How to Successfully Deliver a New Construction Project with LEED v5 Requirements?

Successfully delivering a new construction project with LEED v5 means recognizing that this version reinvents sustainable building practices. It focuses on decarbonization, climate resilience, and occupant well-being to deliver buildings that are more efficient, durable, and aligned with national carbon targets.

‍How Does LEED v5 Redefine Sustainable Construction in Quebec?

The LEED certification system has become a global reference for green building. The new LEED v5 version encourages

• measurable carbon emissions reduction,
• optimization of energy systems andprogressive electrification,
• healthier, more comfortable, andclimate-resilient buildings.

Investing in LEED v5 prepares Quebec construction projects for the future. This update introduces new challenges but offers major opportunities for innovation, enabling solutions to today’s sustainability issues and helping buildlow-carbon, sustainable communities in Canada.

 What Historical Evolution Has LEED Undergone in Canada?

 LEED has progressively integrated climate and carbon considerations into building design.

 From LEED v4 (2013)

• embodied carbon of building materials (GHG emissions across their life cycle) was included in the certification.

The 2024 energy criteria update:

• strengthened GHG reduction targets in energy performance,
• shifted the focus from simpleenergy consumption to operational carbon reduction,
• initiated a holistic energy performance approach, beyond basic efficiency.

With LEED v5, decarbonization becomes a core pillar

• recognized across multiple credits, especially in Energy and Atmosphere,
• operational carbon assessment and decarbonization planning are now central,
• building electrification is encouraged, with bonus points for projects without on-site combustion,
• building envelope performance and demand-side energy management are integrated to prevent grid overload, especially during Quebec winter peaks.

Embodied Carbon and Life-Cycle Assessment

LEEDv5 also strengthens the importance of embodied carbon

• its calculation, optional in v4, is now mandatory,
• more points are awarded for reducing embodied carbon,
• life-cycle assessment (LCA) becomes a key tool to evaluate and reduce emissions from materials and building systems.

How Does LEED v5 Support Healthy, Equitable, andResilient Buildings in Quebec?

 Beyond energy performance, LEED v5 emphasizes human and social sustainability,including:

• occupant health: indoor air quality, natural light, acoustics, thermal comfort,
• climate resilience: protection against extreme cold, heatwaves, storms, floods, and wildfires,
• environmental justice, promoting equitable and sustainable buildings.

Quebec-specific considerations:

• long winters and highly airtigh tbuildings require effective ventilation, pollutant reduction, and stable thermal comfort,
• climate resilience is assessed from the design phase to select systems best suited to local risks,
• the combination of health and resilience ensures safety, comfort, and long-term building value.

 Impact on communities and property value:

• LEED v5 projects contribute to resilient communities,
• buildings are adapted to current and future realities in Quebec, increasing value for investors, buyers, and insurers,
• certification supports overall performance, occupant comfort, and long-term sustainability.

How Does LEED v5 Transform the Construction Market in Quebec?

Adopting LEED v5 aligns with growing public policies on carbon neutrality and sustainable urban planning, offering multiple benefits:

For construction stakeholders in Quebec:

• developers gain a competitive advantage in an environmentally sensitive and climate-resilient market,
• architects and engineers strengthen their expertise in sustainable and resilient design,
• public institutions benefit from a clear framework for eco-responsible projects

For implementation and continuous improvement:

• training on recent standards : decarbonization, resilience, indoor air quality,
• deployment of digital tools forperformance monitoring,
• engaging occupants and staff incontinuous improvement initiatives,
• enhancing user comfort and satisfaction. 

Requirements and regulatory alignment:

• this transition requires investmentin training, upgrading envelope and MEP systems, and better data sharing among stakeholders,
• in Quebec, these efforts align with municipal carbon neutrality targets (Montreal 2040) and the Canadian decarbonization plan 2050, targeting:
  • 40–45% GHG reduction by 2030,
  • carbonneutrality by 2050.

This approach promotes LEED v5 adoption and the transition to sustainable construction in Quebec, while enhancing project value on the market.

Ready to Deliver Your Sustainable Construction Project?

Our team of experts can help you:

• integrate decarbonization, resilience, and occupant comfort from the design phase,
• maximize energy performance andbuilding value,
• meet Quebec and Canada carbonneutrality standards and targets.

Contact Isabela Rudge Ramos Dib, Team Leader of Environmental Certifications, or Nicolas Vincent, ESG Impact Strategist, today to discover how LEED v5 can transform your project into a high-performance, sustainable, and recognized building.