WASHINGTON, DC-USGBC has debuted a new set of Global Alternative Compliance Paths, or Global ACPs, for commercial projects pursuing LEED green building certification using the 2009 versions of the rating systems. USGB defines Global ACPs as a flexible method for foreign-based projects to demonstrate compliance with the LEED credits. "We realized we needed to make tweaks to the program to encourage adoption overseas," a USGBC spokeswoman tells GlobeSt.com.

At first glance, it would appear LEED needs little encouragement in foreign markets. The use of LEED outside the US is soaring, making up, in 2012, more than 50% of all floor area of all registrations. "We have seen incredible growth in LEED outside of the US," USGBC's spokeswoman says. "Some of that has to do with the fact that LEED launched in the US and is now migrating overseas." But it is also due to demand by foreign investors and tenants for green buildings, she adds.

Hence the ACPs--they allow local builders to adhere to USGBC's core standards while still taking into account regional needs and approaches."Global consistency and a regional approach mean providing flexibility in referenced standards while ensuring that LEED certification signifies the same level of excellence worldwide," said Scot Horst, SVP of LEED at USGBC, in a prepared statement. "By focusing on global standards and solutions, these Alternative Compliance Paths make LEED increasingly flexible and ensure a common language for all green buildings."

For example, Regional Alternative Compliance Paths are being developed for projects in Europe pursuing the 2009 version of LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance. New Regional Priority Credits have also been released for projects using the 2009 versions of LEED for New Construction and are for use in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Turkey. This is how they work: Regional Priority Credits are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits. If project teams achieve a Regional Priority Credit, they receive a bonus point in addition to their project's total points.

USGBC says this global approach to technical development of the rating system is just a beginning and that Regional Priority Credits will be expanded to additional countries and rating systems in the future.