U.S. Green Building Council members are currently deciding on what the 2009 version of its standards will look like.

The 2009 version of the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards contain major changes for its section on commercial buildings, and include sections on reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency.

Voting is open until 5 p.m. Eastern time Nov. 14.

“Over the last eight years, LEED has been a successful tool in the market, transforming the built environment towards sustainable building practices,” said Brendan Owens, vice president of technical development for LEED. “Just as integral to our mission is the process of continuous improvement within LEED so it can continue to reset the bar, as new information, technologies and processes become available. With the approval of our members, the launch of 2009 will give the market a tool that is more flexible and adaptive, while retaining the technical rigor and practicality LEED has always been known for.”

Among the changes in the 2009 proposal are regional credits rules on interpreting credit eligibility.