India Takes Lead In Green Building Projects, Surpasses US And China In LEED Net-Zero Certifications

India has been recognised by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) as a top country in terms of LEED Zero green building projects, surpassing both the United States of America and China.

Based on the GBCI's research, out of 150 LEED Zero certified projects, India takes the lead in accounting for 73 or approximately 45 per cent — with Haryana and Tamil Nadu as frontrunners in terms of certifications within India.

The United States and China have the second and third most LEED Zero certifications, with 47 (30 per cent) and 15 (10 per cent) certifications respectively, as per Hindustan Times report.

LEED Zero acknowledges projects that have achieved net zero or net positive status in key categories such as carbon, energy, water, or waste.

Net zero signifies a state where the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere are offset by their removal. Net zero is crucial because it marks the point at which global warming stops, especially for CO2 emissions.

Managing Director of Southeast Asia and Middle East for GBCI India, Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, commented on the findings, stating, “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. It is also in line with India’s ambitious target of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2070”.

The building and construction sector in India accounts for approximately one-third of the country's carbon emissions.

The LEED Zero projects include office spaces, hospitality facilities, retail malls, industrial manufacturing projects and data centres.

Of the total certifications, India’s DLF group is the leader globally in total LEED Zero certifications with 45 certifications for its projects, followed by Kolkata-headquartered ITC Group with 15 certifications, as per HT report.

These projects include ITC Grand Central, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail’s manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, Tamarai Tech Park in Chennai, Goldman Sachs building in Bengaluru, Danfoss Industries campus in Chennai, and Nucleus Office Parks’ One Trade Tower in Bengaluru.