WASHINGTON — The U.S. Green Building Council announced it will delay the ballot on LEED 2012 until June 1, 2013, in order to enable the marketplace to fully view the program changes prior to voting. Because of this date change, USGBC said LEED 2012 is being renamed LEED v4.

The agency also said in a statement it is "Continuing to ask for the market’s assistance in 'test driving' LEED v4 to gain important insight during a time when improvements in usability infrastructure can be made." LEED v4 tightens requirements including the rating system and affects the Green Power Credit. Changes will impact all aspects of the program, including: Building Design & Construction, Interior Design & Construction, Existing Buildings, Homes and Neighborhood Development. 

USGBC said it will open a fifth public comment on Oct. 2 that will run through Dec. 10, 2012. The dates will allow it to take advantage of Greenbuild's opportunities for public forums and educational sessions.

In a statement, USGBC President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi said, “This is 100 percent in response to our members’ desire that we give them a bit more time to absorb the changes in this next version of the rating system. We want to do everything we can to ensure that the market can fully embrace LEED v4 because it represents significant progress on carbon reduction and human health. Greenbuild will provide us the perfect venue to experience the look and feel of the new system as an integrated package. Then we can take the first part of 2013 to make sure the consensus body has everything it needs for a successful ballot.”

With the delay in ballot, USGBC said it will keep LEED 2009 open for registration for three years.