Over the past 25 years, USGBC has sought to make the communities in which we live, work, learn and play healthier, more resource-efficient and less damaging to our ecosystems. The first step is to earn LEED certification for the way your building is designed, built or operated. But it’s not enough to stop there—occupants change, technologies change and market expectations change.

Recertification is an important action that is now available to all occupied and in-use projects that have previously achieved certification under LEED—including Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)—regardless of their initial rating system or version. This new guidance presents a simple and data-driven pathway, reassuring projects that they are meeting ever-changing goals and staying on the cutting edge.

5 things to know about LEED recertification

1. How do I get started?

Step 1: Review the LEED v4.1 O+M Guide, which details the requirements and process.
Step 2: Contact us to activate your project’s recertification.

2. How will my project be recognized?

Once you’ve successfully competed recertification, your project will earn LEED for Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M) certification under the newest available version of the rating system. Currently, that is LEED v4.1.

3. Are there any prerequisites?

Your previous LEED certification serves as documentation for prerequisites. That way, you can focus solely on data and performance.

4. How long does my recertification last?

You will need to enter data at least annually to keep your certification active, but your recertification will be valid for three years. Every three years, submit your data for review to renew your certification and document your ongoing achievements. Active projects will not be charged a registration fee. Projects that do not enter annual performance data will need to restart the recertification process and pay an additional registration fee. View the pricing for LEED recertification.

5. Can I order a new plaque?

Yes, with LEED recertification, you have a new certification and can order all of the same recognition materials available for projects pursuing their initial LEED certification.

To learn more about recertification, please contact us.

Contact the LEED team

USGBC now offers recertification for all LEED projects