New Delhi: India ranks third in the list of top 10 countries outside US for LEED rated green buildings, according to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The United States, the birthplace of LEED, is not included in this list but remains the world's largest market for LEED, the council said in a statement.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings.

"India ranks third on USGBC's second annual ranking of the Top 10 countries for LEED, the world's most widely used and recognised green building rating system," the statement said.

Canada and China are on the top two positions in this list respectively.

USGBC said the top 10 list highlights countries outside of the U.S. that are making significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and transformation, illustrating the ever-growing global demand for LEED green buildings.

The analysis used to develop the list ranks countries in terms of gross square meters and numbers of LEED projects to date. India has 1,883 projects LEED-certified and registered projects, while Canada has 4,814 projects and China 2,022.

The U.S., which is not included in the list, has 53,908 LEED certified projects.

LEED-certified spaces use less energy and water resources, reduce carbon emissions and create a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

"Indias dominant position in the green building movement is significant due to the country's aggressive plans to expand access to electricity, it explosive economic growth projections and its unprecedented and rapid urbanisation," USGBC said.

The announcement comes at a time of increased global focus on climate change mitigation in the lead up to the United Nations COP21 climate negotiations this December.

LEED is poised to feature prominently as a eco-friendly solution for Indian business leaders and policymakers, and can be a powerful tool in efforts such as the 100 Smart Cities initiative, USGBC said.

"Given India's regional and global significance, it is very encouraging to see the country successfully positioning itself as an international leader in the green building and sustainability movements at the same time that its prominence as a global leader in technology and the information economy is growing," USGBC CEO and founding chair Rick Fedrizzi said.

"The international community cannot solve major challenges such as climate change and water scarcity without India?s full and enthusiastic participation."

Projects that got LEED certification in 2014 included Ascendas IT park in Chennai, Thomson Reuters

campus in Bengaluru, Ericsson Tower in Gurgaon, Nirlon Knowledge Park, building 6 in Mumbai and DLF IT park in Chandigarh.

Also Read: 8 Facts About Indian Royalty That Definitely Makes Them A Class Apart

All Incandescent Bulbs To Be Replaced With LED