India ranks third among the top 10 countries for LEED green building

India has been rated third in the world by the  US Green Building Council (USGBC) in its annual list of the top 10 nations and regions for LEED in 2021. The list recognises countries and regions outside of the US that are making substantial progress in building design, construction, and operations that are healthy, sustainable, and resilient. In total, India has 146 LEED certified buildings and spaces, totalling almost 2.8 million gross area sq m (GSM) of space. From 2020, there will be a nearly 10 per cent growth in LEED certified spaces in India.

The country has been ranked third on the list, behind China, which has over 14 million GSM, and Canada, which has over 3.2 million GSM certified. India has continuously ranked among the top three countries, demonstrating the country’s growing desire for LEED certification as a means of reducing emissions, reducing environmental impact, and supporting health and well-being. Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) administers LEED in India, and has been working tirelessly to accelerate the uptake of green buildings across the country. 

India has 1,649 LEED-certified buildings with a total area of 46.2 million GSM.

Commenting on this achievement, Dr Mala Singh, Founder & Director, PEC Greening India, says, “India has been making good progress in leading the green building movement. What started with one green building in 2001 has led to more than 8 billion sq ft of green construction footprint, with most of them being certified green. India's rating at the third position is a result of the coming together of all stakeholders, be it companies abiding by sustainable policies as well as the government policy intervention and also the developers being passionate about considering green building as an integral part of their construction and methodology. Although we have started this initiative early, it is still a long way and we are approaching it with the right perspective.”