# USGBC Publishes LEED v5 Recertification Guidance

## Description

USGBC has published comprehensive LEED v5 Recertification Guidance for buildings renewing their existing LEED certification. Key changes include: reduced performance reporting requirements with a minimum of 12 months of performance data for energy and water use, prerequisite-level performance requirements limited to energy efficiency only, and all previously certified projects automatically achieving 5 points under the LEED Recertification Project Priorities credit. The guidance aligns recertification with LEED v5's focus on decarbonization, resilience, human well-being, and transparency through performance-based metrics.

## Sources

- Official [LEED v5 RECERTIFICATION GUIDANCE - USGBC](https://www.usgbc.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/LEED-v5-Recertification-Guidance.pdf)

## Key Findings

- All previously certified projects will achieve 5 points under the LEED Recertification Project Priorities credit. 
- Projects certified under LEED v5 seeking recertification may use documentation from the previous certification to demonstrate prerequisite compliance, unless they have undergone significant renovation and/or additions.