LEED certification outside U.S.

Hi Colin, thank you for your question.

I would recommend purchasing the LEED reference guide with "Global Alternative Compliance Paths". (These are available at USGBC's website.) This is designed for projects outside of the United States, and contains alternative compliance options for international project teams.

Re: commissioning, however, there is no Global Alternative Compliance path, which means that you will have to meet the requirement in the rating system that you have chosen. All LEED rating systems require "Fundamental Commissioning" as a prerequisite, which means that you must commission the building's energy systems to earn LEED certification. You can find the requirements for Fundamental Commissioning at USGBC's website in their credit library. For example, the prerequisite's requirements for New Construction 2009 are listed here.

"Enhanced Commissioning", which requires additional commissioning activities, is an optional credit that is worth points. You can find the requirements for this credit in the New Construction 2009 rating system here.

The key to meeting these requirements will be finding a commissioning authority (CxA) that serves your location. I would suggest putting out an request for proposals (RFP) or searching for a CxA that serves the Carribean (such as this one).

Thanks again,
Claire