India tops globally in LEED Zero certifications of green building projects

Source: The post is based on the article “India tops globally in LEED Zero certifications of green building projects” published in Business Standard on 20th June 2023

What is the News?

According to the U S Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI), India has emerged as a leading country in LEED Zero green building projects, surpassing the United States and China.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system in the world.

Developed by: United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

LEED certification is available for virtually all building types.

To achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality. 

– Projects go through a verification and review process by GBCI and are awarded points that correspond to a level of LEED certification: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points) and Platinum (80+ points).

What is LEED Zero?

LEED Zero recognises projects that have reached a net-zero or net-positive status in the categories of carbon, energy, water, or waste. 

Note: Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal from the atmosphere. 

What did the U S Green Building Council (USGBC) say about India’s progress in LEED Zero projects?

India has emerged as a top country with LEED Zero green building projects, outperforming the United States of America and China.

Out of 150 LEED Zero certified projects, India has 45% or 73 such projects, with Haryana and Tamil Nadu leading the race in certifications.