The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced proposed updates to the LEED v4 green building certification program to more directly address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The updates raise thresholds in LEED v4 to encourage greater energy performance and emissions reductions, aligning LEED v4 with the rigor of LEED v4.1, which increased energy performance requirements upon its release in 2018. …LEED v4 initially focused on reducing energy demand through usage and efficiency. Meanwhile, LEED v4.1 introduced energy metrics on cost and greenhouse gas emissions, a first for LEED. Together, both LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 take on the evolving needs of the market and build on previous versions of the LEED rating system. …USGBC will post the updated LEED v4 requirements for public comment this month.