Pact signed to expedite LEED certification for Metro stations

The US Green Building Council (USGBC), Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday signed an agreement that will accelerate the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification of new and existing Metro stations across the country.

AK Singh, Executive Director (Electrical), DMRC, and USGBC’s Chief Operating Officer and President, GBCI, Mahesh Ramanujam signed the MoU in the presence of DMRC Managing Director Mangu Singh, Director (Electrical) AK Gupta and other senior officials.

Ramanujam said, “Through this new collaboration, our organisations will work together to implement appropriate adaptations, regional credits or alternative compliance paths to incorporate the unique needs of metro installations and mass rapid transit systems for metro stations and depots within the LEED green building rating system.”

“DMRC is committed to leadership in the sustainable design, construction and operations of metro installations and mass rapid transit systems and this new agreement enables us to move together at a fast pace to affect real change in the metro stations that are being used by millions of people every day,” he added.

“DMRC has always acted with sustainability in mind and today, as we enter into this collaboration, we bring tangible activities that will result in better performing metro stations across India,” said AK Singh. “LEED certified metro stations will save energy, water and other precious resources as well as save money in reduced operating costs. This is a savings we’ll also be able to pass down to metro riders”, he added.

According to a press release an internationally recognised mark of excellence, LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. With 1.85 million square feet of space certifying per day around the world, LEED is transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, and operated.

LEED certified buildings save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy said the press release.