India Ranks Second Globally in LEED-Certified Green Realty

India has emerged as a global leader in sustainable real estate, ranking second worldwide, outside the United States, in LEED-certified building space in 2025. According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), this milestone reflects India’s growing commitment to environmentally responsible construction and building operations amid rapid urban and industrial expansion.

India’s Position in Global LEED Rankings

The United States continued to dominate global LEED adoption with more than 50 million gross square metres (GSM) of certified space. Outside the US, China topped the list with 26 million GSM, while India followed with 16 million GSM of LEED-certified building area in 2025. Vietnam entered the global top ten for the first time, underlining the widening adoption of green building standards across emerging economies.

Shift Towards Operations and Maintenance Certifications

USGBC noted that India recorded higher growth in LEED Operations and Maintenance (O+M) certifications compared to new construction and interior projects. This trend indicates a strategic shift towards improving the performance of existing buildings. The focus is on reducing operational costs, improving energy efficiency, and lowering long-term environmental impact rather than only adding new green structures.

Global Growth in Green Building Certification

Globally, more than 7,500 commercial projects were LEED-certified in 2025, covering over 147 million GSM. Interest in certifying existing buildings increased significantly, driven by building owners seeking energy savings and resilience against rising operating costs. The rankings were jointly released by USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) as part of their annual assessment of regions outside the United States.

Important Facts for Exams

• LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
• LEED was developed by the US Green Building Council.
• LEED O+M focuses on efficiency and performance of existing buildings.
• GBCI administers and verifies LEED certifications globally.

Expansion of Green Realty Beyond Office Spaces

India’s real estate sector is witnessing rapid adoption of LEED standards beyond commercial offices. Industrial manufacturing units, warehouses, hotels, retail complexes, and educational institutions are increasingly seeking certification. This diversification signals the mainstreaming of sustainable construction practices across sectors, reinforcing India’s position as a key global market for green buildings.