LEED ZERO CERTIFICATION -UPSC Current Affairs

Description

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Context

In LEED Zero certified green building projects India got first rank in world in LEED Zero certified green building projects.
With more than 70 LEED Zero green building projects, India is a top country according to US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI).
It is followed by 47 such project certification of USA and only 15 LEED Zero certification of China.

Other India specific information

Out of total 150 India LEED Zero certifications India has maximum of such projects which is 45% (73) LEED Zero certified projects.
The two key states which contribute to the achievement of India were Haryana and Tamil Nadu.
In context of organizations DLF (a realty firm with 45 certifications ) and ITC (a major player in FMCG sector with 15 certifications) were leading LEED Zero certifications.
This achievement will help in keeping on track to reach target of net zero GHG emissions by 2070.
Of the total carbon emissions in India, approximately 33% is contributed by building and construction sector.

About LEED Zero Projects and certification

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
LEED provides a framework to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions for high performance buildings and spaces.
It outlines various plans and strategies for land use, efficient energy, transportation with low carbon foot print, management of waste and materials.
The LEED Zero projects are estimated to be as large as 35 million certified square feet.
They projects can belong to various sector including office buildings, Shopping Malls, Factories
In order to achieve low emissions target USGBS has developed LEED Zero, to promote, recognize and verify net zero carbon emission goals in already constructed buildings.

Benefits/Significance

As buildings play a significant role in carbon Reducing the emission and making them carbon neutral contribute positively to the cause of climate change.
It can make Indian real estate sector of India more environment friendly by making construction of building sustainable.
It promotes new innovations for better energy efficiency and adopt such best practices.

US Green Building Council (USGBC)

It is a membership-based non-profit organization which was founded in 1993.
It is Headquartered in Washington, D.C USA.
It has developed the LEED green building rating systems.
Its main function/work is to transform market through its LEED green building programme.

Green Building Council (GBCI)

GBCL was Established in January 2008.
It also has its Headquarter in Washington, D.C. USA.
In green business and sustainability industry, it is the only body which certifies and administers certifications.
Within the framework of USGBC's LEED green building rating systems it also administers professional credentials.
There are other certifications too which are managed by GBCL.

Must read Article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/green-railway-station-certification

PRACTICE QUESTION

LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Zero certifications can be the key for India to achieve its committed net zero emission targets. Examine. (150 words)