India’s Ongoing Leadership in Sustainable Construction
India Achieves 3rd Rank Globally in LEED Green Building Certification for 2024: India has once again solidified its global standing in sustainable infrastructure by claiming the third position in the 2024 LEED Green Building rankings released by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The country reported 370 LEED-certified projects, covering 8.5 million gross square meters (GSM) of eco-friendly built-up area. This achievement highlights India’s consistent rise in the green building sector and underlines the nation’s growing commitment to eco-conscious urban planning.
What is LEED and Why It Matters
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an international benchmark for measuring a building’s performance in energy use, water conservation, indoor air quality, carbon footprint, and overall environmental impact. India’s progress in 2024, with a leap from 248 certified buildings in 2023 to 370, showcases the increasing adoption of climate-friendly construction practices across various sectors — from housing and offices to manufacturing units.
Where India Stands in the Global Rankings
In the latest report, China emerged at the top with over 25 million GSM, followed by Canada at 10 million GSM. India ranks just behind these two global leaders, demonstrating its growing influence in the green construction domain. The United States, while the originator and largest contributor to LEED certifications, is excluded from the international comparison list but leads globally with 56 million GSM within its territory.
A Look at India’s Yearly Progress
India’s trajectory has shown both consistency and resilience. While it held the second position in 2022 with 10.47 million GSM across 323 projects, it ranked third in 2023 with 7.23 million GSM. The improvement in 2024 indicates a revival of interest and investment in sustainable infrastructure, fueled by favorable government policies, financial incentives, and industry transformation towards low-emission buildings.
Sector Voices on India’s Green Push
Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director for Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, praised India’s proactive stance in green construction. He highlighted that India’s ongoing efforts directly support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), contributing to global climate responsibility.
The Road Ahead for India’s Green Infrastructure
Looking ahead, India is expected to further strengthen its position through expanded implementation of LEED standards, especially in smart cities, commercial hubs, and residential complexes. The combined force of government initiatives, private sector innovation, and public consciousness is expected to drive the next phase of sustainable development, paving the way for greener, smarter, and more inclusive urban spaces.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
| Topic | Details |
| Global Ranking (LEED 2024) | India ranked 3rd |
| Certified Projects | 370 LEED-certified projects |
| Certified Area | 8.50 million GSM |
| Top Countries | 1. China (25M+ GSM), 2. Canada (10M GSM), 3. India (8.5M GSM) |
| India’s Past Rankings | 2023: 3rd (7.23M GSM), 2022: 2nd (10.47M GSM) |
| Certification Body | U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) |
| India’s LEED Authority | Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) |
| Key Officer | Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan (MD, GBCI SE Asia) |
| Relevance to SDGs | SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action) |
