The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released its annual list of the top 10 states for new LEED certifications in 2012, highlighting those regions that are 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 sf 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 and 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 sf of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.
Meanwhile, Virginia moved into position as the top state, with 3.71 sf certified per resident in 2012, overtaking Colorado, with 2.10 sf certified per person.
Other top states include Massachusetts, which moved up three positions from 2011, with 2.05 sf per person; Illinois, with 1.94 sf; and Maryland, with 1.90 sf 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% of total sf certified in these states, compared to 32% certified under LEED for New Construction.
The full ranking, which includes 10 states plus Washington, D.C., is as follows:
Rank |
State |
Projects certified in 2012 |
Square feet of LEED space certified in 2012 |
Per-capita square footage |
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 |
2.05 |
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." +
Related Stories
Green | Apr 14, 2017
Sunqiao looks to bring agriculture back to Shanghai’s urban landscape
Vertical farms will bring new farmable space to the city.
Sustainability | Apr 13, 2017
How to make a concrete bunker livable
SOM’s design for New York’s second Public Safety Answering Center leans on strategically placed windows and the outdoor environment.
Green | Apr 11, 2017
Passivhaus for high-rises? Research demonstrates viability of the stringent standards for tall residential buildings
A new study conducted by FXFOWLE shows that Building Teams can meet stringent Passivhaus performance standards with minimal impact to first cost and aesthetics.
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2017
Product-specific EPDs seen as key aid to earning green building credits
The product-specific EPDs allow designers to more quickly earn a LEED v4 credit in the Materials & Resources category.
Sustainability | Apr 4, 2017
Six connected CLT towers create an urban forest in India
The mixed-use towers would each rise 36 stories into the sky and connect via rooftop skybridges.
Green | Mar 29, 2017
Copenhagen Zoo and BIG unveil yin yang-shaped panda habitat
The new habitat will sit between two existing buildings, including the Elephant House designed by Norman Foster.
Green | Feb 10, 2017
Radical proposal would transform Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive and create new lakefront park space
Over 70 new acres of public space would be created between Ohio Street and North Avenue.
Green | Feb 6, 2017
A to Z: Seoul’s elevated park features 24,000 alphabetized plants
The plants will represent 250 species found in South Korea.
Green | Feb 3, 2017
Nanjing Green Towers will be Asia’s first vertical forest
The project will be covered in 1,100 trees and 2,500 cascading plants and shrubs.
Sustainability | Jan 27, 2017
An office building proposed for Norway would generate more power than it uses
Over it’s 60-year lifespan, the power generated form the project would cover the energy cost of construction, production, and material transportation.