LEED for existing buildings and spaces
LEED O+M puts the focus on operations in whole buildings and interior spaces that have been fully operational and occupied for at least one year. By focusing on performance-oriented strategies and outcomes, old buildings can achieve higher efficiency. Since demolishing an existing building and constructing a new one can have significant environmental impacts, ensuring older buildings perform better and last longer is a smart investment for owners and the planet.
LEED O+M projects may be undergoing improvement work or little to no construction and works for projects including:
- Existing whole buildings
- Existing Interiors spaces within a portion of an existing building, including spaces for commercial, retail or hospitality purposes
Register your LEED project today.
LEED v4.1 O+M
While LEED v4 remains available today, LEED v4.1 O+M is simpler, easier, faster and less expensive. It’s a paradigm shift that recognizes the simplest way to evaluate existing buildings is to focus on measurable performance outcomes.
With performance data as your documentation, and less need for many prescriptive credits and prerequisites, project teams across the country are adopting the LEED v4.1.
LEED v4.1 O+M updates include:
- LEED points based on what really matters – performance
- A shift from documentation to data tracking energy, water, waste, transportation, indoor air quality, toxin free environment and occupant satisfaction using Arc, a free tool to help manage performance metrics
- Recognition for initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve occupant health and well-being
- Alignment with data-driven recertification to help projects stay certified
Looking for LEED technical documents?
Getting started
After determining which rating system you will use, register your project in LEED Online to indicate your commitment to certification. You can refer to the Marketing support page to support your project promotion efforts.
Once registered, you can start working on your project in LEED Online – it’s your LEED project management workspace to organize your documentation and engage with your whole team.
The Credit Library is a database of all LEED v4.1 credits, prerequisites, and Minimum Program Requirements. It provides credit requirements, local guidance, forms, calculators, and other resources. It’s also your portal to the web-based reference guide. Access other detailed information in the Technical Resources.
Concerned about the impacts of COVID-19 on building occupancy and performance? Allowances and guidance ensure there is a path to certification for every project!
Ask us a question – any time! LEED is supported by LEED Coach Canada, a collaborative team with diverse building science backgrounds. With people located across Canada, we’re here to help.