India Ranks 3rd in Global LEED Green Buildings 2024

India has once again secured the third position globally in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual ranking of countries and regions with the most LEED-certified green buildings. With 370 projects covering 8.50 million gross square meters (GSM) of certified space, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable construction and environmentally responsible development. This ranking highlights India’s growing role in the global green building movement and its progress in achieving sustainability goals.

How Has India Performed in LEED Certifications in 2024?

In 2024, India recorded 370 LEED-certified projects, a significant rise compared to previous years. The total green-certified space reached 8.50 million GSM, indicating a steady increase in sustainable construction across commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. This upward trend reflects India’s ongoing focus on eco-friendly infrastructure and climate-conscious urban planning.

According to the USGBC, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is a globally recognized standard that measures sustainability, energy efficiency, water conservation, and reduced carbon footprint in buildings. India’s continuous performance in the top three rankings highlights its increasing adoption of these green building standards.

How Does India Compare with Other Countries in LEED Certifications?

On the global stage, mainland China led the rankings in 2024 with over 25 million GSM of LEED-certified space, while Canada followed with 10 million GSM. India’s 8.50 million GSM placed it third, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable construction in the Asia-Pacific region.

Although the United States was not included in the global ranking, it remains the largest market for LEED, with over 56 million GSM of certified space. The consistent performance of India in these rankings showcases the country’s progress in integrating green construction methods to combat climate change.

What Does This Mean for India’s Future in Green Buildings?

Over the past few years, India has steadily improved its LEED-certified space. In 2023, the country held the third spot with 7.23 million GSM across 248 projects. In 2022, India ranked second, achieving 10.47 million GSM across 323 projects. These figures underline India’s long-term commitment to sustainable urban development.

Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director for Southeast Asia & Middle East at Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), emphasized India’s growing role in the green building sector. He noted that the country is making significant strides toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 by expanding its green-certified infrastructure.

With increasing awareness and government incentives promoting energy-efficient buildings, India is expected to further strengthen its position in sustainable development. The growing adoption of LEED certifications aligns with India’s larger climate goals, supporting its transition toward eco-friendly cities and green real estate investments.

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