WASHINGTON — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual list of the Top 10 States for LEED green building. Across the top states, more than 60% of certifications were office, healthcare, higher education, and K-12 projects. Collectively, the 2020 rankings represent 1,171 certified LEED buildings and spaces, and more than 100,000 green building workers.

“If we are to rebuild an economy that supports our health and our planet, we must lead with changing the way we design and build,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC. “Last year was a stark reminder that the quality of our buildings impacts the quality of our life. Looking ahead, people want to trust that the spaces they occupy are good for them and their communities, and LEED has always been a tool to support those goals. Now is the time to ensure that every building is LEED certified as that is the only way we are accomplishing our goals of access to healthy, green buildings, homes, and spaces.”

While offices, education, and healthcare projects accounted for a majority of certifications, warehouses, distribution centers, multifamily, and retail projects represented almost 20%. Also, almost half of all projects were certified Gold, indicating a commitment to a high level of certification.

The Top 10 States for LEED green building is based on gross square feet of certified space per person using 2010 U.S. Census data and includes commercial and institutional projects certified in 2020.

Top 10 States for LEED Green Building in 2020

  1. Massachusetts
  2. Washington
  3. Illinois
  4. Colorado
  5. New York
  6. Maryland
  7. California
  8. Virginia
  9. Texas
  10. Nevada

Transforming the building sector to be more sustainable requires a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. This year, USGBC is also releasing an additional Top 10 list recognizing states with the most LEED green building professionals.

Top 10 States for LEED Professionals in 2020

  1. California
  2. New York
  3. Texas
  4. Florida
  5. Illinois
  6. Massachusetts
  7. Virginia
  8. Colorado
  9. Washington
  10. Pennsylvania

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!