The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released an incremental update to the fourth installment of its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. As part of ongoing improvement efforts, the council is requesting user feedback proposals to aide in the update’s development.

Described by the USGBC as “most inclusive and transparent platform to date,” LEED v4.1 includes a more streamlined and simplified rating system. This will provide users with a clear framework for achieving LEED certification, not just for entire buildings, but for spaces within buildings as well.

The update includes:

• new methodologies for measuring building performance;
• a simple, data-driven path to LEED certification for existing buildings; and
• updated referenced standards and performance requirements.

In order to generate user feedback, USGBC has released a beta version of the LEED rating system for existing buildings. To join the LEED v4.1 beta, click here.