The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released the ranking of the top 10 countries for LEED outside of the United States.
"The global community is increasingly recognizing the imperative for action as we combat the extraordinary challenge of worldwide climate change," commented Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC.
"LEED's success across a wide variety of cultures, climates and communities represents not only a growing recognition of its demonstrated benefits for human health and operational cost savings, but also its unparalleled potential to be part of the solution to a warming planet and rising sea levels."
Canada tops the list, with 17.74 million GSM of LEED space. Collectively, Canada boasts 4,068 total LEED-registered and -certified projects, representing 58.66 million total GSM of LEED space.
China and India, two of the world's fastest growing economies and rapid adopters of sustainable building practices, took second and third place on the list, respectively boasting 14.30 million and 11.64 million GSM of LEED-certified space.
Other Asian nations in the top 10 include South Korea, at No. 4 with 3.84 million GSM of LEED-certified space; Taiwan, at No. 5 with 2.98 million GSM; and Singapore, at No. 8 with 2.16 million GSM.
In Europe, Germany and Finland secured spots 6 and 10, respectively - Germany with 2.90 million GSM of LEED-certified space and Finland with 1.45 million.
In South America, Brazil stood at No. 7 on the list, with 2.85 million GSM, while the United Arab Emirates represented green building success in the Middle East, at No. 9 with 1.82 million GSM of LEED-certified space.