In a ground-breaking revelation, India has secured the coveted third position in the esteemed US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual ranking of the world’s top 10 countries and regions for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in 2023. The LEED certification, a hallmark of sustainability excellence, signifies a remarkable feat in India’s commitment to fostering healthy, highly efficient, and cost-effective green buildings.
The USGBC’s rigorous rating system, applicable to a diverse range of building types, serves as a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure. As per the latest data, India, maintaining its third rank, has seen 248 projects—encompassing both buildings and spaces—attain LEED certification, covering an impressive 7.23 million Gross Square Metres (GSM). The global LEED landscape is dominated by mainland China, seizing the top position, and Canada securing the second spot in the rankings for 2023. China, with a colossal 24 million GSM certified, underscores its unwavering commitment to sustainable construction, while Canada boasts 7.9 million GSM in certified projects. Notably, the United States, while absent from the rankings, continues to be the world’s largest market for LEED, with an astounding 51 million GSM certified during the preceding year.
The USGBC’s annual rankings spotlight the commendable progress made by countries and regions beyond the United States in embracing health-conscious, sustainable, and resilient approaches to building design, construction, and operations. The absence of the United States from the list does not diminish its pivotal role as a trailblazer in the global LEED landscape. This achievement affirms India’s rising influence on the international stage in championing environmentally conscious practices in the realm of architecture and construction. The LEED certification, with its global recognition, serves as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering a greener and more sustainable future.
