What is LEED O+M?

What it is

LEED O+M differs from LEED for new construction because it looks at operating performance, not design. Recent versions emphasize measured performance scores, calculated from actual energy, water, waste, transportation and occupant experience data, often through USGBC's Arc platform.

Buildings earn points toward Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum levels. Certification is time-limited, which encourages ongoing tracking and recertification. Check the current LEED version for prerequisites and credit structure.

Because the rating rests on operating data, the biggest risk is a gap. A missing month of water data, an unmetered building wing or an estimated bill can weaken the score or delay a submission. Continuous metering closes those gaps and shows the team where performance is slipping before the period ends.

Who it applies to / where it is used

LEED O+M is used by commercial office owners, REITs, government, universities, hospitals and hospitality operators who want to show operating performance across existing buildings.

How it is measured / what evidence it needs

Performance-based credits depend on complete measured data for the performance period.

• Whole-building energy consumption
• Whole-building water consumption
• Indoor air quality measurements and occupant surveys
• Waste and transportation data
• Policies and records for operations and maintenance

How Aqueduct helps

Aqueduct supplies metered energy, water and air evidence for LEED O+M performance credits. The project team and GBCI handle certification.

• Metered energy through aQ EnergySmart and water through aQ WaterGuard
• Indoor air data from aQ AirSafe for air quality performance
• Continuous data that supports recertification
• Exportable records through aQ Assurance