Chicago now boasts highest percentage of certified LEED or Energy Star office buildings among the 30 largest real estate markets in the U.S., according to a study published by CBRE Group Inc. and Maastricht University.
About 66% of the city’s office buildings are now certified in one of the two leading green rating systems. Chicago increased its percentage of green office space square footage by 6.5% in the last year, taking the top spot away from San Francisco, which slipped to second place. Chicago’s effort to encourage building owners to add green roofs and to expedite permitting for buildings with sustainable certification, helped it rise in the rankings.
In this year’s annual study, green buildings in San Francisco represented almost 62% of commercial office space. Atlanta, Houston, and Minneapolis rounded out the top five cities for green buildings.
Across the top 30 U.S. real estate markets, the average proportion of green certified square footage is 38%.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2022
Boston drops parking requirements for affordable housing
Measure expected to spur new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Dept. of Energy Better Climate Challenge aims for 50% GHG emission reduction by 2030
Program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Architects at New York firm take steps to unionize
Support for unionization reported at two other New York firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Biden’s executive order for a carbon-neutral government includes green materials mandate
As a driver of demand, federal procurement impact could ripple through the economy.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Controversial California solar power incentive proposal would reduce subsidies
Plan intended to encourage customers to install power storage systems.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
New York City bans new gas hookups
Applies to gas stoves, boilers, and heaters in new buildings and buildings that undergo gut renovations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
New engineering guide on fire safety for very tall buildings released
Topics include emergency egress, fire resistance, building envelope, suppression, detection, alarms, and smoke control.
Codes and Standards | Dec 22, 2021
Updated ASCE 7-22 standard includes first-ever criteria for tornado-resistant design
New document provides up-to-date, coordinated loading provisions for general structural design.
