15th June 2023,Delhi:
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) announced India as a top country with LEED Zero green building projects. The findings show India as a global leader in LEED Zero certifications, outperforming both the United States and China. The announcement is part of Net Zero Buildings Week, an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness about the benefits of net zero buildings and their potential in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a low-carbon future.
India has 73 LEED Zero certified projects, comprising 45% of the more than 150 total LEED Zero certifications, with Haryana and Tamil Nadu leading the way in certifications. The United States and China have the second and third most LEED Zero certifications, with 47 (30%) and 15 (10%) certifications, respectively. India-based real estate developer DLF is the leader globally in total LEED Zero certifications with 45 certifications, followed by ITC Group with 15 certifications. The LEED Zero projects – including office spaces, hospitality facilities, retail malls, industrial manufacturing projects and data centres – serve a mix of sectors.
While the private sector is helping India make strides in net zero certifications, nearly one-third of all carbon emissions in India come from the building and construction sector. Net Zero Buildings Week aims to bring together partners to showcase resources, thought leadership and best practices in an effort to advance net zero buildings around the world.
Commenting on the findings, Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, managing director of Southeast Asia and Middle East for GBCI India, says: “As large emitters of carbon emissions, 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. We are proud to partner with companies that are leading in our trajectory to reach net zero and creating a greener and more sustainable built environment.”
A complement to LEED certification, LEED Zero recognizes projects that have reached net zero or net positive status in the categories of carbon, energy, water or waste. To date, there are more than 35 million certified square feet of LEED Zero projects. Net Zero Buildings Week is observed globally from 12–16 June as a platform to showcase and promote the advantages of net zero buildings in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
