Why in News:
India has secured the top spot globally in LEED Zero certified green building projects, surpassing both the US and China, as reported by USGBC and GBCI.
Important Points:
- India’s achievement in LEED Zero certifications is driven by the initiatives of realty firm DLF and FMCG player ITC, which are at the forefront of the LEED Zero green certification initiative in the country.
- LEED Zero certified projects span across various sectors, including office spaces, hospitality facilities, retail malls, industrial manufacturing projects, and data centers.
- LEED Zero certification acknowledges projects that have achieved net zero or net positive status in areas such as carbon, energy, water, or waste management.
- US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) stated that India’s leadership position reflects its dedication to sustainability and adoption of innovative green building practices.
- Currently, India has 73 LEED Zero certified projects, representing 45 per cent of the total 150+ LEED Zero certifications.
- Leading the way in certifications are the states of Haryana and Tamil Nadu.
- DLF, a real estate developer based in India, is the global leader in total LEED Zero certifications with 45 certifications, closely followed by the ITC Group with 15 certifications.
- Despite progress in net zero certifications, USGBC and GBCI emphasized that almost one-third of all carbon emissions in India originate from the building and construction sector.
- The achievement aligns with India’s ambitious target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2070.
- LEED Zero is an addition to the LEED certification programs and aims to address net-zero resources (energy, water, and waste) and net-zero carbon operation in green building projects.
- The program focuses on maintaining a balanced energy system and emphasizes achieving net-zero impact of carbon, water, waste, and energy.
- Types of LEED Zero certification include LEED Zero Carbon, LEED Zero Energy, LEED Zero Water, and LEED Zero Waste, each recognizing different aspects of sustainability achievements in buildings.
- LEED-certified buildings offer various benefits, including reduced environmental stress, lower waste generation, lower energy consumption, optimal water and resource use, and lower operating costs.
