Top 7 Products for 2025 That Support LEED v5 Goals — A Guide for Eco-Builders

As the construction industry continues its shift toward sustainability, the latest iteration of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design framework — LEED v5 — introduces more stringent goals for reducing embodied carbon, improving energy efficiency and enhancing overall building performance. Eco-builders must adopt innovative materials and technologies that align with these goals.

From reducing emissions in concrete production to integrating dynamic energy-saving materials, explore seven cutting-edge products in 2025 that support LEED v5’s objectives. These solutions are shaping the future of green building, offering tangible benefits in both commercial and residential construction.

1. Hempcrete — A Carbon-Negative Building Material

Hempcrete, a composite material made from hemp hurds and a lime-based binder, is gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional concrete. Notably, hempcrete is carbon-negative, so absorbs more CO₂ than it emits during production.

• Indoor environmental quality: Hempcrete’s breathability enhances air quality by regulating humidity and preventing mold growth.
• Energy efficiency: With high thermal mass and insulation properties, hempcrete significantly reduces heating and cooling demands.
• Low embodied carbon: Unlike cement-based products, hempcrete requires minimal processing, aligning with LEED v5’s focus on reducing embodied carbon.

The demand for sustainable building materials like hempcrete is becoming more pronounced, especially as the climate crisis accelerates and causes commercial property insurance carriers to charge more or deny claims. For example, nine property and casualty insurers in Florida have declared insolvency in response to that state’s natural disasters. 

2. Cross-Laminated Timber — A Game-Changer for Sustainable Structures

Cross-laminated timber is rapidly becoming a preferred alternative to steel and concrete in sustainable construction. Made by layering timber sections perpendicularly and bonding them under high pressure, CLT offers exceptional strength, durability and fire resistance.

• Carbon sequestration: Unlike traditional building materials, CLT captures and stores carbon dioxide, directly reducing construction projects’ carbon footprint.
• Sustainable sourcing: CLT meets LEED v5’s emphasis on responsibly harvested materials when sourced from certified forests.
• Reduced waste and construction time: Construction and demolition projects in the U.S. generate around 569 million tons of waste annually. The prefabrication process minimizes on-site waste and speeds up assembly, reducing the environmental impact of prolonged construction activities.

Builders have successfully used CLT in projects like the Mjøstårnet Tower in Norway, Europe’s tallest timber structure at 280 feet. In the U.S., states like Oregon and Washington are pioneering mass timber adoption for mid-rise and high-rise structures.

As CLT projects align with growing investor preference for sustainable developments, they contribute to carbon sequestration and higher property values. Sustainable properties offer a 10% to 21% increase in market value compared to conventional buildings, making them an attractive option for investors looking for long-term financial returns.

3. Recycled Steel — Circular Economy in Structural Design

Steel remains a cornerstone of modern construction, but traditional steel production is energy-intensive. Recycled steel lets builders dramatically decrease their carbon footprints without sacrificing strength or durability.

• Resource efficiency: It’s possible to melt down recycled steel and reuse it indefinitely without degrading its quality, reducing reliance on virgin materials.
• Waste reduction: LEED v5 rewards projects that minimize construction waste, and using recycled steel diverts significant amounts of scrap metal from landfills.
• Durability and life cycle benefits: Steel’s resilience extends buildings’ life span, reducing the need for frequent renovations and material replacement.

Companies like Nucor and ArcelorMittal are investing in electric arc furnace technology, enabling steel recycling with significantly lower emissions than blast furnace production. In 2025, global demand for green steel should drive further investment in sustainable metallurgy.

4. Low-Carbon Concrete — Cutting Embodied Emissions

Concrete accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, primarily due to its cement content. In response, low-carbon concrete alternatives, such as geopolymer concrete and carbon-cured concrete, are revolutionizing the industry.

• Alternative binders: Fly ash and slag-based concrete eliminate the need for carbon-intensive Portland cement.
• Carbon capture technology: Companies like CarbonCure Technologies inject CO₂ into concrete during mixing, locking emissions into the material and strengthening the final product.
• Performance and longevity: Low-carbon concrete maintains compressive strength while significantly reducing embodied carbon, meeting structural and sustainability requirements.

Though low-carbon concrete is making inroads, cost and contractor familiarity remain barriers. However, governmental incentives for carbon-neutral construction should accelerate adoption.

5. Structural Insulated Panels — High-Performance Building Envelopes

Structural insulated panels are a prefabricated alternative to traditional framing. They consist of a rigid foam core sandwiched between two structural surfaces. Their airtight construction significantly enhances building performance.

