The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in collaboration with two US agencies on Wednesday announced the launch of a survey that would rate the energy efficiency and commuter-friendliness of the rapid mass transporter in the capital.

The survey result will enable the DMRC for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification -- a globally accepted green building programme that recognizes the best-in-class building strategies and practices.

The two US agencies participating in the rating are US Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) -- the leading agencies in rating eco-friendly infrastructure.

The survey was announced at the Delhi Metro's corporate headquarters, 'Metro Bhawan', which has already been constructed as a green building.

The Delhi Metro has now become the first metro transit system in the world to pursue the criteria laid down under LEED. It would also set benchmarks for efficiencies according to which metro systems in other state will be rated in future.
 

The performance of the metro stations will be measured across five categories -- energy, water, waste, transportation and human experience.

'LEED for Transit' is the result of an agreement, which was signed between DMRC, USGBC and GBCI in October 2015, to develop a green rating exclusively for transit stations.

Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant, who was present at the launch, said: "The contribution of Delhi Metro has been unique in creating a sustainable mass transportation system in the capital."

"The DMRC has taken the lead in this regard and India will see the emergence of many new metro systems which will not only solve the transportation requirements but will also be energy efficient," Kant said.