ATTENTION Architects, Engineers and Design-Build teams:

In just a few days, registration will close for projects seeking LEED Certification under v3 (2009). When the deadline passes on October 31, 2016, all projects registering after that date will be required to certify under LEED v4. This applies to all rating systems - BD+C, Core & Shell, Schools,

Commercial Interiors, Retail, Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance, Healthcare Neighborhood Development and Homes.

If you are working on a project and have not yet registered it, or if you anticipate projects that have been in conceptual

stages coming to fruition soon, we recommend that you carefully consider the opportunity to register now under LEED v3, or start dialogue with your clients and potential clients about LEED v4. The opportunity for you as design professionals - and us as your third party sustainability consultants - to realize higher performance green building results is upon us with the transition to LEED v4.

That transition started in April, however, for LEED v3 specific to energy requirements. Be advised that all projects that register under LEED v3 before the deadline are subject to increased minimum energy performance goals in the BD+C rating system: 18% minimum over ASHRAE 90.1-2007 for New Construction and 14% minimum over ASHRAE 90.1-2007 for existing buildings undergoing major renovation. Alternatively, projects can apply ASHRAE 90.1-2010, which is the standard in LEED v4.

For our colleagues and friends in Ohio, that last point is particularly poignant: ASHRAE 90.1-2010 becomes code in January, 2017.