US Green Building Council said LEED can spur sustainable development in the countries where it has not yet taken root. The council aims to introduce the certification program in every country since buildings represent the least costly, effective way to contain greenhouse gas emissions.

With the aim of broadening the reach of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and accelerating the growth of sustainable development in new markets, US Green Building Council will offer free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in 112 countries abroad.

LEED Earth initiative will promote the introduction of better performing buildings in countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Myanmar, Pakistan, Rwanda, Serbia, Swaziland, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

All building types can participate across the suite of LEED rating systems, including new construction, commercial interiors, existing buildings, core and shell structures, new homes and neighborhood developments.

There are LEED certified projects in 140 countries and territories and 1.5 million square feet of construction space earn the certification each day, which the USGBC says is the equivalent of nearly four Empire State Buildings each week.