LEED-certified buildings approach 60,000, says USGBC
There are nearly 60,000 LEED green building projects across the globe, according to a new report from the U.S. Green Building Council. The publication, the second installment of the LEED in Motion report series called “Places and Policies,” found that LEED buildings account for 10.6 billion sq ft. Notably, Canada, India, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil lead the way for countries with the highest number of projects outside the U.S.
“This LEED in Motion report outlines the global, regional, and local impact of LEED and the policy work that is driving it,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO, and founding chair of the USGBC. “LEED was not designed with a single paradigm, project, or country in mind. It’s adaptable and flexible and changes with the market. And it’s a testament to the leaders around the world who use it.”
The first section of the report showcases statistics and graphics on LEED projects and areas of growth around the world, with a sub-section for projects in the U.S. as well as global projects. Canada leads the way in LEED projects outside the U.S. with 4,375 projects, followed by India with 1,586, China with 1,282, UAE with 816, and Brazil with 717 LEED-certified green building projects.
The second section examines domestic and international policies and partnerships that support the framework of LEED and drive global progress. There are more than 400 localities that have LEED-specific policies in place. Globally, there are nearly 100 green building councils in various stages of development, a LEED International Roundtable with members from 30 countries, and a newly launched Alternative Compliance Paths and Regional Priority Credits for LEED, which provide regionally-focused approaches to LEED credits for projects outside the U.S.
LEED in Motion: Places and Policies also features interviews with green building leaders and advocates and LEED project spotlights, including the LEED Platinum TaiPei 101 tower in Taiwan; the LEED Gold Treasury Building in Washington, D.C.; and the LEED Platinum King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The report also showcases policy highlights, detailing key policies driving LEED.
“LEED is a global phenomenon,” said Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED for USGBC. “People spend 90% of their lives indoors; a healthy, resource-friendly and environmentally sound indoor environment contributes to the health, happiness, and well-being of people and is something people from countries across the globe are finding value in.”
For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.
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