Green Real Estate Skyrockets: India Tops Global Charts in LEED Certifications

India has emerged as a global leader in sustainable construction. In 2025, the country ranked second worldwide outside the United States in LEED-certified green building space, according to the US Green Building Council. With over 7,500 projects certified globally and 16 million gross square meters (GSM) of certified space in India alone, the rankings underline how sustainability is now central to India’s real estate growth strategy rather than a niche concept.

India Ranks Second in Global Green Realty Spaces

• According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), India secured the second position globally (outside the US) in terms of total LEED-certified building space in 2025.
• Only China ranked higher among non-US nations, while the United States continued to dominate overall.
• India recorded 16 million GSM of LEED-certified space, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing green real estate markets.
• This achievement reflects the country’s increasing alignment with climate goals, energy efficiency, and sustainable urbanization.

Global LEED Rankings 2025: Where India Stands

• In the latest annual assessment by USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the United States topped the global list with over 50 million GSM of LEED-certified space.
• China followed with 26 million GSM, while India placed second outside the US.
• A notable highlight was Vietnam, which entered the global top 10 for the first time, signalling expanding adoption of green building standards across emerging economies.

7,500+ LEED Projects Certified Worldwide in 2025

• The year 2025 marked a strong milestone for green construction globally.
• More than 7,500 commercial projects were awarded LEED certification, covering a total area of 147 million GSM worldwide.
• This surge reflects a growing commitment by developers and building owners to reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and improve environmental performance.
• India’s contribution to this global total was significant, underscoring its role as a major driver of the green building movement.

Why LEED O+M Is Driving India’s Green Building Growth

• A key trend highlighted by the USGBC is India’s growing focus on LEED Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M) certification.
• Unlike new construction ratings, LEED O+M emphasises ongoing performance, energy efficiency, water conservation, and reduced carbon footprint in existing buildings.
• This shift suggests that Indian building owners are increasingly prioritizing retrofitting and efficient management, rather than just greenfield construction.
• It also indicates a long-term commitment to sustainability, as LEED O+M requires continuous compliance rather than one-time certification.

Green Real Estate Beyond Office Buildings

• India’s green real estate boom is no longer limited to corporate office spaces.
• LEED certification is now being widely adopted across industrial manufacturing units, warehousing hubs, hospitality projects, retail centres, and educational institutions.
• This diversification shows that sustainability is becoming a core design principle across sectors.
• Developers are recognizing that green buildings not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance asset value, attract global investors, and lower long-term operational costs.

What Is LEED and Why It Matters

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized green building rating system developed by USGBC.
• It evaluates buildings based on energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, materials, waste management, and sustainability practices.
• LEED-certified buildings are known for lower energy bills, reduced emissions, better occupant health, and long-term resilience, making them increasingly attractive in a climate-conscious global economy.

Question

Q. India ranked second globally in LEED-certified space in 2025 according to which organisation?

A. World Bank
B. UNEP
C. US Green Building Council
D. NITI Aayog