LEED v5 builds on LEED’s 25-year legacy and global impact, while maintaining rigorous standards that have established LEED as the most recognised and influential standard in the building industry.

Introduction to LEED and Its Importance in the UK Commercial Sector

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognised green building certification system that evaluates buildings on sustainability and performance. For commercial offices and interiors, pursuing LEED can enhance a building’s marketability, demonstrate corporate social responsibility, and ensure a high-quality environment for occupants.

In the UK, BREEAM is the more commonly used certification, as it aligns closely with local regulations and planning requirements. However, LEED is becoming increasingly relevant for UK projects with international stakeholders – particularly in commercial office interiors, where multinational companies seek consistency across global property portfolios. Many developers now aim to achieve both, or choose based on strategic goals, target audience, or portfolio location.

From LEED v4 to v5: Greater Emphasis on Health, Equity, and Biophilia

LEED v5, first introduced in draft form in 2023 and officially launched in April 2025, marks a significant update to the rating system.

This newest version places a strong emphasis on what LEED calls “Quality of Life,” improving the health, wellbeing, resilience, and equity of building occupants and communities. Previous versions of LEED focused heavily on energy and environmental measures, but version 5 broadens the scope to ensure spaces are not just environmentally friendly but also “people friendly.” In practice, this introduces new credits and requirements centred on human-focused design, such as inclusive accessibility, occupant comfort, and biophilic design.

Understanding LEED v5

Some of the LEED criteria we’ll explore can initially sound subjective. Phrases like “abundant and meaningful views” or “comfort and delight” may seem open to interpretation, however, each credit is supported by detailed technical guidance. Requirements such as minimum glazing ratios, sightline distances, and occupant feedback are used to define and measure these concepts. Independent assessors then review submitted documentation to confirm that each threshold is met. This structured process helps translate broad goals around wellbeing and equity into practical, certifiable outcomes.

We recommend downloading the full LEED v5 guidance document if you haven’t already. It can be detailed and technical in places, so throughout this article, we’ll break down the key sections and explain what they mean in simpler terms. To help with cross-referencing, we’ll include the relevant page numbers for each section we cover, making it easier to navigate the official document alongside this guide.

Biophilic Design in LEED v5

A major change in LEED v5 is the integration of biophilic design as a core strategy to enhance occupant wellbeing. In earlier LEED versions, biophilic design (the practice of connecting people and nature in the built environment) was not explicitly required; it was largely an optional pursuit or covered indirectly under “Innovation” credits or the WELL rating system.

The EQ Credit: Occupant Experience (Page 75)

One of the cornerstones of LEED v5’s health-focused credits is the EQ Credit: Occupant Experience (EQc2). This credit consolidates several aspects of occupant wellbeing under one umbrella and is a key area where biophilic design strategies come into play.

In LEED v4, there were separate credits for things like daylight, quality views, interior lighting, and so on. LEED v5’s Occupant Experience credit still addresses these elements but in a more integrated way, offering multiple options (paths) to earn up to 7 points total (a substantial weighting). Project teams can mix and match strategies across five categories: Biophilic Environment, Adaptable Environment, Thermal Environment, Sound Environment, and Lighting Environment (each with one or more points available). Our focus here is on the Biophilic Environment options, but it helps to understand that this credit as a whole encourages a comprehensive approach to occupant comfort.

Option 1: Biophilic Environment (up to 4 points)
This option is split into two paths, both rooted in the idea of connecting people with nature.

Path 1: Integrated Biophilic Design (1 point)
Project teams earn this point by demonstrating that nature is intentionally and holistically embedded into the design. To qualify, a biophilic design narrative must explain how five key principles from Stephen Kellert’s framework are addressed. These include repeated exposure to nature, support for human wellbeing, emotional connection to place, fostering responsibility toward the natural world, and integration with the building’s architecture.

Path 2: Quality Views (2 to 3 points)
This path rewards projects that provide clear, meaningful views to the outdoors or to natural elements. To earn 2 points, at least 75 percent of regularly occupied areas must have access to these views. For the full 3 points, that coverage must reach 90 percent. The views must meet specific quality standards by being visible through clear glazing and offering depth or visual interest, such as greenery, urban landmarks, or outdoor artwork. Indoor planting areas or green atria can also contribute, accounting for up to 30 percent of the required view area.

