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 4, 2016
AIA report analyzes 20 years of the best green projects
"Lessons from the Leading Edge" is a study of the 200 Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Award winning projects since 1997.
Green | Mar 15, 2016
Living Future Institute launches Biophilic Design Initiative
Goal is to transfer biophilic design theory to real-world applications.
Green | Mar 11, 2016
GE wants to use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as a means of storing solar energy
Carbon dioxide has been captured and stored by scientists for years, but now GE has a novel idea for how to put this stored CO2 to use.
Green | Feb 29, 2016
Nedlaw Living Wall Biofilter creates green space for manufacturer's showroom
The 640-sf living wall biofilter provides cleansed air for the office building and provides a stunning focal point in this modern space.
Green | Feb 18, 2016
Best laid plans: Masdar City’s dreams of being the first net-zero city may have disappeared
The $22 billion experiment, to this point, has produced less than stellar results.
Green | Feb 1, 2016
Supreme Court ruling on demand response expected to benefit smart grid
Ruling allows PV owners and other small energy generators to continue to be paid wholesale rates for power they generate.
Green | Jan 29, 2016
USGBC names top 10 states for LEED green building
Illinois leads the list for the third straight year.
Green | Jan 4, 2016
Florida lagging on development of green roofs
Florida lagging on development of green roofs.
Green | Dec 23, 2015
Austin, Texas mandates construction recycling
Projects larger than 5,000 sf must recycle or salvage at least half of their trash.