of review, either Design or Standard preliminary review.

LEED v3 projects have a number of options as they consider what to do next, and among them is to upgrade projects to LEED v4.1. A new resource, “Understanding the Changes: LEED 2009 to LEED v4.1,” walks teams through the major differences in versions from LEED 2009 to LEED v4.1. It also includes information on the available credit substitutions for projects interested in using either new version.

USGBC also hosted a webinar on the changes. The recording is available for anyone who missed it (or wants to watch it again).

Options for LEED 2009 projects

1. Upgrade to a newer version.

LEED v3 projects have the option of upgrading to LEED v4 or LEED v4.1 at no additional cost. Each option has merit. By moving to LEED v4, Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) projects can also take advantage of a wide range of LEED 4.1 credit by using credit substitutions. Or, you can transition your project fully to LEED v4.1. Contact GBCI to make the switch.

2. Complete the process in your current version.

Projects well under way, or that have already submitted for review, may find it more beneficial to stay the course in their current version. You’ll still be able to use LEED v4.1 and LEED v4 credit substitutions, but the list of available credits is smaller than it would be if you upgraded your project. LEED v3 projects have access to several credit substitutions, as some of the credits can be mapped to LEED v4 and LEED v4.1. For example, the LEED 2009 Alternative Transportation Bicycle Storage credit maps to the LEED v4 Bicycle Facilities credit.

3. Contact us.

Before the deadline, contact GBCI with project details to explore alternative options.

4. Do nothing. Project teams also have the option of not doing anything and allowing the project to sunset on June 30, 2022. To pursue certification at a later date, the project will need to be reregistered under a newer version of LEED.