India has retained its position as the third-leading country in the world for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, according to the latest rankings released by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) on Thursday. The annual list recognizes the top 10 countries and regions outside the United States that have made significant strides in adopting sustainable, energy-efficient building practices.
China and Canada Lead the Rankings
China topped the global rankings for 2024 with more than 25 million gross square meters (GSM) of LEED-certified space, followed by Canada with 10 million GSM. India maintained its third-place position with 370 LEED-certified projects spanning a total of 8.50 million GSM (91.5 million square feet).
India’s Growing Commitment to Green Buildings
LEED certifications in India are overseen by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which plays a key role in promoting environmentally friendly construction and operations. The country’s continued strong performance in the rankings reflects its increasing focus on sustainable urban development and environmental responsibility.
Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia & Middle East at GBCI, emphasized that India’s recognition in the LEED rankings underlines its dedication to green infrastructure. He noted that the certification of 370 projects demonstrates the country’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action.
Advancing Towards Global Sustainability Goals
With 8.50 million GSM of green-certified space, India is making significant progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The adoption of LEED standards is seen as a crucial step in meeting the rising demand for eco-friendly urban infrastructure while addressing environmental challenges.
The United States Remains the Largest Market for LEED
Although the US is not included in the global ranking, it continues to be the world’s largest LEED market, with over 56 million GSM of certified space in 2024. The USGBC rankings highlight how countries worldwide are increasingly prioritizing sustainable building practices to create healthier and more resilient urban environments.
