The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the recipients of its 2023 LEED Homes Awards, recognizing projects, developers and home builders that have demonstrated leadership in the residential green building marketplace. This year’s recipients were from around the globe and were named across a variety of categories, with Project of the Year awarded to India-based DLF for The Crest, a residential development designed for urban living.
“At a time where energy bills are skyrocketing and there are record heat waves across the world, ensuring that our homes are able to withstand the effects of climate change and extreme weather is more important than ever,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC and GBCI. “Everyone deserves to live in a home that is energy-efficient, resilient, and that provides the highest level of comfort, and is safe and healthy for occupants. Each of this year’s awardees exemplifies these attributes.”
Green homes play a pivotal role in reducing our environmental footprint, fostering a sustainable and responsible way of life. Beyond curbing energy and water consumption, green homes elevate indoor air quality, enhance overall well-being and comfort, save money, and boost market value.
Aakash Ohri, Group Executive Director and Chief Business Officer, DLF Ltd said, “We are honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious award from the USGBC, which reflects our commitment to building a greener future and exceptional communities by integrating various aspects of environmental, social and governance practices. The Crest is a prime example of an environmentally friendly residential development that combines luxury and comfort with proximity to nature and is designed to deliver rapid and measurable environmental benefits and energy savings. Last year, The Crest was recognised as the world’s largest LEED Platinum-certified residential project and this year as ‘Project of the Year’, by USGBC, underscoring our leadership in developing truly world-class, sustainability-focused properties.”
Previously, The Crest also received LEED Gold certification in 2019.
Each winner pursued and successfully achieved LEED certification, the world’s most widely adopted green rating system. LEED-certified homes are designed to provide clean indoor air and help reduce energy and water consumption, resulting in lower utility expenses.
“USGBC envisions a built environment that is transformed by sustainable practices, where every home, building and community contributes to positive environmental and social impact, and these projects embody that vision,” added Templeton.
2023 LEED Homes Award recipients:
2023 Project of the Year
Gurugram, India: The Crest(LEED Platinum)—Located in DLF5, The Crest is a residential development designed for modern urban living. To attain LEED certification, the project underwent a comprehensive evaluation process to assess its energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water use and sustainable construction materials. The building received high scores in various categories, highlighting its energy efficiency, use of renewable energy sources and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Other 2023 LEED Homes Award recipients include:
Outstanding Single-Family Projects: Laie, Hawaii: Slice of Paradise (LEED Platinum); Galveston, Texas: 1637 Seaside (LEED Silver); Dexter, Michigan: The 713 Project: For the Journey (LEED Gold)
Outstanding Multifamily Projects: San Francisco: The George (LEED Silver); New Paltz, N.Y: Zero Place (LEED Platinum); Riverside, Calif.: University of California, Riverside North District (LEED Gold)
Outstanding Affordable Projects: Seattle: Orenda at Othello Square (LEED Gold); Kalamazoo, Mich.: The Creamery (LEED Platinum); Chicago: Jefferson Park Apartments (LEED Gold)
Outstanding Developer: AMLI Residential (United States); TriPointe Home (Arizona); Red Sea Global (Saudi Arabia)
2023 LEED Power Builders: The awards also recognize LEED Homes Power Builders, an elite group of developers and builders who have exhibited an outstanding commitment to LEED and residential green building. At least 75% of each Power Builder’s homes/unit count from 2022 achieved LEED certification. Homes at any LEED certification level are eligible for consideration. The 2023 LEED Power Builders include: Active West Builders, AMLI Residential, Brookfield Properties, Frankel Building Group, Fore Property Company, Holland Partner Group, Maracay Homes, MHI Austin, MHI Dallas, Mokulua High Performance Builder, National Community Renaissance, Pearl Homes, Thrive Home Builders, Tri Pointe Homes, Arizona.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About DLF Ltd
DLF is India’s leading real estate developer and has more than seven decades of track record of sustained growth, customer satisfaction, and innovation. DLF has developed more than 153 real estate projects and developed an area in excess of 330 million square feet. DLF Group has 215 msf (approx.) of development potential across residential and commercial segment. The group has an annuity portfolio of over 40 msf (approx). DLF is primarily engaged in the business of development and sale of residential properties (the “Development Business”) and the development and leasing of commercial and retail properties (the “Annuity Business”). DLF Limited, has been recognised, consecutively, for 3 years, as an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) in Emerging markets category. This recognition demonstrates DLF’s track record for its governance, social and environmental initiatives. While DLF is the only real estate company from India to be included in the DJSI index, it joins the ranks of just 17 companies from India to be recognised for the benchmark for Corporate Sustainability. It also received 18 Sword of Honour – by British Safety
Council in 2022, the highest number received by any company globally in a single year.
About The Crest at DLF5, Sector 54, Gurugram
The Crest is the latest addition to the luxury residential condominiums situated on Park Drive, DLF5. Towering over manicured, resort-style landscaped greens, The Crest comprises of 6 residential towers. Each apartment is equipped with ultra-modern amenities, expansive rooms and a large private deck. The credit of designing each of the six towers of The Crest goes to world renowned architect Hafeez Contractor, while the interiors of tower lobbies and the grand clubhouse are designed by the internationally acclaimed Richmond International, UK, their first hospitality project in India. Located on that most exclusive and elusive address, Park Drive, The Crest offers residents an opportunity to be a part of the exclusive communities in the most exquisite residences in Delhi NCR region, with glorious views of DLF Golf Links, the Aravalis and beyond. This oasis of magnificent living hosts a myriad of recreational, fine dining, health and fitness avenues at the exclusive clubhouse. The large pools inspired by a tropical oasis, salon, spa and fitness studio, make for a world that is vibrant yet tranquil.
Besides being honoured for its luxury and style at leading media awards, The Crest has also won the globally renowned LEED (Gold) certification from US Green Building Council in 2019 and GRIHA 3-star rating for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. IN December 2022, The Crest was further awarded Platinum Certification under LEED v4.1 O+M: operations and maintenance – Existing Buildings by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) India. It is the largest residential project in the world to achieve this distinction. The US Green Building Council (USGBC) and LEED, in particular, is the most stringent and well recognised environmental certification in the world, of which the Platinum tier is the highest standard.