LEED® v4 was introduced in 2013 and is the newest version of the world’s premier benchmark for high‐performance green buildings. The minimum number of points for the basic “Certified” level is 40. Points are not easy to come by so every point is important to a designer or owner seeking certification or a higher level of LEED® Silver (50 points), Gold (60 points), or platinum (80 points).
The environmental benefits of steel framing, particularly high recycling rates, recycled content, and steel’s inert, non‐organic nature, make key contributions to achieving LEED® certification. Credits in LEED® v4 that can be achieved with cold‐formed steel in may key areas of construction.