India ranks third in the USGBC’s 2024 Global LEED ratings

India achieved third in the USGBC’s 2024 LEED rankings, with 370 certified projects covering 8.50 million GSM, bolstering its efforts to promote sustainable development.

In 2024, India remained third on the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual ranking of the Top Ten Countries and Regions for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). In the country, 370 projects, including buildings and spaces, were certified for LEED, totalling 8.50 million gross square meters (91.5 million square feet). China topped the top ten rankings for 2024 with over 25 million GSM certifications, followed by Canada with 10 million GSM. The USGBC’s annual rating recognises the tremendous progress made by countries and areas outside the United States in embracing healthy, sustainable, and resilient building design, construction, and operations.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United States Green Building Council’s inception of the LEED grading system. Since its inception in 2000, the USGBC’s LEED metrics-based system has established the benchmark for certifying and promoting healthy, resilient, sustainable, and efficient buildings. It has become the world’s most popular green building initiative, enabling the sector to decarbonise. The USGBC is finalising its next generation of the rating system, LEED v5. The final version will be released later this year and will incorporate feedback from the community.

India has continuously been rated among the top three countries for LEED certificates, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The score highlights India’s efforts to prevent climate change and promote environmentally conscious habits through green development projects. The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) manages LEED certifications in India, with the goal of accelerating the national adoption of green buildings.

GBCI’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia & the Middle East, Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, commented on this milestone, saying, “India’s remarkable achievement of 370 LEED-certified projects in 2024 highlights the country’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development and climate action. With 8.50 million GSM of green-certified space, India is not only addressing the growing need for sustainable urban infrastructure but also making significant strides towards achieving the United Nations’ SDGs for 2030. As the nation continues to expand its urban footprint, the adoption of green building practices will be central to improving community well-being and mitigating climate change. India’s ongoing push for net-zero emissions by 2070 further solidifies its leadership in the global movement for a sustainable future.”

The list is built using data and analysis from the LEED-certified Gross Square Meters (GSM) area as of 2024. While the United States is not on the list, it remains the world’s largest LEED market, with over 56 million GSM certified this year. The rankings of the top ten countries are as follows:

In 2024, LEED-certified projects in India increased significantly, with Operations and Maintenance (O+M) leading the way with 153 projects, followed by Interior Design and Construction (IDC) with 102 projects and Building Design and Construction (BDC) with 61. Dmart’s 57 outlets were among the notable LEED v4.1 O+M certified projects. In terms of sector expansion, Grade A office spaces topped registrations in 2024, with 455 projects totalling 185 million square feet. Other notable industries included retail (80 projects with 23 million square feet), industrial manufacturing (71 projects with 12 million square feet), residential (33 projects with 10 million square feet), and lodging.

The most significant developments for 2024 show an increase in interest from developers and corporate leaders in LEED EBOM for tracking sustainability performance and internal reporting. Many large-scale mixed-use complexes and IT campuses are investigating LEED for Cities & Communities and TRUE certifications to improve trash management. In 2024, India welcomed 345 new LEED professionals and 12 LEED Fellows. This expansion reflects India’s growing real estate sector and commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 via LEED Zero and LEED EBOM certifications.

India’s developing real estate business is more connected with environmentally friendly methods. The development of LEED certifications beyond commercial facilities to include industrial, residential, and educational sectors demonstrates the country’s commitment to net-zero targets and sustainable growth. As LEED evolves, India continues to be a global pioneer in green building practices, motivating others to prioritise sustainability in their built environments.

For more details, visit: https://www.usgbc.org/

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