India takes lead in LEED netzero 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.

Out of 150 LEED Zero certified projects, India accounts for 73 projects (45 per cent) — with Haryana and Tamil Nadu as frontrunners in terms of certifications within India.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.