LEED v5 expands: New Arc certification tools and resources for users

As the building industry rapidly evolves toward a future defined by decarbonization, resilience and occupant well-being, USGBC is proud to announce the latest, most robust release of the Arc platform and its expanded toolkit for LEED v5.

This significant update marks a pivotal advancement in the LEED v5 journey, unlocking certification functionality and a suite of technical resources. Take advantage of the new features, resources and tools developed to improve the user experience for project teams.

LEED v5 certification functionality is now open in Arc. The Arc platform now supports exciting new certification capabilities: In addition to registering and setting up their projects, teams can explore credit forms, upload documentation and begin their certification journey.

This is just the beginning—as we continue to enhance the Arc platform, more tools and resources are on the way to support your work.

New and enhanced technical resources

This Arc platform product release is paired with a complementary suite of additional resources to support LEED v5 project teams, including:

• Calculators. The credit library now includes dozens of USGBC-created calculators to support credit documentation and reduce the need for bespoke calculation methods.

• Ongoing rating system development. New Project Priority credits and addenda to the rating system are available in the credit library.

• Updated reference guide bundles. LEED v5 reference guide bundles available for purchase provide expanded explanations, context and updates based on user feedback from the launch preview editions. In 2026, the one-time purchase of the bundle will include robust supplementary content, such as guidance documents and sample completed resources.

Additional support tools

USGBC offers a variety of additional technical resources to support LEED v5 project teams.

• LEED v5 FAQ: Find a frequently updated database of answers for technical and practical questions in our Help Center.
• LEED v5 for Operations and Maintenance resources: LEED v5 O+M project teams can access a free scorecard builder, recertification guidance and a Guide to Strategic Decarbonization Planning to identify their best path forward.
• Rating system crosswalks: Side-by-side crosswalks between LEED v5 BD+C and SITES v2, and between LEED v5 and WELL allow teams to document credits or features efficiently, maximizing synergies across systems.
• Professional education: To support the individual mastery of LEED v5, the LEED professional credential exams will transition to LEED v5 content in spring 2026. The LEED Core Concepts Guide, 5th edition, is now available for presale to support LEED Green Associate exam preparation.

Looking ahead

USGBC will continue to expand Arc’s capabilities with new features and platform improvements in upcoming releases. In 2026, project teams can expect even more growth:

• Additional Project Priority credits
• Expanded international guidance and alternative compliance paths
• Regular addenda updates
• Project impact reports: These reports will summarize certifications using metrics on emissions, energy, water, waste, IAQ, transportation and resilience, strengthening project transparency and stakeholder communication.

Registration closing and certification sunset dates

Registration closing and certification sunset dates are available to help teams plan their project timelines effectively.

Continual updates and improvements

LEED v5’s growing toolkit and functionality on the Arc platform is creating new pathways for technical users to manage projects, streamline certification and deliver higher sustainability performance. With new calculators, reference guides, crosswalks and planning tools, project teams are better equipped to achieve ambitious goals. Stay engaged through Arc and USGBC’s resource channels—the future of LEED v5 will be shaped by your participation and feedback.