India Emerges as a Global Leader in LEED Zero Projects

India has emerged as a top country with LEED Zero green building projects, outperforming the United States and China said theU.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI).

“India has 73 LEED Zero certified projects, comprising 45 percent of the more than 150 total LEED Zero certifications, with Haryana and Tamil Nadu leading the way in certifications,” the rating agencies said. The United States and China have the second and third most LEED Zero certifications, with 47 (30 percent) and 15 (10 percent) certifications, respectively, it mentioned.

India-based real estate developer DLF is the leader globally in total LEED Zero certifications with 45 certifications, followed by ITC Group with 15 certifications.


"As large emitters of carbon emissions, buildings play a significant role in helping us achieve our global climate goals. India’s leadership position in LEED Zero projects reflects its commitment to sustainability and the adoption of innovative green building practices," Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, managing director of Southeast Asia and Middle East for GBCI India said.

"It is also in line with India’s ambitious target of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2070. We are proud to partner with companies that are leading in our trajectory to reach net zero and creating a greener and more sustainable built environment,” said Padmanabhan.

Currently, nearly one-third of all carbon emissions in India come from the building and construction sector. The LEED Zero projects – including office spaces, hospitality facilities, retail malls, industrial manufacturing projects, and data centres – serve various sectors.

LEED Zero recognises projects that have reached net zero or net positive status in the categories of carbon, energy, water or waste. To date, there are more than 35 million certified square feet of LEED Zero projects.