UAE is listed among the top 10 countries and regions worldwide for LEED-certified green building space outside the US, according to a ranking by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI).
USGBC is the global developer of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, and GBCI is the premier organisation that independently recognises excellence in the green business industry performance and practice globally.
The Emirates have a total of 2.25 million sq ft of LEED-certified space in 174 projects. In the UAE, LEED adoption can be attributed to market demand, the country’s climate commitments, and financial and international value propositions, according to the organisation. Retail space was the fastest-growing sector in the country, driven by retail branches of financial institutions, luxury brands and outlets that turn to LEED to meet their larger ESG goals and to promote health and well-being as a key component of customer experience and satisfaction.
Outside the US, mainland China leads the latest list with the largest volume of LEED-certified space, with Canada and India taking the next two positions. Other markets in the top 10, apart from the UAE, include South Korea, Mexico, Hong Kong, Brazil, Vietnam and Sweden, reflecting the growing international spread of LEED projects.
The list tracks countries and regions outside the US with the highest cumulative certified floor area under LEED, a global green building rating system used for new construction as well as existing buildings. USGBC and GBCI said the ranking highlights increasing global momentum in sustainable building design, construction and operations, as developers and occupiers seek more energy-efficient and lower-carbon assets.
In several leading markets, a rising share of certifications is coming from LEED for Operations and Maintenance, underscoring a focus on upgrading the performance of existing stock rather than only new builds. This demonstrates how buildings owners and managers are committed to cutting costs through energy efficiency and transforming building into high-performing assets.
Portfolio owners and large corporate occupiers are playing a key role, with some markets reporting that a significant portion of certified projects is tied to single large clients.
According to USGBC, markets saw an increase in the adoption of LEED certification for existing buildings.
The UAE’s inclusion in the top 10 reflects the country’s continued push to align real estate and demand for internationally recognised green building standards. USGBC and GBCI said these dynamics are helping to consolidate LEED’s position as a common benchmark for high-performance buildings in both mature and emerging markets.