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Extracted Content

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ)

OVERVIEW

Buildings are more than shelters — they offer stable environments with the power to enable human activities, foster health, and cultivate safety and comfort. Through the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) credit category, LEED v5 offers a framework to create places where more people can thrive. The rating system includes established practices for air quality, thermal comfort, daylight and views, and acoustics and incorporates holistic design considerations such as biophilia, accessibility, adaptability and responsiveness. Using these strategies, project teams can develop buildings that welcome and care for all occupants more effectively, adapt to changing conditions, and drive long-term value.

Decarbonization Decarbonization is integral for creating a more stable and predictable climate as well as lasting social and economic value. The reduction in fossil fuel use from energy efficiency and renewable energy measures has the co-benefit of improved air quality, especially in neighborhoods close to sources like power plants and highways. Through an integrative design process and collaborative planning, project teams can create spaces that are energy and resource-efficient, and human-centric.

Quality of life Human-centric design is interwoven throughout EQ, fostering diverse environments that enhance occupant well-being, improve health outcomes, and create more memorable, delightful spaces. LEED v5 builds on established approaches and advances new, innovative pathways to address a broader range of human experiences and bolster occupants’ quality of life.

Good indoor air quality is a cornerstone of the EQ credit category. LEED v5 offers best practices for responding and adapting to regular or episodic indoor and outdoor air pollution, to reduce exposures and protect the health of occupants. Key methods to achieve that goal include improved filtration ( EQp2: Fundamental Air Quality ), designing management modes for wildfire smoke or respiratory diseases ( EQc4: Resilient Spaces ), and testing and monitoring air quality ( EQc5: Air Quality Testing and Monitoring ).

EQ credits provide additional options to support the well-being of workers and building users, including older adults and children, caregivers, and people with disabilities. For example, EQc3: Accessibility and Inclusion encourages careful design with best practices for physiological and neurological inclusivity, while EQp1: Construction Management outlines comprehensive construction management practices to reduce construction workers’ exposure to harmful

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 451