USGBC Releases List of Top 10 States for LEED

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Green Building Council released its annual list of the top 10 states for new LEED certifications in 2012, highlighting regions transforming buildings and communities across the country.

The per-capita list is based on 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional buildings certified under LEED, through which approximately 2.2-billion-square-feet of space has been certified worldwide through 2012.

“Securing a spot on this list is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved in the green building movement in these states,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair, USGBC. “From architects and designers to local chapter advocates, their collective efforts have brought sustainable building design and use to the forefront of the national discussion on the environment, and I applaud their efforts to create a healthier present and future for the people of their states.”

Once again, the District of Columbia tops the ranking, with 36.97-square-feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.

Meanwhile, Virginia moved into the position as the top state, with 3.71-square-feet certified per resident in 2012, overtaking Colorado, with 2.10-square-feet certified per person.

Other top states include Massachusetts, which moved up three positions from 2011, with 2.05-square-feet per person; Illinois, with 1.94-square-feet; and Maryland, with 1.90-square-feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.

Reflecting the ongoing trend of LEED existing buildings outpacing their newly built counterparts, in 2012 the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating system accounted for 53 percent of total square footage certified in these states, compared to 32 percent   certified under LEED for New Construction. For more information, visit usgbc.org.

The full ranking, which includes 10 states plus Washington, D.C., is:

 

Rank	State	Projects Certified in 2012	Square Feet of LEED Space Certified in 2012	Per Capita
1	District of Columbia	110	22,246,445	36.97
2	Virginia	170	29,709,574	3.71
3	Colorado	99	10,553,881	2.10
4	Massachusetts	106	13,395,597	20.50
5	Illinois	156	24,949,997	1.94
6	Maryland	127	10,954,324	1.90
7	New York	214	34,378,286	1.77
8	Washington	133	10,521,177	1.56
9	California	540	54,252,993	1.46
10	Texas	224	36,017,979	1.43
11	Nevada	29	3,741,941	1.39

“Buildings are a primary focus of our Mayor’s Sustainable DC initiative,” said Keith Anderson, interim director, District of Columbia department of the environment. “We are indeed thrilled to be leading the nation in per-capita LEED-certified space. Our private and public building sectors are boldly leading with the development of high performing green buildings, and we have aligned governmental policies to support such innovation.”

Significant projects that certified in 2012 include :

• Atlantic Wharf, the first LEED Platinum skyscraper in Boston, Mass.
• Cooper Vineyards in Louisa, Va., the first winery on the East Coast to achieve LEED Platinum
• National Football League corporate headquarters in New York, N.Y., LEED Gold
• Levi Strauss headquarters in San Francisco, Calif., LEED Gold
• The Chicago Center for Green Technology, a LEED-Platinum existing building
• Dallas Convention Center Hotel, the first LEED-Gold hotel in Texas
• The U.S. Mint Building in Washington, D.C., LEED Gold
• Denver Police Crime Lab, LEED Gold
• Montgomery College Science Center in Rockville, Md., LEED Gold
• The Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma, Wash., LEED Platinum
• Bonneville Transit Center in Las Vegas, Nev., LEED Platinum