• Thermal efficiency: SIPs reduce heating and cooling loads, contributing to net-zero energy goals.
• Waste reduction: Factory fabrication minimizes on-site waste, a crucial metric in LEED v5 certification.
• Resilience and durability: SIPs offer superior resistance to moisture, mold and pests, enhancing building longevity.

As demand for high-performance building envelopes grows, SIP manufacturers are developing bio-based foams to further reduce environmental impact. In 2025, SIPs will gain prominence in passive house and net-zero construction.

6. Smart Glass for Dynamic Energy Optimization

Smart glass, also known as electrochromic glass, dynamically adjusts its tint in response to light conditions or user controls. Modulating solar heat gain enhances energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings.

• Daylighting optimization: Smart glass improves natural light use, reducing dependence on artificial lighting.
• HVAC load reduction: Smart glass reduces cooling energy demand by controlling heat transfer.
• Occupant comfort and productivity: Dynamic tinting minimizes glare and eye strain, supporting well-being in workspaces.

Tech giants like Google and Microsoft have integrated smart glass into their sustainable office designs. As costs decline, adoption should increase across commercial and residential markets.

7. Recycled Plastic Building Materials

The construction sector generated 77 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2019. Recycled plastic building materials are emerging as a sustainable alternative for applications such as decking, insulation and structural components.

• Waste diversion: Recycled plastic materials keep plastics out of landfills and reduce reliance on virgin polymers.
• Durability and maintenance: These materials resist moisture and decay, boosting building longevity.
• Energy savings: Some recycled plastics incorporate insulation properties that improve energy efficiency.

Companies like ByFusion and Ecobrick are developing plastic-based bricks and panels that offer high compressive strength and ease of assembly. In 2025, advancements in plastic waste repurposing will fuel further innovations in sustainable building materials.

Building the Future With LEED v5-Aligned Products

The push toward low-carbon, high-efficiency building materials is reshaping the construction industry. As LEED v5 sets a new benchmark for sustainability, adopting carbon-negative materials, recycled components and energy-optimizing technologies is becoming a necessity, not an option.

Eco-builders who integrate these seven innovative products into their projects will achieve higher LEED certification levels and contribute to a greener, more resilient built environment. These materials will influence the next generation of sustainable construction as technology advances and regulatory support grows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section

Here is a quick summary of the article and a FAQ section to answer typical questions.

1. What is LEED v5?

LEED v5 (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the latest version of the green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It establishes new standards and goals for sustainability in the construction industry, focusing on reducing embodied carbon, improving energy efficiency and enhancing overall building performance.

2. Why is it essential to adopt innovative materials for LEED v5?

Adopting innovative materials that align with LEED v5 goals is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of construction projects. These materials can help minimize carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet.

3. What examples of sustainable building materials are featured in this article?

The article highlights several cutting-edge products, including:

• Hempcrete
• Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
• Recycled Steel
• Low-Carbon Concrete
• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
• Smart Glass
• Recycled Plastic Building Materials

4. How does hempcrete contribute to sustainability?

Hempcrete is a carbon-negative building material, meaning it absorbs more CO₂ than it emits during production. It also enhances indoor air quality, provides excellent insulation, and requires minimal processing, which aligns with LEED v5’s emphasis on reducing embodied carbon.

5. What are the benefits of using cross-laminated timber (CLT) in construction?

CLT is a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete, capturing and storing carbon dioxide. It is durable, fire-resistant, and promotes the use of responsibly sourced materials, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious builders.

6. How does low-carbon concrete differ from traditional concrete?

Low-carbon concrete substitutes traditional Portland cement with alternative binders, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions associated with cement production. It can also incorporate carbon capture technology, which locks emissions into the concrete during mixing.

7. What are structural insulated panels (SIPs) and what are their benefits?

SIPs are prefabricated panels with a rigid foam core sandwiched between two structural surfaces. They provide excellent thermal efficiency, reduce heating and cooling loads, minimize on-site waste, and offer superior resistance to moisture and pests.

8. How does smart glass work, and what advantages does it offer?

Smart or electrochromic glass adjusts its tint based on light conditions, optimizing solar heat gain and enhancing energy efficiency. By minimizing glare, it improves natural light use, reduces HVAC loads, and enhances occupant comfort.

9. What role do recycled plastic building materials play in sustainability?

Recycled plastic building materials help divert plastic waste from landfills and reduce reliance on virgin materials. They are durable, moisture-resistant, and can enhance energy efficiency through insulation properties.

10. How can builders achieve higher LEED certification levels with these products?

By integrating the innovative products mentioned in this article, builders can significantly reduce their projects’ carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, and meet the stringent requirements set by LEED v5, ultimately achieving higher certification levels and contributing to a more sustainable built environment.