The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) recently released its annual list of the top 10 states for new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications in 2012.
The per capita list is based on 2010 U.S. census data and includes commercial and institutional buildings certified under LEED, through which roughly 2.2 billion square feet of space has been certified through 2012.
“Securing a spot on this list is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved in the green building movement in these states,” says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the 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.”
The District of Columbia tops the list, with 36.97 square feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.
Virginia moved up to second place with 3.71 square feet certified per resident in 2012, overtaking Colorado, which had 2.1 square feet certified per person.
Other top states included: Massachusetts, which moved up three positions to fourth, with 2.05 square feet per person; Illinois with 1.94 square feet; and Maryland with 1.9 square feet of LEED space certified per resident in 2012.
In 2012, LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (EB:O&M) outpaced their newly built counterparts, accounting for 53 per cent of total square footage certified, compared to 32 per cent under LEED for New Construction (NC).
The top 10 states are as followed:
- District of Columbia
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- Maryland
- New York
- Washington
- California
- Texas
- Nevada
