The US Energy Department on Friday issued a final rule that requires verified energy and water performance for new and retrofitted federal buildings that are certified by private sector green building certification systems such as LEED or Green Globes.

The rule goes into effect Nov. 13.

The DOE says the rule will ensure that in cases where agencies choose to use green building certification systems to meet federal sustainability and energy standards, they must choose a system that verifies enhanced energy and water efficiency.

It also requires re-assessment at least every four years to help ensure energy and water savings continue beyond the initial building opening or retrofit.

Last month the US General Services Administration released a review of LEED v4, the first step to determine if the latest version of the green building system can help government agencies meet green building requirements.

GSA says it will make a final recommendation on LEED v4 after receiving input from stakeholders in and outside of government.