USGBC Ranks the Top 10 Countries for LEED

The USGBC announced the international ranking, "Top 10 Countries for LEED," a list that highlights countries outside the United States that are making significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and market transformation.

The countries represent the ever-growing international demand for LEED-certified green buildings. This year, China moved from second to first on the list as the largest user of LEED, with 34.62 million gross square meters (GSM) of certified LEED space. Canada, India, Brazil and the Republic of Korea rounded out the top five countries on the list, respectively.

“By recognizing these leading countries, we are showcasing the exponential growth of LEED in the global marketplace and an international commitment to the creation of a sustainable built environment,” says Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. “As we pursue a worldwide effort to mitigate climate change, LEED and the green building industry have created a path forward for market transformation while changing the way we think about how buildings, communities and cities are planned, constructed, maintained and operated.”

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. The analysis used to develop the list ranks countries in terms of cumulative LEED-certified GSM space as of December 2016. LEED-certified spaces use fewer energy and water resources; save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and prioritize environmental and human health.

It's important to note, however, that the United States, where LEED originated, is not included in this list, but remains the world’s largest market for LEED.

The full ranking is as follows: 

1. China

2. Canada

3. India

4. Brazil

5. Republic of Korea

6. Taiwan

7. Germany

8. Turkey

9. Sweden

10. United Arab Emirates