New Delhi, February 03, 2026: Mainland China has retained the top position among countries outside the United States in the Top 10 Countries and Regions for LEED rankings for 2025, while India secured second place, according to an announcement by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). The annual rankings highlight global trends in green building adoption and sustainability performance.
The rankings assess countries based on total LEED-certified gross square meters (GSM) achieved during the year. In 2025, more than 7,500 LEED-certified commercial projects were recorded globally, representing over 147 million GSM of certified space. While the United States remains the world’s largest LEED market, the list highlights leading markets beyond the U.S., reflecting growing global commitment to sustainable construction and operations.
Mainland China maintained its leadership position outside the U.S., with sustained adoption across sectors, particularly in warehouse and distribution facilities. A notable shift was observed toward LEED for Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M) certifications, indicating a growing focus on improving the performance of existing buildings rather than only new construction.
India ranked second globally outside the U.S., recording over 16 million GSM of LEED-certified space across 611 projects in 2025. The country saw strong growth in LEED O+M certifications, outpacing new construction and interior projects. This trend reflects India’s increasing emphasis on operational efficiency and long-term building performance across sectors such as offices, industrial manufacturing, warehousing, hospitality, retail, and education.
Angelo Petrillo, Chief Growth Officer, USGBC and GBCI, said, “The demand for LEED building certification continues to grow in our global markets, signaling that asset owners and occupants remain committed to long-term quality, sustainability, risk reduction and healthier spaces.” He added that warehouse and distribution facilities were a key driver of certification growth across the top markets in 2025.
Other notable markets in the 2025 rankings include Canada, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Hong Kong SAR, Brazil, Vietnam, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates. Vietnam entered the Top 10 list for the first time, reflecting rapid growth in industrial manufacturing and logistics projects aligned with global ESG standards.
Across regions, the rankings indicate a broader shift toward decarbonisation, operational performance, and resilience, with LEED increasingly used as a framework for long-term asset management, regulatory alignment, and investor confidence. USGBC is expected to announce the Top 10 States for LEED in the U.S. later this month.
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