Synopsis
India has secured its position as the third top nation for LEED certifications in 2024, with significant progress in sustainable building practices, reflecting its commitment to United Nations SDGs and green development initiatives.Key Takeaways
- India ranks third globally for LEED certifications in 2024.
- 370 projects certified, covering 8.50 million GSM.
- Focus on sustainable practices aligns with UN SDGs.
- GBCI oversees LEED certifications in India.
- China and Canada are the top two countries ahead of India.
New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) India has successfully maintained its third position on the US Green Building Council's (USGBC) yearly list of the top 10 countries and regions for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in 2024. The country achieved certification for 370 projects, encompassing both buildings and spaces, covering 8.50 million gross square metres (GSM).
India's consistent ranking among the top three nations for LEED certifications highlights its commitment to fulfilling the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
This ranking illustrates India’s emphasis on tackling climate change and endorsing environmentally-friendly practices through its green development initiatives. The management of LEED certifications in India is overseen by Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI), which aims to promote the adoption of green buildings across the nation.
China leads the rankings with over 25 million GSM certified, followed by Canada with 10 million GSM. The annual ranking by USGBC showcases the significant advancements made by countries and regions outside the United States in embracing healthy, sustainable, and resilient building design, construction, and operations.
Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, MD of GBCI for Southeast Asia & Middle East, commented: "India’s impressive milestone of 370 LEED-certified projects in 2024 underscores its unwavering dedication to sustainable development and climate action. With 8.50 million GSM of green-certified space, India is not just meeting the increasing demand for sustainable urban infrastructure but is also making considerable progress towards realizing the United Nations’ SDGs for 2030. As the country continues to expand its urban landscape, adopting green building practices will be crucial for enhancing community well-being and combating climate change. India’s ongoing efforts for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 further solidify its role in the global drive for a sustainable future."
The burgeoning real estate sector in India is progressively aligning with sustainable methodologies. The increase of LEED certifications beyond commercial spaces to encompass industrial, residential, and educational sectors reflects the nation’s commitment to its net-zero objectives and sustainable progress. As LEED continues to advance, India persists as a global frontrunner in green building practices, motivating other nations to prioritize sustainability in their constructed environments, as stated by GBCI.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the LEED rating system's launch by USGBC. Since its inception in 2000, the LEED metrics-based system has set the benchmark for rating and endorsing healthy, resilient, sustainable, and efficient buildings, establishing itself as the world’s most utilized green building program aimed at facilitating sector decarbonization.
USGBC is in the process of finalizing its upcoming version of the rating system–LEED v5. The final version is expected to be released later this year, reflecting the community's feedback.
