Obstacles and Catalysts Associated with Implementation of LEED-EB® in India

Abstract

Transport and buildings are two principal contributors to climate change. One of the biggest challenges to sustainable urban development in India is the lack of green buildings. The authors look at catalysts and hindrances associated with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) as a tool for greening of existing buildings, and determine that prestige, image and reduction in operational costs are major catalysts while better rental value, social responsibility and provision of improved indoor environmental quality are minor to medium catalysts. The high cost of renovation, difficulty in meeting prerequisites and unavailability of required data for LEED-EB submission are presented as the major hindrances. The authors call for sensitization of stakeholders to catalysts and benefits so that the green buildings’ movement can be taken forward to have a more sustainable future.