Other LEED v5 Credits Enhanced by Biophilic Design

Beyond the Occupant Experience credit, biophilic design contributes to several other LEED v5 credits. LEED v5’s holistic approach means strategies often overlap, and bringing nature into a design can yield synergies across multiple criteria:

• EQ Credit: Accessibility and Inclusion (EQc3 – Page 79):
  This new credit rewards projects for implementing inclusive design strategies that go beyond minimum codes, addressing the needs of diverse occupants, from physical disabilities to neurodiversity. Notably, one of the listed strategies is to “support neurodivergent users by achieving EQc: Occupant Experience, Option 1, Biophilic Environments, Path 1, Integrated Biophilic Design.” In other words, incorporating the biophilic design features under the Occupant Experience credit can count as one of the measures that make a space more welcoming for neurodivergent individuals.

This recognition is based on research showing that biophilic elements, such as calming plant imagery, natural textures, and the presence of greenery, can reduce sensory stress and improve focus for people with conditions such as autism or ADHD.

• EQ Credit: Resilient Spaces (EQc4 – Page 81):
  Another new credit in LEED v5, Resilient Spaces focuses on ensuring interiors can withstand and adapt to disruptions such as climate events, power outages, or health emergencies. The credit provides up to 3 points through strategies such as operable windows, backup thermal comfort plans, and ventilation modes for smoke or pandemics.

While biophilic design is not an explicit requirement here, it complements resilience in indirect ways. For example, operable windows that count toward resilience by providing passive cooling and fresh air also enhance biophilia by allowing natural breezes and sounds, fostering a closer connection to outdoor nature. Similarly, designs that incorporate indoor plants can improve air quality and psychological comfort during stressful events.

• Other Synergies:
  Biophilic design also feeds into Innovation credits or exemplary performance. For instance, if a project goes above and beyond by providing 95% of occupants with quality views or creating a comprehensive biophilia programme with measurable occupant benefits, the team could pursue an Innovation credit by demonstrating best practices in biophilic design.

Additionally, aspects of biophilic design align with the Quality of Life impact goals, which LEED v5 now highlights in the scorecard. There may be crossover with the Thermal Comfort or Lighting Environment options of EQc2 as well, for example, using trees or green walls to reduce glare or buffer heat. Even in categories like Sustainable Sites or Water Efficiency, a biophilic approach, such as integrating native landscaping or rainwater-fed indoor gardens, can help earn points.

The key takeaway is that nature-integrated design often yields multiple benefits, and LEED v5’s expanded framework is set up to recognise those overlaps more than ever.

Best Practices for Implementing Biophilic Design in LEED Projects

For design and construction teams looking to leverage biophilic design to achieve LEED v5 certification, a strategic and proactive approach is essential. Here are some practical guidelines you can follow to ensure maximum scoring:

• Engage Biophilic Design Early:
  Integrating biophilic elements is most effective when considered at the earliest stages of design. During initial planning or LEED charrettes, bring in a biophilic design expert to collaborate with the architects and engineers. Early input ensures that features like green walls, interior courtyards, or daylight strategies are embedded in the concept and architectural layout, rather than added as retrofits.
• Set Measurable Goals:
  While biophilic design includes qualitative aspects, LEED v5 encourages performance-based documentation of occupant experience. This means teams should define clear targets, such as “X% of area with views” or “Y number of biophilic features addressing the five principles,” and then verify those in design drawings and models. Rather than stating “we’ll put some plants in the entrance,” set measurable goals such as “we will incorporate at least 10 biophilic design interventions throughout the space, including 200 m² of living wall and over 50% of materials derived from nature.” Then track these through design development. During LEED submission, provide evidence such as floor plans highlighting biophilic features and, where applicable, occupant surveys or simulations predicting improved comfort. This data-driven approach helps in preparing LEED submittals, which require calculations, floor plans, and a narrative.
• Plan for Ongoing Maintenance:
  A crucial but often overlooked aspect of biophilic design is the long-term care of natural features. A lush green wall or indoor planting feature loses its impact if the plants are neglected. From the outset, establish a maintenance contract or care plan, potentially with a specialist horticultural service, covering watering, pruning, pest control, and plant replacement.

