LEED Version 3 includes updates to existing LEED rating systems, revisions to the LEED certification process, and a new online platform. The updates align five rating systems under a single framework using a 110 point system, with 100 base points and 10 potential bonus points. The changes aim to better reflect the true environmental impacts of buildings by re-weighting credits based on their effects in key impact areas like climate change. The new system also allows for regional bonus credits to encourage priorities specific to different locations.

1. LEED 2009/Version 3
LEED Project Certification
The following document is based on information available in 2011. Please note that
this information is subject to change based on decisions made by the USGBC. Check
for updates at www.usgbc.org/.
LEED Version 3 Overview
LEED Version 3 (LEED v3) includes three main components:
1. LEED 2009, which encompasses LEED rating system updates/revisions (see
below)
2. Revision and evolution of the LEED certification process
3. LEED Online Version 3
LEED 2009
LEED 2009 aligns five of the existing ratings systems and incorporates recent
advances in science and technology. The ratings will be based on a 110-point system:
• 100 points plus 10 potential bonus points.
• Six of the potential points are for Innovation and Design (only 3 are available
for exemplary performance) and four potential points are available for regional
priority credit.
The LEED 2009 Rating System is the sum of several parts:
1. LEED Prerequisite/Credit Alignment and Harmonization
1. The new prerequisite/credit structure is a consolidation, alignment and
update of all existing LEED rating systems into their “most effective
common denominator.”
2. LEED 2009 will provide a pool of prerequisites/credits for all rating
systems.
3. Existing credit interpretation rulings were reviewed, and necessary
precedent setting and clarifying language has been incorporated into the
prerequisites/credits.
2. Predictable Development Cycle

2. 1. LEED 2009 will evolve on a set schedule using a cycle that is principally
based on the familiar method by which building codes are developed.
3. Transparent Environmental/Human Impact Credit Weighting
1. The most significant change to LEED 2009 is the re-weighting/point
reallocation of LEED credits.
2. A scientifically grounded process was used to redistribute the available
points in LEED so that a given credit’s point value more accurately
reflects its potential to either mitigate the negative or promote the
positive environmental aspects of a building.
3. USGBC weighed each credit using the areas of concern identified by
EPA’s Tools for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemicals and other
Impacts (TRACI life-cycle analysis).
4. Climate change has been identified as the most important area of
concern and, thus, receives the most weight.
4. Regionalization
1. The new structure allows for regional bonus credits (driven by chapters,
regional councils and the LEED Steering Committee).
2. Incentives are provided through LEED ID-style points to add value to
those credits that are considered most important for their defined
regions.
3. Project teams may select bonus points from a list of eligible credits based
on the project’s location.
4. Six credits in each rating system will be identified as regional credits. A
maximum of four regionalization credits can be achieved.
5. Visit the USGBC website to learn more about regional priority credits:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1984.
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