The green building concept is picking up fast in India, according to US Green Building Council 's president and CEO Mahesh Ramanujam.Speaking to TOI during his visit to Chennai, Mahesh said the council, a non-profit organisation recognised by the United States government, guides builders, architects and individuals on judicial usage of water and power.The council has a leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) certification program, where buildings are rated based on a point-system for their design, construction, operation, and maintenance.LEED promotes strategies to minimise impact on the ecosystem, accounts for water use inside and outside of a building, emphasizes improved building performance, encourages use of sustainable building materials and reduced waste, promotes healthy indoor air quality, access to better acoustics and light, and overall occupant comfort. It also includes credits that encourage compact development, alternative transportation and connection with amenities such as restaurants and parks.In India, a total of 2,500 projects are registered with the council for obtaining LEED certification. Out of this, 650 have been issued certification. In Chennai, two government institutions -Anna Centenary Library and Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital on Anna Salai are LEED certified, said Mahesh.India is ranked third in the LEED building concept. Canada and China are ranked number one and two respectively.The council is interacting with architects, consultants, CREDAI, FICCI and non-profit organisations such as The Energy and Resources Institute in the country.The idea of green buildings is picking up in Chennai's private sector. The council is holding discussions with various government agencies to promote the concept.

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