While LEED does not require the submission of a maintenance contract, a well-maintained installation is key to occupant satisfaction, and it supports longer-term LEED goals, such as post-occupancy surveys.

How We Support LEED v5 Projects

As a specialist in biophilic design and planting for commercial interiors, we can play a pivotal role in helping projects realise these strategies. Our team works closely with architects, designers, and contractors to ensure that planting and nature elements are optimised for LEED v5 credits and for long-term performance. Here are some ways we support LEED projects:

• Strategic Biophilic Planning:
  At the concept stage, Benholm Group can contribute to the biophilic design workshop, helping identify opportunities for nature integration that align with LEED criteria. We bring expertise in how plants and natural elements can be woven into a space, from large living walls to smaller planter arrangements, to satisfy the five principles of biophilic design. For example, we might suggest an immersive green breakout zone to provide that repeated engagement with nature (Principle 1), or the use of local flora in a feature wall to create emotional connection to place (Principle 3).

We also consider technical feasibility early, such as which areas have enough sunlight or structural support for plant installations, to avoid design changes later.

• Plant Selection and Design Implementation:
  Choosing the right plant species and installation types is critical. We select plants that will thrive in the given interior conditions (light, humidity, maintenance regime) while also providing the desired aesthetic and health benefits. For LEED projects, we often prioritise low-VOC, non-allergenic plants and soil systems (to maintain indoor air quality), and species known for air-purifying qualities.

Whether it is a lush green wall, potted trees, or hanging gardens, our designs aim to maximise visual impact and coverage. This not only helps achieve the LEED Quality Views threshold (by making greenery visible from many vantage points) but also contributes to acoustics and air quality. We also coordinate custom planters, irrigation, and lighting for plants as required. By the end of design development, the project will have a clear blueprint of all biophilic installations, which can be used in LEED documentation to show the extent of biophilic elements.

• Installation and Execution:
  During construction and fit-out, Benholm Group will supply and install the planting elements in accordance with the design intent. Quality control at this stage is crucial. We ensure the right sizes and densities of plants are provided to achieve the “greening” level promised. If a living wall is designed to cover a 5 m x 3 m area with lush foliage, we ensure it is delivered as specified.

Our team works safely and efficiently alongside other trades, often timing plant installations toward the end of construction to avoid damage, but early enough to allow for plant acclimatisation before any performance evaluations or the official opening. The final result is a polished biophilic environment, ready for occupancy and aligned with LEED requirements.

• Post-Occupancy Maintenance and Monitoring:
  Benholm does not consider the project complete at handover. We offer long-term maintenance plans to keep biophilic features healthy and vibrant. This includes regular watering, feeding, pruning, and plant health checks by our horticultural experts. A consistent maintenance regimen ensures that a year or two later, the greenery looks as good as it did on day one, which is critical for sustaining the benefits of biophilic design. With an ongoing maintenance contract, if any plant fails or outgrows its space, we replace or manage it. Our ongoing involvement ensures that clients’ investment in biophilic design endures and continues to inspire occupants.

By working with specialists like us, design teams can confidently push boundaries with nature-integrated concepts, knowing they are feasible, maintainable, and aligned with LEED v5.

The Journey Towards Nature-Integrated, Human-Centred Design

LEED v5’s spotlight on biophilic design signals a broader shift in the design and construction industry: sustainability is now as much about human experience as it is about carbon footprints. The new rating system challenges project teams to create buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but also people-focused. This reflects the understanding that truly sustainable design must nurture the people inside the building as well as the planet outside it.

If you are planning a LEED v5 project or seeking to enhance an existing space, consider placing biophilic design at the heart of your strategy. Benholm Group is here to help you bring those ideas to life, from brainstorming and design to installation and long-term care. By working with specialists like us, design teams can confidently push boundaries with nature-integrated concepts, knowing they are feasible, maintainable, and aligned with LEED v5.

Let’s create interiors that feel alive, support wellbeing, and deliver on the full potential of LEED v5.