In a major leap towards a sustainable future, India has secured third rank in the annual list of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), of Top 10 Countries and Regions for LEED in 2021 ranking behind China and Canada. With a total of 146 buildings and spaces that are certified LEED in 2021, India added nearly 2.8 million gross area square meters (GSM) in its growing green space an increase of almost 10% from 2020. A report by SURFACES REPORTER.
A major step towards sustainability
The coveted ranking highlights countries and regions outside the United States that are making significant strides in healthy, sustainable, and resilient building design, construction, and operations.
India ranks third on the list behind China, which topped the list with more than 14 million GSM, and Canada which certified more than 3.2 million GSM. India has consistently placed within the top three countries, representing the ever-growing domestic demand for LEED certification in the country as a means to reduce emissions, decrease environmental impact, and support health and well-being.
Importance of LEED certification
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.
In India, LEED is administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which has been working relentlessly towards accelerating the adoption of green buildings across the country. On a cumulative basis, India’s overall projects under LEED stand at 1,649 buildings with a total of 46.2 million gross square meters.
“For nearly three decades, LEED has played a key role in sustainability efforts around the world,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO, USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). “India’s continued presence among the top three countries for LEED outside of the U.S. in 2021 is a testament to its focus on sustainable development and achieving its Paris agreement targets. India’s continued momentum in adopting LEED across sectors will play a large role in ensuring the overall wellbeing of its citizens and communities in the coming years. The pandemic has highlighted the fact that green buildings are not the solution of tomorrow, they are a solution for now. In line with this, we are confident that India will continue to make great strides in its commitment towards securing the overall wellbeing of its citizens as it seeks to achieve a greener and net zero future for its citizens.”
Mr. Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director –Southeast Asia & Middle East, GBCI, said, “India is one of the leading nations when it has come to adopting green buildings. Despite the ongoing pandemic, India has witnessed a nearly 10% increase in its LEED GSM when compared to 2020, thereby highlighting its focus on pursuing sustainable growth and development. The Government of India has been proactive in prioritizing the health of its citizens by urging organizations to open with necessary safety protocols in place.
LEED can serve as a great tool for companies looking to re-open in a safe and scientific manner. Our solutions like the LEED Safety First Pilot Credits can be leveraged easily to make workplaces safer and healthier for employees. We will continue to work with both, private and civic authorities to advance LEED in India. We are committed to realizing India’s and our vision of a healthy and sustainable future for all.”
Most important projects that got LEED certification in 2021
- CESC House in Kolkata, the First Heritage Building in India received a LEED Gold rating, was recertified to LEED Platinum in 2021.
- Ankit Gems Diamond Factory was awarded with a LEED Platinum certification for its diamond manufacturing facility in Surat.
- DLF achieved LEED Platinum for both its Cyber City project as well as for their Retail projects Avenue Mall and The Chanakya under the LEED O+M rating system.
- ITC Hotels was the first hotel in the world to achieve LEED Zero Carbon Certifications for their two properties in South – ITC Windsor at Bangalore and ITC Grand Chola, Chennai.
- The Connaught by IHCL SeleQtions in Delhi earned Gold certification under LEED v4.1 for Building Design and Construction with a total of 67 points.
- Ela Green School in Tamil Nadu is the first school in the world to achieve Platinum certification under LEED v4.1 O&M Interior
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