Cooling the Built Environment: Addressing Extreme Heat through LEED v5

Extreme heat is now the deadliest climate hazard in the U.S.—and one of the most pressing for urban environments. This session dives into the role of LEED v5 in addressing heat resilience through a dynamic panel of experts in community resilience planning, building and site design, and construction workforce health. Panelists will share strategies for reducing urban heat through material choices, passive cooling techniques, shading, and nature-based solutions, while also addressing the protection of outdoor workers and the need for equitable access to cooling. The discussion will highlight how these interventions intersect with LEED v5 credit pathways and broader goals for health, energy performance, and social equity.